Objective To observe the effectiveness and safety of DiaSphere embolized microsphere TACE for treating primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods Totally 188 patients with HCC were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to research group(n=93)and control group(n=95),who underwent TACE with DiaSphere embolized microspheres and Embosphere embolized microspheres,respectively.The incidence of TACE-related adverse events were recorded.The therapeutic efficacy 1 month after the first TACE,also 1 and 3 months after the last TACE,and liver functions 1 month after the first and last TACE were compared between groups.Results In research group,there were 69 cases underwent 1 time TACE,22 cases underwent 2 times and 2 cases underwent 3 times TACE,while in control group,there were 82 cases underwent 1 time and 13 cases underwent 2 times TACE,respectively.No statistical difference of the incidence of adverse events was found between groups(77.42%[72/93]vs.76.84%[73/95],P=1.000).One month after the first TACE,7 cases in research group and 11 cases in control group were lost to follow-up,respectively.One month after the last TACE,12 cases were lost to follow-up in both groups,and 3 months after the last TACE,28 cases were lost to follow-up in both groups.No significant difference of objective response rate nor disease control rate was found between groups at the above time points(all P＞0.05).One month after the first and last TACE,liver function indicators were not different between groups(all P＞0.05).Conclusion Both the short-term efficacy and safety of TACE with DiaSphere embolized microspheres for treating HCC were good.

Objective:To construct a nomogram based on preoperative MRI imaging features for the prediction of muscle-invasive upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma（UTUC）and evaluate its performance.Methods:This retrospective cohort study analyzed the clinical data of 99 UTUC patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 2018 to May 2024. Among them，69（69.7%）were male and 30（30.3%）were female，with a median age of 67.0 years. All patients underwent preoperative MRI and radical nephroureterectomy. According to postoperative pathology，tumors staged ≥ T 2 were assigned to the muscle-invasive group，and those staged ≤ T 1 were assigned to the non-muscle-invasive group. Baseline data，pathological information，and imaging characteristics were collected and compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for muscle-invasive UTUC，and a nomogram was constructed. The diagnostic performance of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curves，calibration curves，and decision curve analysis（DCA）. Results:Among the 99 patients，70（70.7%）were diagnosed with muscle-invasive UTUC，and 29（29.3%）with non-muscle-invasive UTUC. The muscle-invasive group had significantly larger tumor size［4.5（2.8，7.0）cm vs. 3.0（2.3，4.5）cm， P = 0.029］，a higher incidence of multifocal tumors［37.1%（26/70）vs. 3.5%（1/29）， P < 0.001］，patchy tumors［30.0%（21/70）vs. 6.9%（2/29）， P = 0.019］，spiculated tumor margins［52.9%（37/70）vs. 17.2%（5/29）， P = 0.001］，tumor compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat［68.6%（48/70）vs. 10.3%（3/29）， P < 0.001］，high-grade pathology［92.9%（65/70）vs. 75.9%（22/29）， P = 0.043］，lymph node metastasis［28.6%（20/70）vs. 0， P = 0.001］，and lymphovascular invasion［42.9%（30/70）vs. 10.3%（3/29）， P=0.002］. The apparent diffusion coefficient（ADC）values［0.9（0.8，1.1）× 10 -3 mm2/s vs. 1.1（1.0，1.4）× 10 -3 mm2/s， P < 0.001］and normalized ADC（NADC）values［0.8（0.7，1.0）vs. 0.9（0.8，1.1）， P = 0.002］were significantly lower in the muscle-invasive group. Univariate logistic regression identified multifocality，patchy tumor patterns，spiculated tumor margins，tumor compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat，and low NADC values as risk factors for muscle-invasive UTUC（all P < 0.05）. Multivariate analysis revealed multifocality（ OR = 17.903，95% CI 1.650 - 194.253， P = 0.018），tumor compression on renal parenchyma or perirenal / ureteral fat（ OR = 14.690，95% CI 3.069 - 70.323， P < 0.001），and low NADC value（ OR = 0.016，95% CI 0.001 - 0.471， P = 0.017）as independent risk factors. A nomogram was constructed based on these factors. The area under the ROC curve（AUC）of the model was 0.898（95% CI 0.838 - 0.957），with an optimal cutoff value of 0.639. The model showed an accuracy of 83.8%，sensitivity of 81.4%，and specificity of 89.7%. Calibration curves indicated good calibration，and DCA showed that the model provided substantial clinical net benefit. Conclusions:This study constructed a nomogram based on preoperative MRI features，including tumor multifocality，compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat and NADC value，which demonstrates good predictive performances for muscle-invasive UTUC.

