Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the retroauricular transmeatal approach in the treatment of condylar head and neck fractures, and to provide a reference for clinical practice. Methods: This study has been reviewed and approved by the institutional medical ethics committee and has obtained informed consent from the patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with condylar head and neck fractures treated via the retroauricular transmeatal approach between March and October 2024. Postoperative follow-up was performed for at least 3 months, including clinical and radiographical evaluations. The assessed parameters included facial nerve function, temporal region numbness, hematoma, infection, salivary fistula, mouth opening, malocclusion, mandibular movement function, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and clicking, external auditory canal (EAC) stenosis, hearing function impairment, surgical scar concealment, postoperative reduction and fixation outcomes. Results: A total of 16 patients with condylar fractures were treated via the retroauricular transmeatal approach, including 10 unilateral and 6 bilateral cases. Specifically, 18 sides were condylar head fractures, and 4 sides were condylar neck fractures. All patients achieved a House-Brackmann Grade I, indicating normal facial nerve function postoperatively. On postoperative day 1, 3 sides experienced temporal numbness in the temporal region on the surgical side, with spontaneous resolution in all cases. All patients recovered after surgery without hematoma, infection, or salivary fistula. Limited mouth opening was improved (14 cases with restricted mouth opening preoperatively vs. 3 cases postoperatively). No malocclusion occurred in any patient. All patients achieved satisfactory recovery of postoperative mandibular movement function, manifested as restored range of motion without pain. No TMJ clicking was observed within 3 months after surgery. One keloid-prone patient developed progressive EAC stenosis (2 mm lumen constriction) accompanied by conductive hearing impairment, which recovered after dilation therapy. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes. Radiographically parametric assessment demonstrated satisfactory fracture reduction and fixation; with no loosening of titanium plates or screws. Conclusion The retroauricular transmeatal approach effectively reduces the risk of facial nerve injury and salivary fistulas formation with providing concealed scarring and high patient satisfaction. However, caution should be exercised regarding EAC stenosis, especially for keloid-prone patients.

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with different numbers of ports in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search of CNKI, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMbase, Wanfang Data, and the Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database for clinical controlled trials on VATS with different port numbers for spontaneous pneumothorax, from their inception to March 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature and assessed its quality.The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the methodological quality of cohort and case-control studies, and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCT). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. Results A total of 107 studies were included, comprising 35 RCT, 2 cohort studies, and 70 case-control studies. All cohort and case-control studies included in the analysis had NOS scores≥7. The meta-analysis revealed that compared to two-port VATS (2P-VATS) and three-port VATS (3P-VATS), single-port thoracoscopic surgery (SPTS) was associated with less intraoperative blood loss (SMD=–1.58, 95%CI: –1.93 to –1.22, P<0.001; and SMD=–1.59, 95%CI: –2.03 to –1.14, P<0.001, respectively), shorter postoperative hospital stay (SMD=–1.05, 95%CI: –1.29 to –0.82, P<0.001; and SMD=–1.08, 95%CI: –1.39 to –0.77, P<0.001), shorter duration of postoperative chest tube drainage (SMD=–0.75, 95%CI: –1.00 to –0.50, P<0.001; and SMD=–1.23, 95%CI: –1.72 to –0.75, P<0.001), fewer postoperative complications (OR=0.34, 95%CI: 0.26 to 0.45, P<0.001; and OR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.33 to 0.68, P<0.001), and lower pain scores at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery (P<0.05). The operative time for SPTS was shorter than that for 2P-VATS (SMD=–0.53, 95%CI: –0.90 to –0.16, P=0.005) but showed no significant difference compared to 3P-VATS (P=0.21). When comparing 2P-VATS with 3P-VATS, 2P-VATS demonstrated less intraoperative blood loss (SMD=–1.02, 95%CI: –1.81 to –0.22, P=0.01), shorter postoperative hospital stay (SMD=–0.59, 95%CI: –1.11 to –0.06, P=0.03), shorter duration of chest tube drainage (SMD=–0.46, 95%CI: –0.85 to –0.08, P=0.02), fewer postoperative complications (OR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.22 to 0.59, P<0.001), and lower pain scores at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery (P≤0.05). Conclusion Both SPTS and 2P-VATS are effective and safe surgical options for spontaneous pneumothorax, deserving further promotion and application in clinical practice. However, due to limitations in the quantity and quality of the included studies, more large-sample, high-quality research is needed to validate these findings.

