OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of 3D printing spinal external fixator combined with McKenzie therapy for patients with lumbar dics herniation (LDH). METHODS: Sixty patients with LDH between January 2022 and January 2023 were enrolled. Among them, 30 patients were given McKinsey training. According to different treatment methods, all patients were divided into McKenzie group and McKenzie + 3D printing group, 30 patients in each group. The McKenzie group provided McKenzie therapy. The McKenzie + 3D printing group were treated with 3D printing spinal external fixation brace on the basis of McKenzie therapy. Patients in both groups were between 25 and 60 years of age and had their first illness. In the McKenzie group, there were 19 males and 11 females, with an average age of (48.57±5.86) years old, and the disease duration was (7.03 ±2.39) months. The McKenzie + 3D printing group, there were 21 males and 9 females, with an average age of (48.80±5.92) years old, and the disease duration was(7.30±2.56) months. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and lumbar spine function was assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. VAS, ODI and JOA scores were compared between two groups before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 months. The VAS for the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were(6.533±0.860), (5.133±1.008), (3.933±0.868), (2.900±0.759), (2.067±0.640), (1.433±0.504), respectively. In the McKenzie group, the corresponding scores were (6.467±0.860), (5.067±1.048), (4.600±0.968), (3.533±1.008), (2.567±0.728), (1.967±0.809), respectively. The ODI of the McKenzie group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were (41.033±6.810)%, (37.933±6.209)%, (35.467±6.962)%, (27.567±10.081)%, (20.800±7.531)%, (13.533±5.158)%, respectively. For the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group, the corresponding ODI were(38.033±5.605)%, (33.000±6.192)%, (28.767±7.045)%, (22.200±5.517)%, (17.700±4.836)%, (11.900±2.771)%, respectively. The JOA scores of the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were(8.900±2.074), (13.133±2.330), (15.700±3.583), (20.400±3.480), (22.267±3.084), (24.833±2.640), respectively. In the McKenzie group, the corresponding scores were(9.200±2.091), (12.267±2.406), (15.333±3.198), (18.467±2.240), (20.133±2.751), (22.467±2.849), respectively. Before the initiation of treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed in the VAS, ODI, and JOA scores between two groups (P>0.05). At 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment, the VAS in the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group was significantly lower than that in the McKenzie group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The comparison of ODI between two groups at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment revealed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). At 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment, the JOA score in the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group was significantly higher than that in the McKenzie-only group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of 3D printed functional spinal external fixation brace with McKenzie therapy can significantly improve and maintain lumbar function in patients with LDH.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery* ; External Fixators ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Adult ; Braces ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. METHODS: A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators. RESULTS: Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function. CONCLUSION Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Young Adult ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine* ; Beijing

Extremely unbalanced data here refers to datasets where the values of independent or dependent variables exhibit severe unbalance in proportions, such as extremely unbalanced case-control ratio, very low incidence rate of disease, heavily censored time-to-event data, and low-frequency or rare variants. In such scenarios, the statistic derived from hypothesis test using the classical statistical method, e.g., logistic regression model and Cox proportional hazard regression model, might deviate from theoretical asymptotic distribution, resulting in inflation or deflation of type I error. With the increased availability and exploration of resources from large-scale population cohorts in genome-wide association study (GWAS), there is a growing demand for effective and accurate statistical approaches to handle extremely unbalanced data in independent and non-independent samples. Our study introduces classical statistical methods in genetic statistics firstly, then, summarizes the failure of classical statistical methods in dealing with extremely unbalanced data through simulation experiments to draw researchers' attention to the extremely unbalanced data in GWAS.

Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whose pathogenesis remains elusive, is a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic, progressive, and lifelong inflammation of the digestive tract. The pathogenesis of IBD remains elusive. Although a number of drugs have been developed to treat IBD, their effects are merely anti-inflammatory. In addition, current treatments for IBD are easily susceptible to resistance in clinical practice. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to have the ability to migrate to the site of inflammation, with potent immunoregulatory effects, and to rebalance the immune microenvironment and restore the integrity of the epithelial barrier with significant value of application, particularly for patients who are refractory to classic medicines. In this paper, we reviewed the clinical applications, mechanisms and engineerable properties of MSC products and their exosomes to provide some reference for the use of MSCs and their exosomes in the treatment of IBD.

