Patients with Takayasu arteritis combined with aortic valve disease often have a poor prognosis following surgical valve replacement, frequently encountering complications such as perivalvular leakage, valve detachment, and anastomotic aneurysm. This article presents a high-risk case wherein severe aortic valve insufficiency associated with Takayasu arteritis was successfully managed through transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the transapical approach. The patient had satisfactory valve function with no complications observed during the six-month postoperative follow-up. This case provides a minimally invasive and feasible alternative for the clinical management of such high-risk patients.

Objective To measure the urethral meatus circumference in middle-aged and elderly males to undergo surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and to collect data for developing endoscopic equipment suitable for the male urethra in China. Methods Clinical data were collected from patients (aged ≥50 years) who underwent transurethral resection of prostate in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University during Jan. and Dec. 2024. All patients had the urethral meatus circumference measured with a metal urethral probe before surgery, followed by the use of a F26.5 endoscopic sheath for surgery. The passage of urethral meatus using different types of metal urethral probes were observed. Results For the 183 patients, the types of endoscopic sheath smoothly passing through the urethral meatus were distributed as follows:42 cases (22.95%) with F26 or above, 66 cases (36.07%) with F25-26, 27 cases (14.75%) with F23-24, 26 cases (14.21%) with F21-22, 22 cases (12.02%) with F20 or below, and the smallest was F17 (1 case). Of all patients, 59.02% (108/183) were able to insert the F26.5 endoscopic sheath smoothly into the urethral meatus (≥F25), 28.96% (53/183) required force or urethral dilation before inserting (F21-F24), and 12.02% (22/183) needed to open the urethral meatus before inserting the endoscopic sheath (≤F20). Conclusion When the most common F26.5 endoscopic sheath is used, 40.98% of the patients have the possibility of urethral injury, which is significantly too big for male transurethral surgery. For patients undergoing transurethral BPH surgery, a thinner sheath should be used to reduce the possibility of urethral injury and secondary iatrogenic urethral stricture.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of dexmedetomi-dine and remimazolam on neuropathic pain.Methods A total of 60 SD rats were divided into sham operation group(n=12),spinal nerve ligation(SNL)+NC group(n=12),SNL+DEX group(n=12),SNL+REM group(n=12)and DEX+REM group(n=12).Mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT)was analyzed in each group.The expression level of pain-related protein c-Fos was detected by Western blot.Autophagy was assessed by immunofluorescence analysis.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the expression levels of inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-10(IL-10)]of each group.The expression level of oxidative stress factor in each group was ana-lyzed.The expression levels of NFE2L2/NRF2 pathway related proteins were analyzed by Western blot.Results MWT in the SNL+DEX,SNL+REM and DEX+REM groups was significantly high-er than that in the SNL+NC group(P＜0.05).The expression level of c-Fos protein in the SNL+NC group was significantly higher than that in the SNL+DEX,SNL+REM and DEX+REM groups(P＜0.05).The immunofluorescence intensity of LC3 and NeuN in SNL rats was lower than that in sham operation rats,indicating that autophagy of neurons in SNL rats was damaged.The immunofluorescence intensity of LC3 and NeuN in the SNL+DEX group,SNL+REM group and DEX+REM group were significantly higher than those in the SNL+NC group(P＜0.05).The expression levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 in the SNL+DEX group,SNL+REM group and DEX+REM group were signifi-cantly lower than those in the SNL+NC group(P＜0.05).Glutathione(GSH)and catalase(CAT)levels in the SNL+DEX,SNL+REM and DEX+REM groups were significantly higher than those in the SNL+NC group,while malondialdehyde(MDA)levels were significantly lower(P＜0.05).The expression levels of NFE2L2 protein in the SNL+DEX,SNL+REM and DEX+REM groups were significantly lower than that in the SNL+NC group,with the lowest level observed in the DEX+REM group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine and remimazolam can re-lieve neuropathic pain in SNL rats by inhibiting the expression of NFE2L2/NRF2 pathway-related proteins and decreasing oxidative stress levels.

Objective To explore the anesthesia management experience in the interventional treatment of pediatric congenital heart diseases (CHD) percutaneously guided by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) on a mobile operating platform. Methods From March to July 2023, a total of 13 patients from remote areas underwent interventional treatment for CHD on the mobile operating platform of Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital. Patients who received non-tracheal intubation general anesthesia were retrospectively included. Results Eight children who had difficulty cooperating with the surgery (due to young age, emotional tension, crying) received monitored anesthesia care with local anesthesia supplemented by sedative and analgesic drugs while maintaining spontaneous breathing under the monitoring and management of an anesthesiologist (i.e., non-tracheal intubation general anesthesia). Among them, there were 5 males and 3 females, with an age of (6.95±3.29) years and a body weight of (19.50±6.04) kg. Through transthoracic echocardiography, they were diagnosed with atrial septal defect (6 patients), residual shunt after patent ductus arteriosus ligation (1 patient), and severe pulmonary valve stenosis (1 patient). The surgery proceeded smoothly, with satisfactory anesthesia and surgical effects, complete analgesia, and satisfactory postoperative recovery. There was 1 patient of body movement and 1 patient of respiratory depression during the operation, and both patients completed the surgery successfully after treatment. All children had no serious surgery- and anesthesia-related complications. The anesthesia time was 40.5 (34.5, 47.5) min, the surgery time was 39.0 (33.0, 45.5) min, and the recovery time was 43.0 (28.0, 52.5) min Conclusion Interventional surgery for CHD guided by TTE at a mobile platform is a minimally invasive approach without radiation damage. Non-tracheal intubation general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing can be safely and effectively implemented in children who cannot cooperate.