Based on the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED) from the meridian-zangfu relationship and the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis, it proposes that dysfunction of the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis is closely related to the occurrence of ED. Among these, brain-heart disharmony is the key pathogenic factor, kidney deficiency and essence depletion constitute an important basis, and essence chamber stasis is a critical mechanism. The treatment approach emphasizes harmonizing the brain and heart, regulating the mind, tonifying the kidney and replenishing qi, unblocking qi and blood to harmonize the essence chamber. The primary acupoints include Baihui (GV20)-Neiguan (PC6)-Shenmen (HT7), Taixi (KI3)-Guanyuan (CV4)-Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Zhongji (CV3)-Dahe (KI12)-Gongsun (SP4), with additional acupoints selected based on syndrome differentiation. This approach aims to restore the clarity of the brain and heart, replenish kidney qi, and unblock the essence chamber, thereby facilitating the restoration of normal functions of the brain, heart, kidney, and essence chamber, and alleviating ED symptoms and improving overall clinical efficacy.
Humans ; Male ; Meridians ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Kidney/physiopathology* ; Brain/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Heart/physiopathology*

Varicocele is a common disease of the male reproductive system, and the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord manifests abnormal dilatation, extension, and circuity, which is a vasculopathy. In this article, we believe that the relevance of the essence chamber collaterals to the spermatic vein in terms of anatomical morphology and physiological function is high and that when pathogenic qi invades the essence chamber, the qi and collaterals of the essence chamber are out of harmony, the fluid collaterals are impassable, and the blood collaterals are obstrcuted, and the essence chamber collaterals are blockaded with several pathological products, and even intermingled phlegm and blood stasis in the blood collaterals and form vascular clusters, resulting in the formation and development of varicocele. Based on this, this article proposes the core treatment principle of healing, harmonizing, activating, and dredging the collaterals, with the basic treatment method of nourishing qi and harmonizing collaterals, activating blood collaterals, and dredging blood stasis to, respectively treat degree Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ varicocele, aiming to prevent the change of the varicocele, dredge the curvature of the varicocele, and dissipate the knots of the varicocele. The proposal of essence chamber collaterals is of great significance to understanding the common law and pathological aspects of the occurrence and development of essence collateral and vascular lesions from the perspective of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

In-depth study of the components of polymyxins is the key to controlling the quality of this class of antibiotics.Similarities and variations of components present significant analytical challenges.A two-dimensional(2D)liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)method was established for screening and comprehensive profiling of compositions of the antibiotic colistimethate sodium(CMS).A high concentration of phosphate buffer mobile phase was used in the first-dimensional LC system to get the components well separated.For efficient and high-accuracy screening of CMS,a targeted method based on a self-constructed high resolution(HR)mass spectrum database of CMS components was established.The database was built based on the commercial MassHunter Personal Compound Database and Library(PCDL)software and its accuracy of the compound matching result was verified with six known components before being applied to genuine sample screening.On this basis,the unknown peaks in the CMS chromatograms were deduced and assigned.The molecular formula,group composition,and origins of a total of 99 compounds,of which the combined area percentage accounted for more than 95％of CMS components,were deduced by this 2D-LC-MS method combined with the MassHunter PCDL.This profiling method was highly efficient and could distinguish hundreds of components within 3 h,providing reliable results for quality control of this kind of complex drugs.

