[Objective] To investigate the clinical application of microscope-assisted subinguinal hierarchical dissection in the treatment of varicocele (VC), so as to provide reference for clinicians. [Methods] The clinical data of 113 VC patients admitted to our hospital during Jul.2021 and Jun.2022 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients were treated with microscope-assisted hierarchical anatomical spermatic vein ligation under the external ring, with layered isolation.The number of intraoperative ligations of the internal spermatic veins and external spermatic vein, preserved arteries as well as the number of lymphatic vessels were recorded. [Results] Among the 13 patients with a mean age of (28.7±6.0) years, 98 had left-side lesion and 15 had bilateral lesion.The degree of varicocele: degree Ⅱ in 44 cases and degree Ⅲ in 69 cases.Intraoperative ligation of the internal spermatic veins: (9.18±3.21) on the left side and (9.02±3.39) on the right side.Intraoperative ligation of the external spermatic veins: (1.47±0.93) on the left side and (1.41±1.10) on the right side.Preservation of the internal spermatic arteries: (2.03±1.07) on the left side, (1.97±0.99) on the right side.Preservation of the external spermatic arteries: (1.42±0.50) on the left side and (1.40±0.50) on the right side.Preservation of lymphatics: (3.87±2.07) on the left and (3.89±1.99) on the right. [Conclusion] Hierarchical dissection ensures the integrity of the vas deferens and its vascular system, and tubular isolation aids in intraoperative reference identification, avoid omission of tiny veins and injury to lymphatic vessels, which helps to improve the surgical skills of beginners or less experienced surgeons.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and the efficacy of thrombus aspiration in patients with early intrastent thrombosis (EST) following carotid artery stenting (CAS).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series, collecting clinical data of five patients who developed EST after CAS in the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2021 to September 2023.All patients were male, with an age of (64.0±11.9) years (range:48 to 77 years), accounting for 2.0% (5/244) of CAS procedures during the same period.Among them, three patients did not receive standard dual antiplatelet therapy before the procedure, and one had an inadequate ADP inhibition rate (45.6%).Four patients received XACT carotid stents, while one received a Wallstent carotid stent.All five patients showed significant residual stenosis ranging from 43% to 55% after CAS.Emergency thrombus aspiration was performed in all cases, and data regarding perioperative conditions, vascular patency, and clinical outcomes were collected.Results:The interval between CAS and the occurrence of EST ranged from 3 hours to 14 days.The main clinical symptoms included sudden onset of consciousness disorders and contralateral limb weakness.None of the patients received preoperative intravenous thrombolysis, and thrombus aspiration was performed during the procedure to restore vascular patency.Four cases underwent balloon angioplasty during the procedure, and two cases utilized overlapping stents.Two patients experienced intraoperative embolization of thrombus to the C 2 segment.In one case, the embolized thrombus was retrieved using an intracranial thrombectomy stent, while in another case, it was aspirated using a guiding catheter.Postoperatively, all patients had a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade of 3, and symptoms improved in four cases.One patient showed no improvement in symptoms, and MRI revealed extensive new infarction in the right frontal and insular regions, adjacent to the right lateral ventricle.Regular follow-up examinations after discharge did not reveal restenosis or embolism within the stent.The follow-up period ranged from 7.6 to 21.2 months, with modified Rankin scale scores of 0 to 1 point in four cases and 2 points in one case, indicating good recovery in all patients. Conclusions:Acute intrastent thrombosis is a rare complication after carotid artery stenting.The combined use of percutaneous thrombus aspiration and endovascular techniques, such as balloon angioplasty and stent overlapping, can rapidly restore vessel patency with favorable outcomes.However, further large-scale clinical studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these treatments for acute intrastent thrombosis.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and the efficacy of thrombus aspiration in patients with early intrastent thrombosis (EST) following carotid artery stenting (CAS).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series, collecting clinical data of five patients who developed EST after CAS in the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2021 to September 2023.All patients were male, with an age of (64.0±11.9) years (range:48 to 77 years), accounting for 2.0% (5/244) of CAS procedures during the same period.Among them, three patients did not receive standard dual antiplatelet therapy before the procedure, and one had an inadequate ADP inhibition rate (45.6%).Four patients received XACT carotid stents, while one received a Wallstent carotid stent.All five patients showed significant residual stenosis ranging from 43% to 55% after CAS.Emergency thrombus aspiration was performed in all cases, and data regarding perioperative conditions, vascular patency, and clinical outcomes were collected.Results:The interval between CAS and the occurrence of EST ranged from 3 hours to 14 days.The main clinical symptoms included sudden onset of consciousness disorders and contralateral limb weakness.None of the patients received preoperative intravenous thrombolysis, and thrombus aspiration was performed during the procedure to restore vascular patency.Four cases underwent balloon angioplasty during the procedure, and two cases utilized overlapping stents.Two patients experienced intraoperative embolization of thrombus to the C 2 segment.In one case, the embolized thrombus was retrieved using an intracranial thrombectomy stent, while in another case, it was aspirated using a guiding catheter.Postoperatively, all patients had a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade of 3, and symptoms improved in four cases.One patient showed no improvement in symptoms, and MRI revealed extensive new infarction in the right frontal and insular regions, adjacent to the right lateral ventricle.Regular follow-up examinations after discharge did not reveal restenosis or embolism within the stent.The follow-up period ranged from 7.6 to 21.2 months, with modified Rankin scale scores of 0 to 1 point in four cases and 2 points in one case, indicating good recovery in all patients. Conclusions:Acute intrastent thrombosis is a rare complication after carotid artery stenting.The combined use of percutaneous thrombus aspiration and endovascular techniques, such as balloon angioplasty and stent overlapping, can rapidly restore vessel patency with favorable outcomes.However, further large-scale clinical studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these treatments for acute intrastent thrombosis.

