Objective To analyze the diagnosis, treatment and clinical characteristics of a patient with parotid gland metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)following radical nephrectomy. Methods The clinical data and diagnostic/therapeutic course of the patient were reported, and the metastasis time and treatment methods of patients with parotid metastasis of renal cancer were summarized in combination with literature. Results The 63-year-old male patient sought medical help due to a mass behind the right ear persisting for 3 months. He had undergone a right radical nephrectomy for a renal tumor 10 years ago. Preoperative computed tomography(CT)with contrast of the parotid region revealed an approximately 2.5 cm×2.1 cm round soft-tissue density lesion in the right parotid gland with slightly irregular margins. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT)showed an enlarged left kidney with an irregular shape and multiple round, slightly hyperdense lesion(SUVmax=7.2), suggestive of malignancy. A round, slightly hyperdense lesion(diameter 2.6 cm, SUVmax=4.2)with well-defined borders and increased radiotracer uptake was noted in the right parotid gland, indicating a hypermetabolic mass where malignancy could not be excluded. The patient subsequently underwent partial parotidectomy, advancement flap transplantation, and facial nerve dissection. Postoperative pathology revealed tumor cells with clear/eosinophilic cytoplasm and nuclear atypia, exhibiting ill-defined borders with salivary gland tissue. Immunohistochemistry was positive for PAX-8, CAⅨ, and Ki-67. During the 12-month follow-up, the patient was in good condition with no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion Parotid gland metastasis following radical nephrectomy is exceedingly rare, with no specific imaging features and clinical manifestations, and definitive diagnosis relies on pathological examination. Currently, there is no standardized treatment protocol, but complete surgical excision remains the primary therapeutic option.

Objective To track and evaluate the implementation and application of the occupational health standard Radiation shielding requirements for radiotherapy room—Part 4: Radiotherapy room of ²⁵²Cf neutron afterloading (GBZ/T 201.4-2015) by radiation health technical service agencies, medical institutions, health supervision agencies, and radiotherapy facility design units, and to provide a scientific basis for the further revision and implementation of this standard. Methods Following the Guideline for health standards tracking evaluation (WS/T 536-2017) and the project implementation plan, relevant practitioners were randomly selected for a questionnaire survey. The survey primarily focused on their awareness, standard training, application, and revision suggestions of GBZ/T 201.4-2015. The results were summarized and analyzed. Results A total of 168 evaluation questionnaires were collected from relevant practitioners in 28 provinces. Only 31.6% of the respondents reported being “well familiar” or “ familiar” with the standard, 27.4% of the respondents believed that the standard was widely used, and 45.2% of the respondents believed that the standard could meet the needs of their work. Only 14.9% of the respondents had received relevant training on the standard, more than half of the respondents had not applied the standard within the past 10 years, and 45.2% of the respondents believed that the standard "needs to be revised". Conclusion Due to the small number of californium-252 neutron afterloading radiotherapy devices in operation on the market, the overall awareness of the standard is low, suggesting that relevant authorities need to strengthen training and publicity of the standard, and that certain sections of the standard need to be revised or merged.

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets(CRT) in treating diabetic kidney disease(DKD) by integrating biomolecular network mining with animal model verification. By analyzing clinical transcriptomics data, an interaction network was constructed between candidate targets of CRT and DKD-related genes. Based on the topological eigenvalues of network nodes, 101 core network targets of CRT against DKD were identified. These targets were found to be closely related to multiple pathways associated with type 2 diabetes, immune response, and metabolic reprogramming. Given that immune-inflammatory imbalance driven by metabolic reprogramming is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of DKD, and that many core network targets of CRT are involved in this pathological process, receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)-reactive oxygen species(ROS)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) signaling axis was selected as a candidate target for in-depth research. Further, a rat model of DKD induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet and streptozotocin was established to evaluate the pharmacological effects of CRT and verify the expression of related targets. The experimental results showed that CRT could effectively correct metabolic disturbances in DKD, restore immune-inflammatory balance, and improve renal function and its pathological changes by inhibiting the activation of the RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis. In conclusion, this study reveals that CRT alleviates the progression of DKD through dual regulation of metabolic reprogramming and immune-inflammatory responses, providing strong experimental evidence for its clinical application in DKD.
Animals ; Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism* ; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products/genetics* ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Rats ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Humans ; Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tablets/administration & dosage*

