OBJECTIVE: To investigate lymph node metastasis (LNM) in the prostatic anterior fat pad (PAFP) of PCa patients after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), and analyze the clinicopathological features and prognosis of LNM in the PAFP. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data on 1 003 cases of PCa treated by RARP in the Department of Urology of PLA General Hospital from January 2017 to December 2022. All the patients underwent routine removal of the PAFP during RARP and pathological examination, with the results of all the specimens examined and reported by pathologists. Based on the presence and locations of LNM, we grouped the patients for statistical analysis, compared the clinicopathological features between different groups using the Student's t, Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests, and conducted survival analyses using the Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank methods and survival curves generated by Rstudio. RESULTS: Lymph nodes were detected in 77 (7.7%) of the 1 003 PAFP samples, and LNM in 11 (14.3%) of the 77 cases, with a positive rate of 1.1% (11/1 003). Of the 11 positive cases, 9 were found in the upgraded pathological N stage, and the other 2 complicated by pelvic LNM. The patients with postoperative pathological stage≥T3 constituted a significantly higher proportion in the PAFP LNM than in the non-PAFP LNM group (81.8% ［9/11］ vs 36.2% ［359/992］, P = 0.005), and so did the cases with Gleason score ≥8 (87.5% ［7/8］ vs 35.5% ［279/786］, P = 0.009). No statistically significant differences were observed in the clinicopathological features and biochemical recurrence-free survival between the patients with PAFP LNM only and those with pelvic LNM only. CONCLUSION The PAFP is a potential route to LNM, and patients with LNM in the PAFP are characterized by poor pathological features. There is no statistically significant difference in biochemical recurrence-free survival between the patients with PAFP LNM only and those with pelvic LNM only. Routine removal of the PAFP and independent pathological examination of the specimen during RARP is of great clinical significance.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatectomy/methods* ; Robotic Surgical Procedures ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology* ; Adipose Tissue/pathology* ; Prostate/pathology* ; Lymph Nodes/pathology* ; Middle Aged ; Aged

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Objective To evaluate the effect of gestational weight gain(GWG)on the labour process and delivery mode in primiparas undergoing epidural analgesia(EA).Methods The medical records of all primiparas with singleton term deliveries who received EA at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University from Aug 2020 to Jan 2021 were retrospectively collected.The effects of excessive GWG on labor process and mode of delivery were evaluated using t tests and χ2 tests.Multivariate regression and multinomial logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the impact of various factors on labor process and mode of delivery.Results A total of 1 283 primiparas were included in the study,with 646 cases in the excessive GWG group(study group)and 637 cases in the inadequate/adequate GWG group(control group).Before propensity score matching(PSM),the study group exhibited higher pre-pregnancy BMI values,longer gestational age,and more comorbidities compared to the control group(P<0.001).After PSM,GWG had no statistically significant impact on the labor process or mode of delivery.Multivariate regression analysis showed that oxytocin had significant effects on the first stage of labor(P=0.001),the second stage of labor(P<0.001),and mode of delivery(P=0.002).Gestational age(P=0.003)had a significant impact on the first stage of labor,while the mode of membrane rupture(P=0.003)and coexisting diabetes(P=0.015)had significant effects on the second stage of labor.Age(P<0.001)and gestational age(P=0.019)had significant effects on the mode of delivery.Conclusion Among nulliparous women receiving EA,there were no statistically significant differences in the labor process and mode of delivery between those with excessive GWG and those with inadequate/adequate GWG.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether casticin (CAS) suppresses stemness in cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) obtained from human cervical cancer (CCSLCs) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Spheres from HeLa and CaSki cells were used as CCSLCs. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) activity and mRNA levels, self-renewal capability (Nanog and Sox2), and cancer stem cell markers (CD133 and CD44), were detected by a colorimetric DNMT activity/inhibition assay kit, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, sphere and colony formation assays, and immunoblot, respectively. Knockdown and overexpression of DNMT1 by transfection with shRNA and cDNA, respectively, were performed to explore the mechanism for action of CAS (0, 10, 30, and 100 nmol/L). RESULTS: DNMT1 activity was increased in CCSLCs compared with HeLa and CaSki cells (P<0.05). In addition, HeLa-derived CCSLCs transfected with DNMT1 shRNA showed reduced sphere and colony formation abilities, and lower CD133, CD44, Nanog and Sox2 protein expressions (P<0.05). Conversely, overexpression of DNMT1 in HeLa cells exhibited the oppositive effects. Furthermore, CAS significantly reduced DNMT1 activity and transcription levels as well as stemness in HeLa-derived CCSLCs (P<0.05). Interestingly, DNMT1 knockdown enhanced the inhibitory effect of CAS on stemness. As expected, DNMT1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of CAS on stemness in HeLa cells. CONCLUSION CAS effectively inhibits stemness in CCSLCs through suppression of DNMT1 activation, suggesting that CAS acts as a promising preventive and therapeutic candidate in cervical cancer.