OBJECTIVE To provide certain therapeutic ideas and references for the pharmaceutical care of severe Legionella pneumonia in anti-infection treatment. METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the entire treatment process of a patient with severe Legionella pneumonia， and assisted clinical physicians in evaluating the infecting pathogens using the WUH （Winthrop- University Hospital criteria） scoring system， based on the patient’s clinical symptoms， physical signs， and changes in pulmonary imaging. Leveraging their pharmaceutical expertise， clinical pharmacists recommended a combination of piperacillin sodium and tazobactam with moxifloxacin hydrochloride for anti-infection treatment， and closely monitored the patient’s clinical manifestations. They promptly identified delirium and abnormally elevated levels of lipase， amylase and liver enzymes， and successively suggested adjusting the treatment plan to a combination of piperacillin sodium and tazobactam with doxycycline or azithromycin for anti- infection after analyzing the causes， along with liver protection treatment， enteral nutrition， and parenteral nutrition. Additionally， clinical pharmacists closely monitor the patient’s medication adherence and provide her with medication education. RESULTS The clinical physicians accepted the recommendations of the clinical pharmacists， and the patient improved after treatment and was discharged. A follow-up examination one month later showed no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Clinical pharmacists， when assisting clinicians in treating severe Legionella pneumonia， not only pay attention to changes in the patient’s clinical symptoms and physical signs， but also closely monitor the adverse reactions of fluoroquinolone， tetracycline， and macrolide antibiotics. They should promptly recognize adverse reactions and provide recommendations for adjusting treatment plans， as well as offer comprehensive pharmaceutical care throughout the patient’s treatment， to ensure the effectiveness and safety of clinical therapy.

Objective: To explore the prevalence and related factors of overweight, obesity and hypertension comorbidities among children and adolescents in Ningxia, so as to provide a scientific basis for effective early health intervention in children and adolescents. Methods: From September 2021 to June 2022, a total of 4 577 students aged 9-16 were selected from Jinfeng District of Yinchuan City, Shapotou District of Zhongwei City, Yanchi County of Wuzhong City and Pingluo County of Shizuishan City in Ningxia by multi stage cluster random sampling method for questionnaire survey and physical measurement. The influencing factors of overweight, obesity and hypertension comorbidities in children and adolescents were investigated by Chi square test and multivariate unconditioned Logistic regression analysis with weighted complex sampling design. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Ningxia was 22.87%, the prevalence of hypertension was 1.30%, and the comorbity rate of overweight, obesity and hypertension was 1.07%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that students aged 13-16 ( OR =15.66,95% CI =3.84-63.96, P <0.05) were more likely to suffer from overweight, obesity and hypertension than students aged 9-12. The students of insufficient sleep duration ( OR =5.47, 95% CI =1.73-17.33, P <0.05) had higher levels of overweight, obesity and hypertension comorbidities than those of adequate sleep duration. Students who had breakfast 1 to 7 times a week ( OR =0.08, 95% CI =0.02-0.37) had lower incidence than those who had breakfast once a week ( P <0.05). Conclusions Age, sleep time and breakfast frequency are all related factors of overweight, obesity and hypertension co morbidity among primary and secondary school students in Ningxia. Close attention should be paid to students aged 9-12 years with insufficient sleep time and fasting in the morning, and carry out scientific education and prevention and control interventions should be carried out.