In-depth study of the components of polymyxins is the key to controlling the quality of this class of antibiotics. Similarities and variations of components present significant analytical challenges. A two-dimensional (2D) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometr (LC-MS) method was established for screening and comprehensive profiling of compositions of the antibiotic colistimethate sodium (CMS). A high concentration of phosphate buffer mobile phase was used in the first-dimensional LC system to get the components well separated. For efficient and high-accuracy screening of CMS, a targeted method based on a self-constructed high resolution (HR) mass spectrum database of CMS components was established. The database was built based on the commercial MassHunter Personal Compound Database and Library (PCDL) software and its accuracy of the compound matching result was verified with six known components before being applied to genuine sample screening. On this basis, the unknown peaks in the CMS chromatograms were deduced and assigned. The molecular formula, group composition, and origins of a total of 99 compounds, of which the combined area percentage accounted for more than 95% of CMS components, were deduced by this 2D-LC-MS method combined with the MassHunter PCDL. This profiling method was highly efficient and could distinguish hundreds of components within 3 h, providing reliable results for quality control of this kind of complex drugs.

Objective To observe the effectiveness and safety of DiaSphere embolized microsphere TACE for treating primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods Totally 188 patients with HCC were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to research group(n=93)and control group(n=95),who underwent TACE with DiaSphere embolized microspheres and Embosphere embolized microspheres,respectively.The incidence of TACE-related adverse events were recorded.The therapeutic efficacy 1 month after the first TACE,also 1 and 3 months after the last TACE,and liver functions 1 month after the first and last TACE were compared between groups.Results In research group,there were 69 cases underwent 1 time TACE,22 cases underwent 2 times and 2 cases underwent 3 times TACE,while in control group,there were 82 cases underwent 1 time and 13 cases underwent 2 times TACE,respectively.No statistical difference of the incidence of adverse events was found between groups(77.42%[72/93]vs.76.84%[73/95],P=1.000).One month after the first TACE,7 cases in research group and 11 cases in control group were lost to follow-up,respectively.One month after the last TACE,12 cases were lost to follow-up in both groups,and 3 months after the last TACE,28 cases were lost to follow-up in both groups.No significant difference of objective response rate nor disease control rate was found between groups at the above time points(all P＞0.05).One month after the first and last TACE,liver function indicators were not different between groups(all P＞0.05).Conclusion Both the short-term efficacy and safety of TACE with DiaSphere embolized microspheres for treating HCC were good.

Objective:To construct a nomogram based on preoperative MRI imaging features for the prediction of muscle-invasive upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma（UTUC）and evaluate its performance.Methods:This retrospective cohort study analyzed the clinical data of 99 UTUC patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 2018 to May 2024. Among them，69（69.7%）were male and 30（30.3%）were female，with a median age of 67.0 years. All patients underwent preoperative MRI and radical nephroureterectomy. According to postoperative pathology，tumors staged ≥ T 2 were assigned to the muscle-invasive group，and those staged ≤ T 1 were assigned to the non-muscle-invasive group. Baseline data，pathological information，and imaging characteristics were collected and compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for muscle-invasive UTUC，and a nomogram was constructed. The diagnostic performance of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curves，calibration curves，and decision curve analysis（DCA）. Results:Among the 99 patients，70（70.7%）were diagnosed with muscle-invasive UTUC，and 29（29.3%）with non-muscle-invasive UTUC. The muscle-invasive group had significantly larger tumor size［4.5（2.8，7.0）cm vs. 3.0（2.3，4.5）cm， P = 0.029］，a higher incidence of multifocal tumors［37.1%（26/70）vs. 3.5%（1/29）， P < 0.001］，patchy tumors［30.0%（21/70）vs. 6.9%（2/29）， P = 0.019］，spiculated tumor margins［52.9%（37/70）vs. 17.2%（5/29）， P = 0.001］，tumor compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat［68.6%（48/70）vs. 10.3%（3/29）， P < 0.001］，high-grade pathology［92.9%（65/70）vs. 75.9%（22/29）， P = 0.043］，lymph node metastasis［28.6%（20/70）vs. 0， P = 0.001］，and lymphovascular invasion［42.9%（30/70）vs. 10.3%（3/29）， P=0.002］. The apparent diffusion coefficient（ADC）values［0.9（0.8，1.1）× 10 -3 mm2/s vs. 1.1（1.0，1.4）× 10 -3 mm2/s， P < 0.001］and normalized ADC（NADC）values［0.8（0.7，1.0）vs. 0.9（0.8，1.1）， P = 0.002］were significantly lower in the muscle-invasive group. Univariate logistic regression identified multifocality，patchy tumor patterns，spiculated tumor margins，tumor compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat，and low NADC values as risk factors for muscle-invasive UTUC（all P < 0.05）. Multivariate analysis revealed multifocality（ OR = 17.903，95% CI 1.650 - 194.253， P = 0.018），tumor compression on renal parenchyma or perirenal / ureteral fat（ OR = 14.690，95% CI 3.069 - 70.323， P < 0.001），and low NADC value（ OR = 0.016，95% CI 0.001 - 0.471， P = 0.017）as independent risk factors. A nomogram was constructed based on these factors. The area under the ROC curve（AUC）of the model was 0.898（95% CI 0.838 - 0.957），with an optimal cutoff value of 0.639. The model showed an accuracy of 83.8%，sensitivity of 81.4%，and specificity of 89.7%. Calibration curves indicated good calibration，and DCA showed that the model provided substantial clinical net benefit. Conclusions:This study constructed a nomogram based on preoperative MRI features，including tumor multifocality，compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat and NADC value，which demonstrates good predictive performances for muscle-invasive UTUC.