All four patients were female, with an average age of 28.8 days and an average weight of 3.64 kg. Only case 4 was born prematurely at 34 W+5 and was treated conservatively until 71 days to complete operation. All the others completed primary corrective surgery in the neonatal period, and all survived after operation. Two different surgical techniques were used to repair the aortic-pulmonary window and the aortic origin of the right pulmonary artery, including 1 case using the aortic internal baffle technique and another 3 cases underwent replantation of the right pulmonary artery (1 case was reconstructed in situ, and the other 2 cases were reconstructed by moving the right pulmonary artery in the anterior of aorta). Case 2 who received aortic internal baffle technique underwent two reoperation because of right pulmonary artery stenosis. While, right pulmonary artery of cases 3 and 4 developed well after being reconstructed the right pulmonary artery anterior translocation. After the diagnosis of Berry syndrome through cardiac color ultrasound and CT angiography, a primary surgical radical treatment should be performed as soon as possible at an experienced pediatric cardiac center. Although the surgery is high-risk and complex, it is safe and effective.

Objective To explore the efficacy of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for management of cancer pain and provide reference for its standardized clinical application.Methods and Results Recommendations were formulated based on literature review and expert group discussion,and consensus was reached following expert consultation.The consensus recommendations are comprehensive,covering the entire treatment procedures from preoperative assessment and preparation,surgical operation process,postoperative management and traditional Chinese medicine treatment to individualized treatment planning.The study results showed that the treatment plans combining traditional Chinese with Western medicine effectively alleviated cancer pain,reduced the use of opioid drugs,and significantly improved the quality of life and enhanced immune function of the patients.Postoperative follow-up suggested good treatment tolerance among the patients without serious complications.Conclusion The formulated consensus is comprehensive and can provide reference for clinicians to use DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy.The combined treatment has a high clinical value with a good safety profile for management of cancer pain.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the efficacy of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for management of cancer pain and provide reference for its standardized clinical application. Methods and. RESULTS: Recommendations were formulated based on literature review and expert group discussion, and consensus was reached following expert consultation. The consensus recommendations are comprehensive, covering the entire treatment procedures from preoperative assessment and preparation, surgical operation process, postoperative management and traditional Chinese medicine treatment to individualized treatment planning. The study results showed that the treatment plans combining traditional Chinese with Western medicine effectively alleviated cancer pain, reduced the use of opioid drugs, and significantly improved the quality of life and enhanced immune function of the patients. Postoperative follow-up suggested good treatment tolerance among the patients without serious complications. CONCLUSIONS The formulated consensus is comprehensive and can provide reference for clinicians to use DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy. The combined treatment has a high clinical value with a good safety profile for management of cancer pain.
Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Cancer Pain/therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Pain Management/methods* ; China

In this comprehensive review, we delve into the evolution of drug delivery systems in reproductive medicine with a focus on the emerging role of exosomes, a class of extracellular vesicles. Exosomes offer unique advantages in overcoming these challenges due to their inherent biocompatibility, stability, and ability to facilitate targeted delivery. This review provides a detailed examination of exosome biogenesis and their function in cellular communication, setting the stage for understanding their potential as drug delivery vehicles. We explore the mechanisms through which exosomes can be loaded with small molecule drugs and the benefits they offer over synthetic nanoparticles. The review highlights groundbreaking case studies that illustrate the successful application of exosome-mediated drug delivery in reproductive health, including enhancing fertility treatments, supporting gamete and embryo development, and facilitating maternal-fetal communication. This study aims to provide a precise understanding of how exosomal drug delivery can revolutionize treatments for reproductive health disorders, paving the way for future therapeutic applications. Lastly, we touch upon the promising therapeutic implications of exosomal delivery for proteins and genes, offering a window into future treatments for reproductive health disorders.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of exercise prescription intervention among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), so as to provide the evidence for guiding appropriate physical activity and glycemic control in this population. Methods: In July 2023, T2DM patients managed by two community health service centers in Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, were selected as the study participants and randomly assigned divided into a control group and an intervention group. The control group received routine chronic disease management under the basic public health services, while the intervention group, in addition to receiving the same routine chronic disease management, was provided with exercise prescription to guide their physical activity at baseline (T0), after 3 months of intervention (T1), and after 6 months of intervention (T2). Data on weight-related indicators, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and blood lipid were collected through physical examinations and laboratory tests at T0 and after 12 months of intervention (T3). The differences in indicators between the two groups before and after the intervention were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results: The intervention group consisted of 197 patients, including 99 males, accounting for 50.25%. The median disease duration was 7.10 (interquartile range, 7.80) years, and 113 patients had suboptimal HbA1c levels, accounting for 57.36%. The control group included 196 patients, including 99 females, accounting for 50.51%. The median disease duration was 6.10 (interquartile range, 7.00) years, and 100 patients had suboptimal HbA1c levels, accounting for 51.02%. Before the intervention, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in gender, educational level, disease duration, pharmacological treatment, smoking, alcohol consumption, and HbA1c levels (all P>0.05). In the intervention group, the proportion of participants engaging in aerobic exercise and strength training increased from 78.17% and 8.12% at T0 to 85.79% and 16.24% at T3, respectively (both P<0.05). The results of the generalized estimating equations revealed significant interactions between group and time for waist-to-hip ratio, total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) following the intervention (all P<0.05). A statistically significant difference in waist-to-hip ratio was found between the two groups (P<0.05), with a greater reduction observed in the intervention group compared to the control group. Significant differences in TC and LDL-C levels were noted across different intervention time points (both P<0.05). Specifically, the intervention group demonstrated reductions of 0.35 mmol/L in TC and 0.42 mmol/L in LDL-C from baseline to follow-up (both P<0.05). Conclusion The 12-month exercise prescription intervention can effectively enhance exercise participation and reduce waist-to-hip ratio, TC, and LDL-C levels among patients with T2DM.