Objective:To explore the role of mechanical hemodynamic support (MHS) in mapping and catheter ablation of patients with hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT), report single-center experience in a cohort of consecutive patients receiving VT ablation during MHS therapy, and provide evidence-based medical evidence for clinical practice.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with hemodynamically unstable VT who underwent catheter ablation with MHS at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University between August 2021 and December 2023 were included. Patients were divided into rescue group and preventive group according to the purpose of treatment. Their demographic data, periprocedural details, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 15 patients with hemodynamically unstable VT were included (8 patients in the rescue group and 7 patients in the preventive group). The acute procedure was successful in all patients. One patient in the rescue group had surgical left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, remaining 14 patients received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for circulation support. ECMO decannulation was performed in 12 patients due to clinical and hemodynamic stability, of which 6 patients were decannulation immediately after surgery and the remaining patients were decannulation at 2.0 (2.5) d after surgery. Two patients in the rescue group died during the index admission due to refractory heart failure and cerebral hemorrhage. During a median follow-up of 30 d (1 d to 12 months), one patient with LVAD had one episode of ventricular fibrillation at 6 months after discharge, and no further episodes of ventricular fibrillation and/or VT occurred after treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs. No malignant ventricular arrhythmia occurred in the remaining 12 patients who were followed up.Conclusions:MHS contributes to the successful completion of mapping and catheter ablation in patients with hemodynamically unstable VT, providing desirable hemodynamic status for emergency and elective conditions.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and influence of co-mutated gene on acute myeloid leukemia patients(AML)with FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3(FLT3)mutations.Methods:A total of 273 FLT3+AML patients were enrolled,and the co-mutation gene data of the patients were collected to further analyze the prognosis of the patients.FLT3 and other common mutations were quantified by PCR amplification products direct sequencing and second-generation sequencing(NGS).Results:When patients were divided into FLT3 ITD+,FLT3 TKD+,FLT3 ITD++TKD+and FLT3 ITD-+TKD-group according to the type of FLT3 mutations,it was found that the frequencies of TET2,GATA2,NRAS and ASXL1 mutation were significantly different among the 4 groups(all P＜0.05).When patients were divided into allelic ratio(AR)≥0.5 and＜0.5 group,it was found that the frequencies of FLT3 ITD+,FLT3 ITD-+TKD-,NPM1,NRAS and C-kit were significantly different between the two groups(all P＜0.05).When patients were divided into normal and abnormal karyotype group,it was found that the frequencies of FLT3 ITD+,FLT3 TKD+,NPM1,GATA2 and C-kit were significantly different between the two groups(all P＜0.05).The median overall survival(OS)of AML patients with FLT3 TKD+(including FLT3 ITD++TKD+)was longer than that of patients with FLT3 ITD+alone(P＜0.05).The OS and relapse-free survival(RFS)of AML patients with FLT3++TET2+were both shorter than those of patients with FLT3++TET2-(both P＜0.05).Conclusion:The mutation frequencies of co-mutated genes are correlated with subtypes of FLT3,karyotype and AR.AML patients with FLT3 TKD+have longer OS than patients with FLT3 ITD+alone,and patients with co-mutation of TET2 have shorter median OS and RFS.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of unilateral adrenalectomy for treating primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) of different clinical types.Methods:The clinical and biochemical data of 54 patients with PBMAH who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy from May 2008 to March 2023 were retrospectively collected. Preoperative CT images of all patients showed enlarged bilateral adrenal glands with multiple nodules of " fused masses". Mean preoperative blood cortisol concentration at 8am was (21.5±7.7)μg/dl, urinary free cortisol concentration was (442.6±300.4)μg/24h, and mean 8am ACTH concentration was (6.4±2.3)pg/ml. Postoperative symptoms, BMI, blood pressure, mass diameter, cortisol and ACTH concentration were recorded and analyzed.Results:Compared with ordinary laparoscopic surgery, robot-assisted surgery showed shorter operation time [(115.4±22.1)min vs.(95.0±19.8)min, P=0.045]; less blood loss [(118.2±57.0)ml vs. (125.6±45.3)ml, P=0.441] and shorter hospitalization time [(5.2±0.9)day vs. (6.4±1.2)day, P=0.279]. Compared with laparoscopic surgery, open surgery showed longer operation time [(134 34.5) min vs. (104.3±20.1) min, P=0.035]; more blood loss [(305.5±85.2) ml vs. (122.5±44.3) ml, P=0.012] and longer hospitalization time[(10.4±3.2)day vs. (5.7±1.0) day, P=0.020]. The average follow-up time was (23.7±11.7) months. Sixteen cases biochemically relapsed, and the average relapse-free time was (25.4±13.4) month. Mean postoperative systolic blood pressure was (131.1±16.8)mmHg ( P=0.001) while diastolic blood pressure decreased to (82.2±11.1)mmHg ( P=0.002). Postsurgical average blood cortisol concentration decreased to (10.2±4.0)μg/dl ( P<0.01), while urine cortisol concentration decreased to (106.6±43.4)μg/24h( P<0.01). Average ACTH concentration increased to (12.6±4.1)pg/ml( P=0.005). Recurrent patients had higher preoperative blood and urine cortisol concentration(24.7±8.2)μg/dl( P=0.046), (522.8±234.2)μg/24h( P=0.028), and all of them underwent contralateral adrenalectomy. Conclusions:Unilateral adrenalectomy is safe and effective for treatment of PBMAH while part of patients biochemically relapsed. Subclinical patients were observed no recurrent cases after surgery. Recurrent patients have higher preoperative blood and urine cortisol levels and should undertake contralateral adrenalectomy and supplement corticosteroids for whole life.

Objective Metabolomics was used to analyze the changes of metabolites in the plasma of Fenpropathrin-contaminated rats to find potential biomarkers for forensic identification of Fenpropathrin poisoning.Methods SD rats in the two experimental groups were given 20.5 mg/kg and 41 mg/kg doses of fenpropathrin respectively by gavage.The rats in the control group were given equivalent volume of normal saline.The angular vein blood of rats was collected 24 hours after gavage,and endogenous small molecule metabolites in plasma were investigated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-TOF-MS).The data was processed by SIMCA14.1.The differential metabolites in plasma of fenpropathrin-infected rats were screened out according to the Variable Importance in Projection(VIP)and p<0.05 in the OPLS-DA model.Finally,the pathways were analyzed.Results There were significant differences in plasma metabolite levels between the control group and the experimental group,and 17 biomarkers were selected to identify whether the rats had received fenpropathrin,which mainly affected purine metabolism,Alanine,aspartate and glutamate metabolism,arginine biosynthesis,biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and pyrimidine metabolism.Conclusion Fenpropathrin can change the composition of metabolites in rats,and the differential markers screened can provide supportive forensic evidence for cases related to deltamethrin poisoning.