Objective To investigate the correlation of Wnt5a expression and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in prostate cancer tissues, and analyze their relationships with cancer stem cells (CSCs) characteristics and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods Immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect the expression of Wnt5a in 50 prostate cancer tissues and 50 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues. The expression levels of CD133, vimentin, and E-cadherin were detected in the prostate cancer tissues, and CD34/PAS double staining was used to detect VM structures. We analyzed the difference in Wnt5a level between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues, the clinical significance of Wnt5a and VM, the relationship of Wnt5a expression and VM, and the relationships of Wnt5a expression and VM with CD133, Vimentin, E-cadherin. Results The expression of Wnt5a was significantly higher in prostate cancer tissues than in benign prostatic hyperplasia (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between Wnt5a expression and VM (P < 0.05). The expression levels of Wnt5a and VM were positively correlated with those of CD133 and vimentin (P < 0.05). Wnt5a expression and VM were positively correlated with Gleason score, vas deferens invasion and lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05) of prostate cancer, and VM was also positively correlated with T stage of prostate cancer (P < 0.05). Conclusion The expression level of Wnt5a in prostate cancer tissues is elevated and positively related with VM formation. Wnt5a expression and VM are correlated with cancer stem cells characteristics and the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition marker proteins.

Objective:To analyze the composition and clinical characteristics of urinary calculi in infants in Xinjiang.Methods:The clinical data of 75 infants with urinary calculi admitted to the People′s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including the general situation of the children, stone-related parameters, random urine pH value, urine culture and biochemical examination results. The serum uric acid, serum calcium, urine pH value, positive rate of urine culture, and stone length between infants with and without ammonium urate stones were compared. Measurement data conforming to normal distribution were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and independent sample t-test was used for inter-group comparison. Measurement data that did not conform to the normal distribution were expressed as the median (interquartile distance) [ M ( Q1, Q3)], and Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between groups. The Chi-square test, continuity-corrected Chi-square test or Fisher exact probability method were used for the comparison of count data. Results:The median age of infants with urinary calculi was 23.04 months, and the ratio of male to female was 3.2∶1. More than half of the infants (81.3%, 61/75) came from rural areas, 57.3% (43/75) were malnourished, 33.3% (25/75) were complicated with urinary tract infection, and 8.0% (6/75) were combined with urinary system congenital malformation. The calculi were found in 53 cases (70.67%) of kidney, 27 cases (36.0%) of ureter, 17 cases (22.67%) of urethra and 16 cases (21.33%) of bladder. The analysis of calculi composition showed that there were 44 cases (58.67%) of ammonium urate, 39 cases (52.0%) of calcium oxalate, 14 cases (18.67%) of apatite carbonate and 7 cases (9.33%) of uric acid. Kidney calculi was more common in female infants ( P=0.011). Compared with the infant group ( n=19), calcium oxalate stones were more common in the preschooler group ( n=56) ( P=0.039), but there were not statistical difference in the incidence of ammonium urate, apatite carbonate and uric acid stones. There were not statistical difference in gender, age, place of residence, nutritional status, serum uric acid, serum calcium, urine pH value, positive rate of urine culture, stone maximum diameter and incidence of bladder stones between ammonium urate group and non-ammonium urate group. Conclusions:The incidence of urinary calculi in infants is higher in boys, and the most common site of calculi is the upper urinary tract, especially in female kidney calculi. Ammonium urate is the main component of urinary calculi in infants. Calcium oxalate stones are more common in preschooler group. Infants with urinary calculi are mostly rural residents, and malnutrition and urinary tract infection are more common.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of quality improvement (QI) program on the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very preterm infants (VPIs) [gestational age (GA)<32 weeks].Methods:From July to December 2017,VPIs admitted to the Department of Neonatology of Yancheng Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital were retrospectively enrolled and were assigned into pre-quality improvement program group (Pre-QI group).From July to December 2018, VPIs were assigned into post-quality improvement program group (Post-QI group). QI program included delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC), early postnatal nasal continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (nCPAP) and minimally invasive pulmonary surfactant therapy (MIST). The clinical data and prognostic indicators of the two groups of VPIs and their mothers were compared. Independent sample t-test or continuity-adjusted Chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test) and Logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 204 VPIs were enrolled, including 96 cases in Pre-QI group and 108 cases in Post-QI group. 