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in treating esophageal cancer patients of different genders. Methods Computer searches were conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to collect randomized controlled trial (RCT) on ICIs treatment for esophageal cancer patients from the establishment of the databases to January 25, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted data according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The outcome indicators were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis. The modified Jadad scoring scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature. Results A total of 10 RCT involving 5364 esophageal cancer patients were included in this study, with 2684 patients in the trial group and 2680 patients in the control group. The Jadad scores of the included literature were all ≥6 points, indicating high-quality RCT. Meta-analysis results showed that female esophageal cancer patients receiving ICIs treatment [HR=0.72, 95%CI (0.59, 0.87), P<0.001] had a more significant median OS prolongation than male patients [HR=0.73, 95%CI (0.68, 0.78), P<0.001]; while male patients [HR=0.57, 95%CI (0.52, 0.64), P<0.001] had a more significant PFS prolongation than female patients [HR=0.72, 95%CI (0.55, 0.94), P=0.01]. Female patients treated with ICIs alone [HR=0.66, 95%CI (0.50, 0.87), P=0.003] had a more significant median OS prolongation than male patients [HR=0.79, 95%CI (0.72, 0.87), P<0.001]; while male patients receiving ICIs combined with chemotherapy [HR=0.67, 95%CI (0.61, 0.74), P<0.001] had a more significant median OS prolongation than female patients [HR=0.77, 95%CI (0.59, 1.01), P=0.06]. Conclusion Female patients receiving ICIs have a slight advantage in OS compared to male patients, while male patients have an advantage in PFS. Male patients receiving ICIs combined with chemotherapy have better survival benefits than female patients, while female patients using ICIs monotherapy have better survival benefits than male patients.

Houpo Qiwutang originated from the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber， and it consists of seven medicines： Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex， Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， Cinnamomi Ramulus， Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， and Jujubae Fructus. It is a basic formula for the treatment of abdominal fullness. Through the bibliometric method， the historical history， drug base， preparation and dosage， decoction method， and ancient and modern applications of Houpu Qiwu Tang were analyzed by means of textual research. The research finds that Houpu Qiwu Tang has been passed down through the generations in an orderly manner with fewer changes. The drug base of this formula is basically clear， and the base of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex， Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， Cinnamomi Ramulus， Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， and Jujubae Fructus is consistent with the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The mainstream base of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus is the dried young fruit of Citrus aurantium of Rutaceae family， and the historical mainstream base of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the dried root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis of Leguminosae family. The modern dosage of this formula is 110.40 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex， 41.40 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， 69 g of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， 27.60 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus， 69 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， 41.40 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， and 30 g of Jujubae Fructus. In addition， the decoction method is to add 2 000 mL of water with the above seven flavors of the medicine， boil it to 800 mL， and then take 160 mL in a warm state each time. The amount of the medicine taken for each time is 22.08 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex， 8.28 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， 13.80 g of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， 5.52 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus， 13.80 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， 8.28 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， and 6 g of Jujubae Fructus. The modern application of this formula involves the digestive system， respiratory system， and urinary system. It is more advantageous in digestive system diseases such as early postoperative inflammatory bowel obstruction， functional dyspepsia， gastric pain， functional abdominal distension， and gastric reflux esophagitis. By comprehensively examining the key information of Houpu Qiwu Tang， this paper aims to provide literature support for the development and clinical application of this formula.