Female ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor ; HeLa Cells ; Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism* ; RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism* ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/metabolism*

Objective:To investigate characteristics of the 18F-flurodeoxyglucose ( 18F-FDG) uptake intensity and ranges in distinct hepatic alveolar echinococcosis lesions. Methods:The clinical data of 39 patients with position emission tomography during Jan 2017 to Dec 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were enrolled. Among them, there were 17 males and 22 females, aging from 15 to 65 years (median 34 years). Lesions were classified into six groups based on heterogenic scales of calcification and liquefaction: A. non-calcified and non-liquefied ( n=7); B. obvious calcified and non-liquefied ( n=7); C. partial calcified and partial liquefied( n=10); D. obvious calcified and partial liquefied ( n=5); E. partial calcified and subtotal liquefied ( n=5); F. obvious calcified and subtotal liquefied ( n=5). Tumor to background ratio (TBR) and width (W) of lesion infiltrative boundary were measured and calculated. Statistical comparison using Mann-Whitney U test as well as correlation analysis was performed. Results:TBR values [ M( Q1, Q3)] for each group were 4.40(3.66, 7.03), 2.55(1.69, 3.60), 3.73(3.37, 5.21), 2.90(2.75, 3.60), 3.80(3.49, 6.36), 2.49(2.21, 3.97), among which A>B, A>D, A>F, C>B, E>B ( U=3.0, 4.0, 4.5, 11.0, 5.0, all P<0.05); From the perspective of the calcification in each group, it was found that the lighter the calcification was, the greater the TBR value was. W values [ M( Q1, Q3)] for each group were [12.5(10.0, 19.5), 11.2(10.5, 12.5), 12.2(10.9, 13.2), 7.8(7.3, 9.3), 10.0(7.3, 13.4), 7.3(6.8, 7.6)] mm, among which A>D, A>F, B>D, B>F, C>D, C>F (all U=0, all P<0.05); According to the degree of calcification and liquefaction of lesions in each group, the lighter the calcification was, the greater the W value was; The heavier the liquefaction was, the smaller the W value was. A mild strength linear correlation has been observed between the TBR value and W value ( r=0.4136, P<0.05). Conclusions:Less calcification and liquefaction implicated higher 18F-FDG uptake intensity and wider range. Radical resection margins and tissue sampling should be individualized based on different lesion features in surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness，safety and economy of bovine pulmonary surfactant （PS） and porcine PS in the treatment of preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome （RDS）. METHODS Retrieved from PubMed，Embase， Cochrane Library，CNKI，SinoMed，Wanfang and health technology assessment （HTA） organization websites and relevant database， HTA report，systematic review/meta-analysis and pharmacoeconomic study about bovine PS versus porcine PS in the treatment of preterm neonates with RDS were included from the inception to Feb 2022. Data extraction and quality evaluation were carried out for the included literature，and then research results were summarized and analyzed descriptively. RESULTS A total of 1 HTA report，6 systematic reviews/meta-analyses，and 6 pharmacoeconomic studies were included. There appeared to be no significant differences between bovine PS and porcine PS in terms of time staying in neonatal intensive care unit and extra-pulmonary outcomes. In terms of PS re-treatment，blood gas index，total effective rate and the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus，porcine PS was superior to bovine PS. Results from other indicators，such as mortality， the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia，air leakage syndrome，pulmonary hemorrhage，were still controversial. In terms of economy，there was no statistical difference in average hospital charges and administration cost per dose between two groups （P＞0.05）； compared with porcine PS，mean wastage cost per dose of bovine PS was higher （P＜0.001），and 24 h treatment cost of bovine PS was lower （P＜0.05）； the results of average medication cost were controversial. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness， safety and economy of bovine PS are found to be similar or inferior to porcine PS. It is not certain whether the inferiority has clinical significance.