Male infertility,a common condition in andrology,falls under the category of"no son"in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Unhealthy eating habits and excessive sexual activity,prevalent due to improved living standards,have contributed to the increasing incidence of male infertility.YE Tianshi proposed the theory of"maintaining with the sweet and restoring the body fluids",which emphasizes the importance of ample body fluid for the nourishment of the male essence chamber.Sufficient body fluid is crucial for normal sperm generation.In TCM,the primary pathogenesis of male infertility involves the loss of body fluids and insufficiency of yin essence.Sweet Chinese herbal medicinal is recommended as it nourishes yin,enriches essence,and replenishes male reproductive essence without producing phlegm and dampness.Therefore,when treating male infertility,attention should be given to the use of sweet Chinese herbal medicinal,adhering to the principle of"abundant body fluids nourish kidney yin,and abundant kidney yin supports semen production".Therapies such as purging fire to preserve body fluids with Zengye Decoction,nourishing yin to enrich essence with Guilu Erxian Decoction,benefiting qi to promote fluid production with Buzhong Yiqi Decoction,and warming yang and transporting fluids with Xianfu Shezi Decoction should be considered.Medication and dosage adjustments should be made based on the specific etiology,pathology,and related symptoms to improve the quality of male sperm and enhance the chances of conception.

Objective To compare the accuracy of bedside lung ultrasound in emergency(BLUE)and combined cardiac-lung and additional ultrasound(CLAUS)for diagnosing the causes of acute dyspnea.Methods Totally 1 016 patients with acute dyspnea were retrospectively enrolled and divided into cardiogenic pulmonary edema group(n=268),pneumonia group(n=574),pneumothorax group(n=33),pulmonary embolism group(n=67)and CAD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma/diaphragmatic dysfunction)group(n=74)according to the causes of acute dyspnea.The findings of CLAUS protocol were compared among groups,and the accuracy of BLUE and CLAUS protocol for diagnosing the causes of acute dyspnea were also compared.Results CLAUS showed that B-B and B-C were the most common modes in cardiogenic pulmonary edema group,while A-B/A-C/B-A/B-B/B-C/C-C modes were common in pneumonia group,and A-A mode was the most common in pneumothorax group,pulmonary embolism group and CAD group.Significant differences of the manifestations of pulmonary ultrasound,pleural feature of anterior chest wall,left/right cardiac insufficiency and abnormal inferior vena cava diameter were found among groups(all P＜0.05).The accuracy of BLUE and CLAUS protocol for diagnosing the causes of acute dyspnea was 86.91%(883/1 016)and 94.49%(960/1 016),respectively,the latter was higher than the former(χ2=34.587,P＜0.05).Conclusion CLAUS protocol could be used to effectively diagnose the causes of acute dyspnea,with higher accuracy than BLUE protocol.