Objective To investigate the intervention effect of sacubitril/valsartan(Sac/Val)on doxorubicin-induced heart failure(HF)in rabbits and its regulative effect on the transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)/SMAD family member 3(Smad3)/connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)signaling pathway.Methods Thirty-eight male New Zealand rabbits were subjected,and 8 of them were randomly assigned into a control group.The other 30 rabbits were injected with doxorubicin to establish a rabbit HF model,and finally,there were 6 rabbits in a model group,7 in a valsartan group,and 7 in a Sac/Val group.After 8 weeks of intervention,echocardiography[left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD)],and myocardial histopathologic observation(HE staining,Masson staining)were performed,and collogen volume fraction(CVF)was calculated.The levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),soluble growth stimulation expressed gene 2(sST2),galectin-3(Gal-3)were detected.Activities of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS)and levels of atrial natriuretic peptide,B-type brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)and protein kinase G(PKG)were measured.The expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),typeⅠ collagen,TGF-β1,Smad3,recombinant SMAD family member 7(Smad7)and CTGF in the myocardial tissues were detected.Results Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited significantly lower LVEF and LVFS and decreased expression of Smad7,higher LVEDD and LVESD(P＜0.01).The CVF of each group was(7.15±0.82)％、(43.20±5.09)％、(29.53±4.05)％、(22.48±2.93)％.Valsartan and Sac/Val treatment resulted in obvious increases in LVEF and LVFS,up-regulation of Smad7,decreased in LVEDD,LVESD and CVF,reduced levels of NT-proBNP,sST2,Gal-3,AngⅡ,aldosterone,atrial natriuretic peptide,BNP,cGMP and PKG,and down-regulation of α-SMA,collagen I,TGF-β1,Smad3 and CTGF when compared with the model group(P＜0.01).Sac/Val treatment showed better effects in above indicators than simple valsartan treatment(P＜0.01).Conclusion Sac/Val can reduce myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in doxorubicin-induced HF rabbits,which may be related to the dual inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3/CTGF signaling pathway by upregulating atrial natriuretic peptide and BNP levels and blocking RAAS activation.

Objective:To apply patent metrics to analyze the distribution, development trends, and characteristics of patents related to orthokeratology lenses for assisted wearing, providing a reference for the research and development of such patents.Methods:Patents related to orthokeratology lenses for assisted wearing were retrieved by computer from the China National Intellectual Property Administration database, incopat, Derwent Innovations Index, Free Patents Online, Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle, and IP Australia. The search timeframe was from the establishing of these databases until March 8, 2024. Patent metrics methods, word frequency analysis, and high-frequency word co-occurrence analysis were used for data analysis.Results:A total of 60 relevant patents were selected. The development of orthokeratology lens-assisted wearing patents began relatively late but has shown a strong growth trend, reaching a peak around 2015. Chinese patents accounted for the largest share (91.7%, 55/60) , with Zhejiang Province, Beijing City, Jiangsu Province, Guangdong Province, and Shanghai City having the highest number of patents. The majority of the applicants were enterprises. The research focus in this field is on mechanical assistance patents for lens wearing, with cutting-edge technologies focusing on monitoring the displacement of lenses relative to the pupil and providing timely feedback and guidance.Conclusions:This study, using patent metrics, word frequency analysis, and high-frequency word co-occurrence analysis, provides a reference for patent applications and product development in orthokeratology lens-assisted wearing in nursing.