1 min Apgar score and hematocrit on admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the Post-QI group were significantly higher than the Pre-QI group( P<0.05). The incidence of delivery room resuscitation, endotracheal intubation at birth and endotracheal intubation in NICU in the Post-QI group were significantly lower than the Pre-QI group( P<0.05). The application of pulmonary surfactant and mechanical ventilation, the incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and BPD in the Post-QI group were lower than the Pre-QI group ( P<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, Logistic regression analysis showed that DCC ( aOR=0.261,95% CI 0.091~0.718, P=0.023), nCPAP ( aOR=0.284,95% CI 0.123~0.667, P=0.015), MIST ( aOR=0.276,95% CI 0.114~0.627, P=0.011) were protective factors of BPD, and MV ( aOR=2.023,95% CI 1.048~3.918, P=0.036) was risk factor of BPD. Conclusions:The QI program consisting of DCC, early nCPAP and MIST for VPIs can reduce the incidence of BPD.

Periarticular fracture of the shoulder is a common type of fractures in the elderly. Postoperative adverse events such as internal fixation failure, humeral head ischemic necrosis and upper limb dysfunction occur frequently, which seriously endangers the exercise and health of the elderly. Compared with the fracture with normal bone mass, the osteoporotic periarticular fracture of the shoulder is complicated with slow healing and poor rehabilitation, so the clinical management becomes more difficult. At present, there is no targeted guideline or consensus for this type of fracture in China. In such context, experts from Youth Osteoporosis Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Orthopedic Expert Committee of Geriatrics Branch of Chinese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Osteoporosis Group of Youth Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and Osteoporosis Committee of Shanghai Association of Chinese Integrative Medicine developed the Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic periarticular fracture of the shoulder in the elderly ( version 2023). Nine recommendations were put forward from the aspects of diagnosis, treatment strategies and rehabilitation of osteoporotic periarticular fracture of the shoulder, hoping to promote the standardized, systematic and personalized diagnosis and treatment concept and improve functional outcomes and quality of life in elderly patients with osteoporotic periarticular fracture of the shoulder.

Objective:To explore the effectiveness and safety of robot-aided percutaneous anterior column screw combined with posterior plate fixtation treatment for transverse acetabular fractures with posterior wall.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 13 patients with transverse acetabular fractures and posterior wall fractures treated by robot-aided percutaneous anterior column screws combined with posterior plate in Tianjin Hospital from May 2016 to May 2021. There were 9 males and 4 females, aged 49.1±8.5 years (range, 25-65 years), 9 cases of vehicle accidents, 2 cases of falling injuries, 2 cases of impact injuries, 7 cases of combined posterior hip dislocations, and 1 case of sciatic nerve injury. Apply Kocher-Langenbeck approach for reduction and fixation of the posterior wall and the posterior column and indirect reduction of the anterior column. Use robot navigation for percutaneous anterior column screw fixation, and record the time of inserting anterior column screws, incision length, and complications. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated using Matta imaging, and the degree of ectopic ossification was evaluated using Brooker classification. The Matta modified Postel Merle D'Aobigne score was used to evaluate the function at 3, 6 months after surgery and at the last follow-up.Results:All 13 patients successfully completed the surgery. The insertion time of the anterior column screw was 19.4±4.0 min (range, 17-23 min), and the incision length was 8.0±1.4 mm (range, 6-10 mm). Postoperative imaging examination showed that all anterior column screws were located within the bone canal, with a screw length of 108.3±11.2 mm (range, 90-130 mm), and no complications such as nerve or vascular injury or incision infection occurred. All 13 patients were followed up for a period of 12-36 months, with an average of 18.6 months; All fractures healed, with a healing time of 2-6 months, average 3.4 months. According to the Matta imaging evaluation method, 11 of 13 patients had anatomical reduction of fractures, and 2 were evaluated as incomplete reduction due to a 1-2 mm gap in the anterior column. The anatomical reduction rate was 84%. At postoperative 3, 6 months and the last follow-up, the modified Postel Merle D'Aobigne scores were 13.4±1.1, 15.8±1.5, and 17.0±1.7, respectively, with statistically significant differences ( F=7.78, P=0.007). The difference between the last follow-up and postoperative 3 months was statistically significant ( P=0.002), and there was no statistically significant difference compared to postoperative 6 months ( P=0.222). At the last follow-up, 8 cases were excellent, 4 cases were good, and 1 case was fair, with an excellent and good rate of 92%. There was no occurrence of ectopic ossification, traumatic arthritis, or necrosis of the femoral head. Conclusion:Robot-aided percutaneous anterior column screw combined with posterior plate treatment for transverse acetabular fractures with posterior wall is safe and effective, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