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Huayu Tongluo (resolving stasis and promoting collateral circulation) moxibustion combined with intradermal needling on depressive symptoms, quality of life and cognitive impairment in patients with mild to moderate depression after cerebral infarction on the basis of western medicine treatment. METHODS: Fifty patients with mild to moderate depression after cerebral infarction were randomly divided into an acupuncture combined with western medication group (group A, 25 cases) and a western medication group (group B, 25 cases). In the group B, paroxetine hydrochloride tablets were taken orally, 20 mg after breakfast, once a day, and the dose could be adjusted to the maximum 40 mg/d according to the patients' condition, for 4 weeks totally. On the basis of the treatment in the group B, the group A was treated with Huayu Tongluo moxibustion, namely aconite cake-separated moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) and suspended moxibustion at Dazhui (GV 14) and Shenting (GV 24), combined with intradermal needling at Shenmen (HT 7), Jianshi (PC 5), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. Huayu Tongluo moxibustion was performed 6 times a week, and intradermal needling was performed 3 times a week，for 4 weeks totally. In the two groups, the scores of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), stroke specific quality of life scale (SS-QOL) and mini mental state examination (MMSE) were observed before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy and safety were compared. RESULTS: After treatment, the HAMD score in the each group was decreased compared with that before treatment (P<0.05), and that in the group A was lower than the group B (P<0.05); after treatment, the SS-QOL score in the group A and MMSE score in the two groups were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the SS-QOL score in the group A was higher than the group B (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 88.0% (22/25) in the group A, which was higher than 60.0% (15/25) in the group B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (4.0% [1/25] vs 16.0%[4/25], P>0.05). CONCLUSION On the basis of the treatment of western medication paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, Huayu Tongluo moxibustion combined with intradermal needling therapy can effectively improve the depressive symptoms, quality of life and cognitive impairment of patients with mild to moderate depression after cerebral infarction.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Quality of Life ; Paroxetine ; Depression/therapy* ; Cerebral Infarction/therapy*

Recent population studies have significantly advanced our understanding of how age shapes the gut microbiota.However,the actual role of age could be inevitably confounded due to the complex and variable environmental factors in human populations.A well-controlled envi-ronment is thus necessary to reduce undesirable confounding effects,and recapitulate age-dependent changes in the gut microbiota of healthy primates.Herein we performed 16S rRNA gene sequenc-ing,characterized the age-associated gut microbial profiles from infant to elderly crab-eating maca-ques reared in captivity,and systemically revealed the lifelong dynamic changes of the primate gut microbiota.While the most significant age-associated taxa were mainly found as commensals such as Faecalibacterium,the abundance of a group of suspicious pathogens such as Helicobacter was exclusively increased in infants,underlining their potential role in host development.Importantly,topology analysis indicated that the network connectivity of gut microbiota was even more age-dependent than taxonomic diversity,and its tremendous decline with age could probably be linked to healthy aging.Moreover,we identified key driver microbes responsible for such age-dependent network changes,which were further linked to altered metabolic functions of lipids,carbohydrates,and amino acids,as well as phenotypes in the microbial community.The current study thus demon-strates the lifelong age-dependent changes and their driver microbes in the primate gut microbiota,and provides new insights into their roles in the development and healthy aging of their hosts.