Fuxiong has a long history of cultivation. Since its first record in the Beneficial Formulas from the Taiping Imperial Pharmacy of the Song Dynasty, Fuxiong had always been used by ancient physicians and became a preponderant variety for some reasons during the periods of the Ming Dynasty, Qing Dynasty, and Republic of China. However, as for modern use, only Chuanxiong Rhizoma is valued, and the medicinal value of Fuxiong is gradually being overlooked. This article systematically researches the nomenclature, producing area, origin, and efficacy of Fuxiong, proving that the planting technology of Fuxiong matured in the Song Dynasty at the latest, slightly later than the emergence of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Over the years, the producing area of Fuxiong has not undergone significant changes, and it is mainly cultivated within Jiangxi province. According to the analysis of the origin of Xiongqiong, combined with modern genetic research, it can be basically clarified that the early source of Xiongqiong may not be single. With the popularization of cultivation, Chuanxiong Rhizoma became a Dao-di herb earliest, gradually replacing Xiongqiong and being recognized clinically. After cultivation, the polyploidy of Chuanxiong Rhizoma varieties formed stable inheritance, forming the later Fuxiong. Medical experts have gradually deepened their understanding of the efficacy of Fuxiong. Initially, they believed that it was a substitute for Chuanxiong Rhizoma and had weaker efficacy than Chuanxiong Rhizoma. Medical experts in Jin and Yuan Dynasties such as Zhu Danxi and Dai Sigong believed that Fuxiong was good at relieving stagnation. Books and records of materia medica in the Ming and Qing Dynasties explicitly proposed the great ability of Fuxiong to relieve stagnation. Fuxiong should be distinguished from Chuanxiong Rhizoma when applied, and the application differences should be clearly reflected in medical records. Based on the comprehensive research in this article, it can be concluded that although most of ancient physicians have attached great importance to genuineness of Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Fuxiong, as a dominant variety of traditional application, has a clear historical context and significant efficacy characteristics, worthy of further in-depth study.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history* ; China ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history* ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; History, Medieval ; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry* ; Rhizome/growth & development*

Objective:To discuss whether safranal affects the proliferation,migration,and phenotypic transformation of the vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)in a high-glucose environment and to clarify the function of safranal in the prevention and treatment of diabetic(DM)vascular complications.Methods:The SD rats were selected as experimental subjects;primary VSMCs were cultured from rat thoracic aortas and divided into control group,25 mmol·L-1 high glucose(HG)group,HG+20 μmol·L-1 safranal group,HG+40 μmol·L-1 safranal group,and HG+80 μmol·L-1 safranal group.The cells in control group received no treatment;the cells in 25 mmol·L-1 HG group were pretreated with 25 mmol·L-1 HG;the cells in HG+20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal groups were further treated with 20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal respectively for 48 h on the basis of 25 mmol·L-1 HG group.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method was used to determine the appropriate concentration of safranal and detect the viabilities of the VSMCs in various groups;cell scratch healing assay was used to detect the scratch healing rates of the VSMCs in various groups;Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the numbers of the migration VSMCs in various groups;immunofluorescence method was used to detect the fluorescence intensities of alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and rabbit anti-osteopontin(OPN)in the VSMCs in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of OPN,α-SMA,and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)in the VSMCs in various groups.Results:Under microscope,on the 4th day of in vitro culture,the spindle-shaped or triangular cells crawled out from the edge of the thoracic aorta tissue blocks,with long spindle being the most common morphology.On the 14th,the cells gradually covered the bottom of the dish;when cell density reached 80%-90%,the characteristic"hills and valleys"growth pattern appeared.Third-generation cells were taken for immunofluorescence identification;immunofluorescence staining with VSMC-specific marker α-SMA showed positive expression of α-SMA protein in the primarily cultured VSMCs.The CCK-8 assay results showed that compared with control group,the cell viability of the cells in 160 μmol·L-1 safranal group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),indicating toxic damage to the cells.Under the conditions of safranal concentrations at 20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 respectively,after 48 h intervention on VSMCs,no significant adverse effect on cell viability was observed;considering both the effect and toxicity of safranal,these three concentrations were used in subsequent cell experiments.After 48 h intervention,compared with control group,the activity of the VSMCs in 25 mmol·L-1 HG group was increased(P<0.001);compared with 25 mmol·L-1 HG group,the activities of the VSMCs in HG+20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal groups were gradually decreased(P<0.05).The cell scratch healing assay and Transwell assay results showed that after 48 h intervention,the scratch healing rate of the VSMCs in 25 mmol·L-1 HG group was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.01),and the number of transmembrane cells through the Transwell chamber was significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with 25 mmol·L-1 HG group,the scratch healing rates of the VSMCs in HG+20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal groups were gradually decreased(P<0.05),and the number of transmembrane cells was decreased(P<0.05).The immunofluorescence staining results showed that compared with control group,the fluorescence intensity of α-SMA protein in the VSMCs in 25 mmol·L-1 HG group was significantly weakened(P<0.001),while the fluorescence intensity of OPN protein was significantly enhanced(P<0.001);compared with 25 mmol·L-1 HG group,the fluorescence intensities of α-SMA protein in the VSMCs in HG+20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal groups were gradually increased(P<0.05),and the fluorescence intensities of OPN were gradually weakened(P<0.05).The Western blotting method results showed that compared with control group,the expression level of α-SMA protein in the VSMCs in 25 mmol·L-1 HG group was decreased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of PCNA and OPN proteins were increased(P<0.01);compared with 25 mmol·L-1 HG group,the expression level of α-SMA protein in the VSMCs in HG+20,40,and 80 μmol·L-1 safranal groups were increased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of PCNA and OPN proteins were decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Safranal can inhibit the proliferation,migration,and phenotypic transformation of the VSMCs induced by high glucose.