BACKGROUND: LY01005 (Goserelin acetate sustained-release microsphere injection) is a modified gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist injected monthly. This phase III trial study aimed to evaluated the efficacy and safety of LY01005 in Chinese patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled, open-label, non-inferiority trial across 49 sites in China. This study included 290 patients with prostate cancer who received either LY01005 or goserelin implants every 28 days for three injections. The primary efficacy endpoints were the percentage of patients with testosterone suppression ≤50 ng/dL at day 29 and the cumulative probability of testosterone ≤50 ng/dL from day 29 to 85. Non-inferiority was prespecified at a margin of -10%. Secondary endpoints included significant castration (≤20 ng/dL), testosterone surge within 72 h following repeated dosing, and changes in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prostate specific antigen levels. RESULTS: On day 29, in the LY01005 and goserelin implant groups, testosterone concentrations fell below medical-castration levels in 99.3% (142/143) and 100% (140/140) of patients, respectively, with a difference of -0.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.9% to 2.0%) between the two groups. The cumulative probabilities of maintaining castration from days 29 to 85 were 99.3% and 97.8%, respectively, with a between-group difference of 1.5% (95% CI, -1.3% to 4.4%). Both results met the criterion for non-inferiority. Secondary endpoints were similar between groups. Both treatments were well-tolerated. LY01005 was associated with fewer injection-site reactions than the goserelin implant (0% vs . 1.4% [2/145]). CONCLUSION: LY01005 is as effective as goserelin implants in reducing testosterone to castration levels, with a similar safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04563936.
Humans ; Male ; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/therapeutic use* ; East Asian People ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/agonists* ; Goserelin/therapeutic use* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Testosterone

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV)-arterial uncoupling is a powerful independent predictor of prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Coronary artery disease (CAD) can contribute to the pathophysiological characteristics of HFpEF. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of RV-arterial uncoupling in acute HFpEF patients with CAD. METHODS: This prospective study included 250 consecutive acute HFpEF patients with CAD. Patients were divided into RV-arterial uncoupling and coupling groups by the optimal cutoff value, based on a receiver operating characteristic curve of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, recurrent ischemic events, and HF hospitalizations. RESULTS: TAPSE/PASP ≤0.43 provided good accuracy in identifying patients with RV-arterial uncoupling (area under the curve, 0.731; sensitivity, 61.4%; and specificity, 76.6%). Of the 250 patients, 150 and 100 patients could be grouped into the RV-arterial coupling (TAPSE/PASP >0.43) and uncoupling (TAPSE/PASP ≤0.43) groups, respectively. Revascularization strategies were slightly different between groups; the RV-arterial uncoupling group had a lower rate of complete revascularization (37.0% [37/100] vs . 52.7% [79/150], P <0.001) and a higher rate of no revascularization (18.0% [18/100] vs . 4.7% [7/150], P <0.001) compared to the RV-arterial coupling group. The cohort with TAPSE/PASP ≤0.43 had a significantly worse prognosis than the cohort with TAPSE/PASP >0.43. Multivariate Cox analysis showed TAPSE/PASP ≤0.43 as an independent associated factor for the primary endpoint, all-cause death, and recurrent HF hospitalization (hazard ratios [HR]: 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-3.39, P <0.001; HR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.30-8.47, P = 0.012; and HR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.10-3.37, P = 0.021, respectively), but not for recurrent ischemic events (HR: 1.48, 95% CI: 0.75-2.90, P = 0.257). CONCLUSION RV-arterial uncoupling, based on TAPSE/PASP, is independently associated with adverse outcomes in acute HFpEF patients with CAD.
Humans ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Stroke Volume/physiology* ; Echocardiography, Doppler/adverse effects* ; Coronary Artery Disease/complications* ; Heart Failure ; Pulmonary Artery/diagnostic imaging* ; Ventricular Function, Right/physiology* ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right