Objective: To explore the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN), so as to enhance the clinical awareness of this disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of one EPN patient at The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and a literature review was performed on articles published in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed databases from Jan.1, 2015 to Dec.31, 2024. Results: The patient, a 62-year-old male with a 5 years' history of type 2 diabetes, was admitted due to left flank pain for 4 days, with a temperature of 39.4 ℃.Laboratory tests indicated significantly elevated inflammatory markers, decreased platelet count, and abnormal coagulation function.Preoperative blood and urine cultures showed positivity for Escherichia coli.Computed tomography (CT) revealed complete erosion of the left kidney, with gas in the left ureter and surrounding effusion, as well as multiple free gas in the abdominal cavity, bilateral ureteral stones, right renal lower calyx stones.After a multidisciplinary consultation, he underwent emergency phase Ⅰ left pyeloplasty and perirenal drainage with ureteral stenting.After discharge, the patient received maintenance hemodialysis once every two days in the outpatient clinic.One week after-discharge, the patient was readmitted due to polypnea.Following symptomatic management, vital signs stabilized.Approximately 2 months after the first-stage surgery, ureteroscopic stone extraction was successfully performed.One month after the stone extraction procedure, a follow-up CT showed normalization of the left kidney, renal pelvis and calyces, leading to phase Ⅱ laparoscopic left nephrectomy via the abdominal approach, with postoperative pathology indicating renal necrosis.Among 89 EPN patients reported in 35 articles, the median age was 58(24-92) years old；there were 59（66.3%） females and 30（33.7%） males；fever was the most common clinical symptom (60.7%)；73(82.0%) had diabetes, 12 (13.5%) had urinary tract obstruction；55 (61.8%) were infected with Escherichia coli, and 7 (7.9%) were infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae; 13 died due to ineffective treatmen. Conclusion: EPN presents acutely and progresses rapidly, often leading to misdiagnosis due to the lack of specific early symptoms.Abdominal CT is the preferred imaging modality for rapid diagnosis, and proactive interdisciplinary intervention can improve survival rates, reduce the need for nephrectomy, and enhance prognosis.

The influenza A virus (IAV), renowned for its high contagiousness and potential to catalyze global pandemics, poses significant challenges due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Given the critical role of RNA polymerase in IAV replication, it stands out as a promising target for anti-IAV therapies. In this study, we identified a novel C-3-substituted oleanolic acid benzyl amide derivative, A5, as a potent inhibitor of the PA_C-PB1_N polymerase subunit interaction, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.96 ± 0.21 μmol/L. A5 specifically targets the highly conserved PA_C domain and demonstrates remarkable efficacy against both laboratory-adapted and clinically isolated IAV strains, including multidrug-resistant strains, with EC₅₀ values ranging from 0.60 to 1.83 μmol/L. Notably, when combined with oseltamivir, A5 exhibits synergistic effects both in vitro and in vivo. In a murine model, dose-dependent administration of A5 leads to a significant reduction in IAV titers, resulting in a high survival rate among treated mice. Additionally, A5 treatment inhibits virus-induced Toll-like receptor 4 activation, attenuates cytokine responses, and protects against IAV-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages. In summary, A5 emerges as a novel inhibitor with high efficiency and broad-spectrum anti-influenza activity.

Objective:To investigate the association between the metabolic score for visceral fat(METS-VF)and sarcopenia in older adults in China.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted.A total of 1 262 participants aged ≥60 years old who did not diagnose with sarcopenia in 2011 and had complete follow-up data in 2015 were selected from the China health and retirement longitudinal survey(CHARLS). Participants were divided into the low METS-VF group (n=621)and the high METS-VF group (n=641), and then the corrleation between METS-VF and sarcopenia was analyzed.Results:The inverse probability of treatment weighting(IPTW)was used to balance all covariates between the low METS-VF group and high METS-VF group.The results showed that 30 participants in the low METS-VF group and 47 participants in the high METS-VF group were diagnosed with sarcopenia, with prevalence rates of 4.83%(30/621)and 7.33%(47/641), respectively.The difference in the prevalence of sarcopenia between the two groups was statistically significant after IPTW ( χ2=3.934, P=0.048, SMD=0.150). Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for various confounders, high METS-VF was significantly associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in older adults( OR=2.130, 95% CI: 1.294~3.572, P=0.003). Subgroup analyses further indicated that individuals without cardiovascular disease had a relatively higher risk of sarcopenia( P for interaction=0.032). Conclusions:METS-VF is associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in older adults in China, and its predictive and diagnostic value warrants further investigation.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Xinglou Chengqi Decoction combined with Qingxin Xingshen Tongdu Acupuncture in treating cerebral edema after intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH).Methods Eighty-eight patients diagnosed with acute ICH who opted for conservative treatment were enrolled from the Department of Encephalopathy at Chengde Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between October 2023 and July 2024.Patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table,with 44 cases in each group.The control group received conventional treatment,while the observation group received additional treatment with Xinglou Chengqi Decoction combined with Qingxin Xingshen Tongdu Acupuncture,both groups were treated for 4 weeks.After one month,clinical efficacy was evaluated,and the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores,Barthel Index(BI)scores,and volumes of cerebral hematoma and edema were compared before and after treatment.Serum levels of aquaporin-4(AQP4),central nervous system-specific protein(S-100B),high-mobility group box 1(HMGB-1),and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF)were also measured.Safety and adverse events were assessed.Results(1)The total effective rate was 93.18%(41/44)in the observation group versus 77.27%(34/44)in the control group,the clinial efficacy in the observation group was superior to the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores,NIHSS scores,and BI scores of the two groups of patients significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After 7 days and 14 days of treatment,the cerebral haematoma and cerebral oedema volume of patients in the two groups significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the serum AQP4,S-100B,HMGB-1,and GM-CSF levels of patients in the two groups significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).(5)The adverse event rates were 6.82%(3/44)in the observation group and 4.55%(2/44)in the control group,the difference between the incidence rate of adverse reactions in the observation group and that in the control group was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion Xinglou Chengqi Decoction combined with Qingxin Xingshen Tongdu Acupuncture significantly improves serum AQP4,S-100B,HMGB-1,and GM-CSF levels,reduces neurological damage,cerebral hematoma and edema volumes,enhances daily living ability,and demonstrates high safety and efficacy in treating cerebral edema after ICH.