Objective To compare the dosimetric differences of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with flattening filter(FF) and flattening filter-free(FFF) modes in hippocampal avoidance whole brain radiotherapy. Methods We included 15 patients with hippocampal-sparing whole brain radiotherapy, and designed two radiotherapy plans of FF-VMAT and FFF-VMAT for each patient. On the premise of meeting clinical dose requirements, the two plans’ dosimetry, total number of monitor units, and beam-on time were compared. Results There were no significant differences in the target coverage, conformity index, and dose gradient of the FF-VMAT and FFF-VMAT plans (P > 0.05). The D_max, D_100%, and D_mean to the hippocampal tissue were significantly lower with FFF-VMAT [(15.13 ± 0.38) Gy, (7.12 ± 0.34) Gy, and (9.76 ± 0.43) Gy, respectively)] than with FF-VMAT (16.46 ± 0.56) Gy, (7.72 ± 0.28) Gy, and (10.54 ± 0.48) Gy, respectively)] (P < 0.05). The D_max to the left and right lenses and the D_mean to the left and right eyeballs with FFF-VMAT were (7.26 ± 0.43) Gy, (6.29 ± 1.13) Gy, (11.01 ± 0.94) Gy, and (9.78 ± 1.13) Gy, respectively, which were significantly lower than FF-VMAT’s corresponding doses of (8.09 ± 0.66) Gy, (7.80 ± 0.74) Gy, (11.38 ± 1.09) Gy, and (11.05 ± 0.90) Gy, respectively (P < 0.05). The doses to other organs at risk including the optic nerve and optic chiasm were all controlled within the safe dosage ranges, with no significant differences between the two plans (P > 0.05). The FFF-VMAT plan had a significantly greater number of monitor units and a significantly shorter beam-on time than the FF-VMAT plan (P < 0.05). Conclusion Both FF-VMAT and FFF-VMAT can meet the clinical requirements, with FFF-VMAT having better hippocampus and lens protection, shorter beam-on time, and higher treatment efficiency.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) for acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC) in the elderly.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of AOSC patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2018 to January 2020. Patients aged 75 years and over ( n=49) were assigned to the elderly group and patients under 75 years old were assigned to the control group ( n=63). General data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading, procedure-related indicators, incidence of postoperative complications and mortality were compared. Results:There were significant differences in age (82.6±5.1 years VS 64.6±4.5 years, t=19.98, P<0.001), albumin levels (29.1±5.9 g/L VS 34.6±8.8 g/L, t=-3.94, P<0.001) and ASA grade ( χ2=8.37, P=0.015) in the elderly group and the control group . The elderly group were accompanied by more basic diseases, i.e. hypertension [57.14% (28/49) VS 34.9% (22/63), χ2=5.51, P=0.019], coronary heart disease [55.1% (27/49) VS 27.0% (17/63), χ2=9.14, P=0.003], chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases/asthma [24.5% (12/49) VS 6.3% (4/63), χ2=7.41, P=0.006]. There were no significant differences in the operation time (31.4±8.1 min VS 30.4±8.0 min, t=-0.61, P=0.543) or hospital stay (6.1±1.7 days VS 5.7±1.4 days, t=1.35, P=0.182). The incidences of postoperative complications were 14.3% (7/49) in the elderly group and 12.7% (8/63) in the control group, showing no significant difference ( χ2=0.06, P=0.807). No ERBD-related death was observed in either group during hospital stay. Conclusion:For elderly patients with AOSC over 75 years old, emergency ERBD, which can quickly relieve the disease, is safe and effective. Advanced age is not an absolute contraindication for emergency ERBD.