Objective:To evaluate the utility of ultrasonographic monitoring of the rectus femoris muscle—specifically, the rates of change in thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA)—in assessing nutritional status and long-term functional outcomes in patients with sepsis.Methods:In this prospective observational study, sepsis patients admitted to the ICU of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between October 2023 and October 2024 were classified by nutritional status at discharge using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Differences in serial ultrasound-measured rectus femoris thickness and CSA on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were compared between malnourished and non-malnourished groups. The predictive value of these ultrasound parameters for malnutrition was analyzed. Functional prognosis was assessed using the Sarcopenia Assessment Scale, Short Physical Performance Battery, and Manual Muscle Testing, with correlations to muscle changes examined.Results:Of the 71 enrolled patients (median age 73.00 [ IQR: 61.00–80.00]; 47.89% female, 52.11% male), those with malnutrition showed significantly greater variation rates in rectus femoris thickness and CSA on days 3, 5, and 7 compared to the non-malnourished group ( P < 0.05). ROC analysis revealed that the day-7 CSA variation rate had the highest predictive value for malnutrition (AUC = 0.817, 95% CI: 0.713-0.930). These muscle variation rates also correlated strongly with conventional nutritional markers such as BMI, albumin, and urea. Similarly, patients with impaired functional outcomes exhibited higher variation rates in muscle parameters on days 3, 5, and 7 ( P < 0.05), with the day-7 CSA variation rate being most predictive of functional prognosis (AUC = 0.749, 95% CI: 0.632-0.867). Conclusions:Ultrasonographic assessment of rectus femoris thickness and CSA variation rates provides a valuable tool for evaluating nutritional status and predicting functional prognosis in sepsis patients, outperforming traditional biomarkers. This method shows promise for guiding individualized nutrition support and rehabilitation strategies to improve long-term outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the effects of red laser versus plasma transurethral enucleation of the prostate (TUEP) on urinary and sexual function in patients under 65 years of age with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Method:This study was a retrospective analysis. Eighty BPH patients under 65 years old, admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University between January 2020 and January 2023 were selected. Among them, 40 patients who underwent 980 nm semiconductor red laser TUERP with pre-resection of the urethral mucosa 1 cm proximal to the verumontanum at the prostatic apex and preservation of bladder neck integrity were assigned to the Red Laser Group. Another 40 patients who underwent conventional TURP with a plasma resectoscope were assigned to the Plasma Group. Clinical data and 6-month postoperative follow-up data were collected. Changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score, ejaculatory function score, and ejaculatory discomfort score before and after surgery were compared between the two groups. The incidence rates of decreased semen volume, retrograde ejaculation, and painful ejaculation at 6 months postoperatively were also compared.Results:At 6 months postoperatively, IPSS decreased in both groups compared to preoperative levels and was lower in the Red Laser Group than in the Plasma Group [(4.7±1.3) points vs. (6.3±2.2) points, t=-4.46, P<0.001]. Qmax increased in both groups compared to preoperative levels and was higher in the Red Laser Group than in the Plasma Group [(25.7±1.3) ml/s vs. (22.6±1.2) ml/s, t=10.76, P<0.001]. The ejaculatory function score in the Plasma Group was lower than its own preoperative level [(5.9±0.7) points vs. (11.1±1.6) points, t=5.33, P<0.001] and lower than that in the Red Laser Group [(5.9±0.7) points vs. (11.4±0.9) points, t=7.56, P<0.001]. The ejaculatory discomfort score in the Plasma Group was higher than its own preoperative level [(3.0±1.5) points vs. (0.8±0.6) points, t=4.26, P<0.001] and higher than that in the Red Laser Group [(3.0±1.5) points vs. (0.8±0.6) points, t=5.83, P<0.001]. The incidence rates of decreased semen volume and retrograde ejaculation in the Red Laser Group were lower than those in the Plasma Group [12.5% (5/40) vs. 50.0% (20/40), 10.0% (4/40) vs. 45.0% (18/40), χ2=15.84, 12.65, respectively, both P<0.001]. Conclusions:Using 980 nm semiconductor red laser TUERP with pre-resection of the urethral mucosa 1 cm proximal to the verumontanum and preservation of bladder neck integrity can improve urinary and sexual function in BPH patients under 65 years of age.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.