Objective:To analyze the disease burden and changing trend of pancreatic cancer in our country from 1990 to 2021, and predict the incidence and mortality trends of pancreatic cancer from 2022 to 2036.Methods:Utilizing the data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 Study, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and disability-adjusted life rate (DALY) of pancreatic cancer in our country from 1990 to 2021 were evaluated. DALY is calculated by adding the number of years of life lost due to pancreatic cancer to the years of life lost due to disability. The Joinpoint model was used to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC), the age-period-cohort model was applied to control the influence of age, period and birth cohort, and the Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the incidence and mortality trends of pancreatic cancer in our country from 2022 to 2036.Results:Compared with 1990, the data of ASIR, ASMR and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates of pancreatic cancer in our country in 2021 all increased, and the increase in men was more significant than that in women. The peaks of morbidity and mortality in 1990 and 2021 were both occurred in the elderly. The incidence rate, mortality rate and changes of men in all age groups were higher than those of women. The changes in the age-standardized DALY rate were mainly reflected in the male population. The first peaks of the age-standardized DALY rate in 1990 and 2021 both occurred at the age of 70-74, and the second peak of the age-standardized DALY rate in 2021 shifted to the age of 85-89. The peak rate of age-standardized DALY in females is earlier than that in males. The AAPC of ASIR and ASMR for all genders of pancreatic cancer in our country from 1990 to 2021 was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.50-0.94, P<0.001) and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.31-0.82, P<0.001), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. In our country men with pancreatic cancer, ASIR (AAPC=0.89, 95% CI: 0.68-1.10, P<0.001) and ASMR (AAPC=0.71, 95% CI: 0.49-0.93, P<0.001) were compared with ASIR (AAPC=0.48, 95% CI: ) in women. 0.22-0.73, P<0.001) and ASMR (AAPC=0.33, 95% CI: 0.08-0.58, P=0.010) increased rapidly, and the difference was statistically significant. The ASDR of all genders showed an upward trend (AAPC=0.36, 95% CI: 0.18-0.54, P<0.001), and the difference was statistically significant. The incidence rate and mortality rate of all genders are on the rise. When the age of the population is over 60 years old, the incidence and mortality of specific diseases show an upward trend with the delay of the birth cohort. It is expected that from 2022 to 2036, the ASIR and ASMR of both men and women will increase annuallyand eventually double. Conclusion:From 1990 to 2021, the burden of pancreatic cancer in our country has generally shown an increasing trend, and it is expected that the disease burden will further increase in the future.

Objective:To develop a vasectomy intention scale (VIS) and evaluate its reliability and validity for assessing men's intentions toward vasectomy.Methods:Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the VIS was developed through a process that included literature review, panel discussions, expert consultations, and a pilot survey. A total of 264 men seeking vasectomy consultation at the Andrology Center, Department of Urology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between December 2023 and December 2024 were recruited to assess reliability and validity of the VIS.Results:The VIS comprises 11 items across three dimensions: "background" factors, "stance and behavior" factors and "information" factors. The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.739). Correlations between each dimension and the total scale ("background" factors r=0.849, "stance and behavior" factors r=0.744, "information" factors r=0.440) exceeded inter-dimension correlations (ranging from 0.145 to 0.312), confirming robust construct validity. The vasectomy rates among men with different intention levels were 65.7% (92/140) in the high-intention group, 28.9% (33/114) in the moderate-intention group, and 0% (0/11) in the low-intention group, with a statistically significant difference (χ2=43.42, P<0.001). Conclusion:The VIS exhibits strong reliability and validity, serving as a validated instrument for measuring the strength of men's vasectomy intentions.

