ObjectiveTo analyze the output and efficiency of chronic disease management services for hypertension and diabetes in community health service institutions in Shanghai, to evaluate the allocation and efficiency of chronic disease management resources, and to provide references for improving the efficiency of chronic disease management in Shanghai’s communities. MethodsA total of 73 community health institutions from 15 districts of Shanghai were selected. Based on the chronic disease management resource data of community health institutions in 2019, 2021, and 2023, descriptive methods and the BCC model in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) were used to analyze the resource allocation, service output, and the efficiency of chronic disease management services in community health institutions in Shanghai. ResultsFrom 2019 to 2023, the indicators of resource allocation and service output of community health service institutions in Shanghai all showed upward trends. In terms of service efficiency, the average number of chronic disease patients managed by each health technician decreased from 237 to 231, and the number of patients served per 1 000 working hours decreased from 54 to 44. DEA efficiency analyses showed that the average overall efficiency increased from 0.867 in 2019 to 0.886 in 2021 and then decreased to 0.811 in 2023. The average technical efficiency decreased from 0.901 to 0.847, which was the main reason for the decline in overall efficiency. The average scale efficiency showed an initial increase followed by a decrease, rising from 0.961 in 2019 to 0.977 in 2021 and dropping back to 0.955 in 2023. The number of strong effective districts (overall efficiency=1.000) decreased from 6 in 2019 to 3 in 2023, and the efficiency differences between districts expanded. The range of overall efficiency widened from 0.622‒1.000 to 0.513‒1.000, indicating a decline in overall efficiency and an increase in inter-district heterogeneity. ConclusionFrom 2019 to 2023, the total volume of resource allocation and service output for chronic disease management in community health service institutions in Shanghai increased continuously. However, both the service output efficiency and the overall resource allocation efficiency declined, driven primarily by a decrease in technical efficiency, and accompanied by widening inter‑district disparities.

Radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) is a common oral complication in patients with tumors following head and neck radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Erosion and ulcers are the main features of OM that seriously affect the quality of life of patients and even the progress of tumor treatment. To date, differences in clinical prevention and treatment plans for OM have been noted among doctors of various specialties, which has increased the uncertainty of treatment effects. On the basis of current research evidence, this expert consensus outlines risk factors, clinical manifestations, clinical grading, ancillary examinations, diagnostic basis, prevention and treatment strategies and efficacy indicators for OM. In addition to strategies such as basic oral care, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, anti-infective agents, pro-healing agents, and photobiotherapy recommended in previous guidelines, we also emphasize the role of traditional Chinese medicine in OM prevention and treatment. This expert consensus aims to provide references and guidance for dental physicians and oncologists in formulating strategies for OM prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, standardizing clinical practice, reducing OM occurrence, promoting healing, and improving the quality of life of patients.
Humans ; Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects* ; Consensus ; Risk Factors ; Stomatitis/etiology*

In most types of erectile dysfunction, particularly in advanced stages, typical pathological features observed are reduced parenchymal cells coupled with increased tissue fibrosis. However, the current treatment methods have shown limited success in reversing these pathologic changes. Recent research has revealed that changes in autophagy levels, along with alterations in apoptosis and fibrosis-related proteins, are linked to the progression of erectile dysfunction, suggesting a significant association. Autophagy, known to significantly affect cell fate and tissue fibrosis, is currently being explored as a potential treatment modality for erectile dysfunction. However, these present studies are still in their nascent stage, and there are limited experimental data available. This review analyzes erectile dysfunction from a pathological perspective. It provides an in-depth overview of how autophagy is involved in the apoptotic processes of smooth muscle and endothelial cells and its role in the fibrotic processes occurring in the cavernosum. This study aimed to develop a theoretical framework for the potential effectiveness of autophagy in preventing and treating erectile dysfunction, thus encouraging further investigation among researchers in this area.
Male ; Humans ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Apoptosis/physiology* ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Fibrosis ; Penis/pathology* ; Animals ; Endothelial Cells/pathology* ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology*

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), one of the most severe types of male infertility, etiology often remains unclear in most cases. Therefore, this study aimed to detect four biallelic detrimental variants (0.5%) in the minichromosome maintenance domain containing 2 ( MCMDC2 ) genes in 768 NOA patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) demonstrated that MCMDC2 deleterious variants caused meiotic arrest in three patients (c.1360G>T, c.1956G>T, and c.685C>T) and hypospermatogenesis in one patient (c.94G>T), as further confirmed through immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The single-cell RNA sequencing data indicated that MCMDC2 was substantially expressed during spermatogenesis. The variants were confirmed as deleterious and responsible for patient infertility through bioinformatics and in vitro experimental analyses. The results revealed four MCMDC2 variants related to NOA, which contributes to the current perception of the function of MCMDC2 in male fertility and presents new perspectives on the genetic etiology of NOA.
Humans ; Male ; Azoospermia/genetics* ; Meiosis/genetics* ; Spermatogenesis/genetics* ; Adult ; Exome Sequencing ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics* ; Alleles ; Infertility, Male/genetics*