Objective To explore the risk factors of the stone-free rate after flexible ureteroscopy for lower pole calculi,develop a predictive model based on these identified factors,with subsequent validation and evalua-tion of the established model.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 154 patients with lower pole renal calculi who underwent flexible ureteroscopy(FURS)at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2020 to 2024.Based on postoperative stone clearance status,patients were categorized into a stone-free group and a residual stone group.Univariate analysis was performed to screen potential risk factors,while Pear-son correlation coefficients and variance inflation factor(VIF)were employed to assess multicollinearity,retaining the indicator with the highest area under the curve(AUC).Independent predictors were identified through multi-variate logistic regression analysis,and a nomogram model was constructed.Internal validation was conducd using the bootstrap resampling method.The predictive performance and clinical utility of the model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results Univariate analysis demonstrated that largest stone diameter(LSD),cumulative stone diameter(CSD),stone volume(SV),stone surface area(SA),mean stone density(MSDE),and infundibular pelvic angle(IPA)were significantly associated with stone-free rate(SFR)following flexible ureteroscopy(FURS)for lower pole calculi(all P<0.05).After collinearity diagnostics,LSD(area under the curve[AUC]=0.724)was retained as the optimal stone burden parameter.Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed LSD,MSDE,and IPA as independent predictors of postoperative SFR.The nomogram model exhibited robust predictive performance with an AUC of 0.786(sensitivity:79.6%,specificity:71.0%).Internal validation via 1000 bootstrap resamples yielded an AUC of 0.792,and deci-sion curve analysis(DCA)confirmed clinical utility with net benefit across threshold probabilities of 4%—75%.Conclusions The nomogram model developed in this study,which incorporates both stone characteristics and renal anatomical parameters,demonstrates effective prediction of stone-free rate(SFR)following flexible ureteros-copy for lower pole calyceal stones.With stable predictive performance and high clinical applicability,this model provides a reliable tool for preoperative personalized decision-making in endourological management.

Objective:To develop a vasectomy intention scale (VIS) and evaluate its reliability and validity for assessing men's intentions toward vasectomy.Methods:Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the VIS was developed through a process that included literature review, panel discussions, expert consultations, and a pilot survey. A total of 264 men seeking vasectomy consultation at the Andrology Center, Department of Urology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between December 2023 and December 2024 were recruited to assess reliability and validity of the VIS.Results:The VIS comprises 11 items across three dimensions: "background" factors, "stance and behavior" factors and "information" factors. The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.739). Correlations between each dimension and the total scale ("background" factors r=0.849, "stance and behavior" factors r=0.744, "information" factors r=0.440) exceeded inter-dimension correlations (ranging from 0.145 to 0.312), confirming robust construct validity. The vasectomy rates among men with different intention levels were 65.7% (92/140) in the high-intention group, 28.9% (33/114) in the moderate-intention group, and 0% (0/11) in the low-intention group, with a statistically significant difference (χ2=43.42, P<0.001). Conclusion:The VIS exhibits strong reliability and validity, serving as a validated instrument for measuring the strength of men's vasectomy intentions.

Objective To explore the risk factors of the stone-free rate after flexible ureteroscopy for lower pole calculi,develop a predictive model based on these identified factors,with subsequent validation and evalua-tion of the established model.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 154 patients with lower pole renal calculi who underwent flexible ureteroscopy(FURS)at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2020 to 2024.Based on postoperative stone clearance status,patients were categorized into a stone-free group and a residual stone group.Univariate analysis was performed to screen potential risk factors,while Pear-son correlation coefficients and variance inflation factor(VIF)were employed to assess multicollinearity,retaining the indicator with the highest area under the curve(AUC).Independent predictors were identified through multi-variate logistic regression analysis,and a nomogram model was constructed.Internal validation was conducd using the bootstrap resampling method.The predictive performance and clinical utility of the model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results Univariate analysis demonstrated that largest stone diameter(LSD),cumulative stone diameter(CSD),stone volume(SV),stone surface area(SA),mean stone density(MSDE),and infundibular pelvic angle(IPA)were significantly associated with stone-free rate(SFR)following flexible ureteroscopy(FURS)for lower pole calculi(all P<0.05).After collinearity diagnostics,LSD(area under the curve[AUC]=0.724)was retained as the optimal stone burden parameter.Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed LSD,MSDE,and IPA as independent predictors of postoperative SFR.The nomogram model exhibited robust predictive performance with an AUC of 0.786(sensitivity:79.6%,specificity:71.0%).Internal validation via 1000 bootstrap resamples yielded an AUC of 0.792,and deci-sion curve analysis(DCA)confirmed clinical utility with net benefit across threshold probabilities of 4%—75%.Conclusions The nomogram model developed in this study,which incorporates both stone characteristics and renal anatomical parameters,demonstrates effective prediction of stone-free rate(SFR)following flexible ureteros-copy for lower pole calyceal stones.With stable predictive performance and high clinical applicability,this model provides a reliable tool for preoperative personalized decision-making in endourological management.