Xiaoaiping (XAP) Injection demonstrates the anti-prostate cancer (PCa) effects, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of XAP on PCa and elucidate its mechanism of action. PCa cell proliferation was evaluated using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed through Hoechst staining and Western blotting assays. Proteomics technology was employed to identify key molecules and significant signaling pathways modulated by XAP in PCa cells. To further validate potential key genes and important pathways, a series of assays were conducted, including acridine orange (AO) staining, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence assays. The molecular mechanism of XAP against PCa in vivo was examined using a PC3 xenograft mouse model. Results demonstrated that XAP significantly inhibited cell proliferation in multiple PCa cell lines. In C4-2 and prostate cancer cell line-3 (PC3) cells, XAP induced cellular apoptosis, evidenced by reduced B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels and elevated Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) levels. Proteomic, immunofluorescence, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) investigations revealed a strong correlation between forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) autophagic degradation and the anti-PCa action of XAP. XAP hindered autophagy by reducing the expression levels of autophagy-related protein 5 (Atg5)/autophagy-related protein 12 (Atg12) and enhancing FoxO3a expression and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, XAP exhibited potent anti-PCa action in PC3 xenograft mice and triggered FoxO3a nuclear translocation in tumor tissue. These findings suggest that XAP induces PCa apoptosis via inhibition of FoxO3a autophagic degradation, potentially offering a novel perspective on XAP injection as an effective anticancer therapy for PCa.
Male ; Humans ; Prostatic Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Proteomics ; Mice ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Forkhead Box Protein O3/genetics* ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Mice, Nude ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

General anesthesia is widely used in clinical practice,whereas the exact mechanism behind the general anesthetic-induced reversible loss of consciousness remains unclear.Recent studies have revealed a close relationship between the dopaminergic system and general anesthetic-induced loss of consciousness.This system,encompassing dopamine neurons,dopamine receptors,and related neural pathways,regulates functions such as movement,memory,arousal,and cognition.The dopaminergic neurons in the ventral periaqueductal gray and ventral tegmental area,along with D1 receptors,have been shown to facilitate emergence from anesthesia.However,the role of D2 receptors remains controversial.This review summarizes recent advancements in the role of the dopaminergic system in general anesthesia and the underlying mechanism,with the aim of clarifying the mechanism of general anesthesia and providing a theoretical basis for preventing delayed emergence from anesthesia.
Humans ; Anesthesia, General ; Brain/metabolism* ; Dopaminergic Neurons/physiology* ; Dopamine/physiology* ; Animals

This study applied the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation(GRADE) system and the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine(Eff-iEC) to evaluate the evidence for 12 commonly used Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of osteoporosis, which are frequently recommended in guidelines or expert consensuses. The results showed that Xianling Gubao Capsules/Tablets were rated as C(low-level evidence) according to the GRADE system, and as BA~+B~+(intermediate evidence) according to the Eff-iEC system. Jintiange Capsules were rated as C(low-level evidence) by the GRADE system, and as AA~+B(high-level evidence) by the Eff-iEC system. Gushukang Granules/Capsules were rated as C(low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as BA~+B~+(intermediate evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Zuogui Pills were rated as C(low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~(++)B~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Qianggu Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~+B~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as BA~+B(intermediate evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Jingui Shenqi Pills were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~+B(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Quanduzhong Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AD~+B~+(low-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Epimedium Total Flavones Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AAB~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Yougui Pills were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~(++)B~(+ )(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Qigu Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as BB~+B(intermediate evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Liuwei Dihuang Pills were rated as C(low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~(++)B~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Overall, the Eff-iEC system provides a more comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness evidence for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) than the GRADE system. However, it still has certain limitations that hinder its wider promotion and application. In terms of clinical evidence evaluation, both the Eff-iEC and GRADE systems reflect that the current clinical research quality on Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of osteoporosis is generally low. High-quality clinical trials are still needed in the future to further validate clinical efficacy.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Osteoporosis/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Nonprescription Drugs/therapeutic use* ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

The aim of this updated guideline is to provide comprehensive recommendations for the management of gout in patients with common comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease(CKD), cardiovascular disease(CVD), diabetes, osteoarthritis(OA), and gastrointestinal disorders. This guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary expert panel consisting of specialists in endocrinology, rheumatology, nephrology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and methodology. The development process adhered to standard methodologies, including PICO(population, intervention, comparator, and outcomes) question deconstruction, systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE) for evidence and recommendation evaluation, Delphi voting, and expert consensus. The guideline presents 26 evidence-based recommendations addressing 7 clinical questions for patients with hyperuricemia and gout in the context of comorbidities. Key recommendations include the maintenance of strict serum urate targets, particularly for patients with CKD stage≥3, chronic gouty arthritis, and OA, in order to prevent disease progression. In patients with CVD or diabetes, intra-articular triamcinolone is preferred over systemic glucocorticoids. Prioritized anti-inflammatory treatments for patients with CKD, gastrointestinal diseases and OA are recommended. The guideline also introduces emerging therapies, such as interleukin-1 inhibitors and selective urate transport inhibitors, as potential treatment options for refractory cases. The update offers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to managing gout, particularly in individuals with associated comorbidities. Multidisciplinary collaboration and emerging new treatments and evidence ensure the optimization of the recommendations.

Nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF), predominantly affecting the elderly, can lead to intractable pain, vertebral collapse, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological impairment, significantly compromising patients′ quality of life. There exists considerable debate on diagnosis and management of OVF, encompassing key issues such as clinical diagnosis and staging criteria for nonunion, surgical indications and procedure selection, and postoperative rehabilitation planning. Currently, there lacks standardized clinical guideline and expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of OVF nonunion in China. To address this gap, Minimally Invasive Surgery Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Osteoporosis Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee for Osteoporosis of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Branch of China Association for Geriatric Care jointly organized domestic experts in spinal surgery, endocrinology, and rehabilitation to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment for nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures ( version 2025), based on existing literature and clinical experience and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and practicality. The guideline provided 13 evidence-based recommendations encompassing diagnosis and treatment of OVF nonunion, aiming to standardize its clinical management.

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.