Objective To investigate the value of adjusting antiplatelet treatment regimens guided by thromboelastography(TEG)in predicting cerebral ischemic events after stent-assisted embolization of intracranial aneurysms.Methods This study retrospectively and consecutively enrolled patients with intracranial aneurysms who underwent stent-assisted coil embolization admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command,from March 2022 to May 2024.Baseline and clinical data of the patients,including gender,age,hypertension,diabetes,dyslipidemia,smoking history,drinking history,and intraoperative use of tirofiban were collected.Antiplatelet therapy(conventional dose aspirin[100 mg once daily]+clopidogrel[75 mg once daily])was initiated immediately after the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm,and TEG was performed 3 days later.According to the platelet inhibition rate in TEG parameters(platelet inhibition rate induced by arachidonic acid[AA]pathway[AA inhibition rate]or adenosine diphosphate[ADP]pathway[ADP inhibition rate],AA inhibition rate ≥ 50％indicated aspirin effectiveness,AA inhibition rate＜50％indicated aspirin resistance;ADP inhibition rate ≥ 30％indicated clopidogrel effectiveness,ADP inhibition rate＜30％indicated clopidogrel resistance),the patients were divided into the control group(TEG test results met the criteria,i.e.,AA inhibition rate ≥ 50％and ADP inhibition rate ≥ 30％),the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group(TEG test results did not meet the criteria but were not adjusted for antiplatelet therapy,i.e.,AA inhibition rate＜50％and/or ADP inhibition rate＜30％,but with complex aneurysm morphology[such as irregular shape,daughter sac formation]or high bleeding risk,continuing conventional dual antiplatelet therapy),and the intensified group(TEG test results did not meet the criteria and the antiplatelet therapy regimen was adjusted,i.e.,AA inhibition rate＜50％and/or ADP inhibition rate＜30％,adjusting the antiplatelet therapy regimen).All patients underwent stent-assisted coil embolization after TEG testing.From 0 to 3 months after the operation,all three groups maintained the above antiplatelet therapy.At 3 months after the operation,routine head MRI,CT and other examinations were performed.If no cerebral ischemic events occurred and the imaging results were satisfactory(good stent position,no aneurysm occlusion residual or slight residual at the neck[neck width of the aneurysm 2mm]),the treatment could be adjusted to single antiplatelet therapy(aspirin 100 mg once daily).If a patient experienced a cerebral ischemic event during the follow-up period,regardless of the stage after the operation,dual antiplatelet therapy(aspirin[100mg once daily]+clopidogrel[75 mg once daily])was immediately restarted or maintained and continued for at least 6 months.The primary endpoint was intraoperative and 6-months postoperative cerebral ischemic events(including DSA-confirmed intraoperative acute thrombosis and infarction foci confirmed by head CT or MRI).Baseline and clinical data of the three groups were compared.All patients were divided into groups with ischemic stroke event and without according to the primary endpoint,univariate Logistic regression analysis was then performed on both groups.Variables with P＜0.1 in the univariate Logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariate Logistic regression analysis to explore the influencing factors of cerebral ischemic events after stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms.Results A total of 499 patients were included,including 178 males and 321 females,with a median age of 59(53,68)years.Among them,there were 341 patients in the control group,42 in the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group,and 116 in the intensified group.There were 47 cases of cerebral ischemic events and 452 cases without cerebral ischemic events.There was a statistically significant difference in the intraoperative use rate of tirofiban across the control group,the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group,and the intensified group(20.2％[69/341]vs.26.2％[11/42]vs.42.2％[49/116],P＜0.01);no statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of age,gender composition,the proportion of patients with hypertension,diabetes,dyslipidemia,smoking history,drinking history,and the incidence of cerebral ischemic events(all P＞0.05).The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension(OR,2.924,95％CI 1.416-6.037,P=0.004)and intraoperative use of tirofiban(OR,3.638,95％CI 1.892-6.996,P＜0.01)were independent risk factors for intraoperative and 6-months postoperative cerebral ischemic events after stent-assisted coil embolization in patients with intracranial aneurysms.In comparison with the control group,the intensified group has reduced the risk of cerebral ischemic events(OR,0.238,95％CI 0.088-0.646,P=0.005),while there was no statistically significant difference between the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group and the control group(OR,0.521,95％CI 0.149-1.826,P=0.308).Conclusions This study demonstrates that adjusting the antiplatelet therapy regimens in patients with intracranial aneurysms who did not meet the platelet inhibition rate based on TEG results can significantly reduce the risk of intraoperative and 6-months postoperative cerebral ischemic events.These finding may require validation through further,large-scaled,prospective studies.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics and determinants of total scores of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and to analyze the factors associated with enlarged perivascular space (EPVS) grading in pilots.Methods:The physical examination data of 72 pilots who were hospitalized and diagnosed with CSVD by MRI in the Air Force Medical Center (General Hospital of Air Force) between 2019 and 2022 was retrospectively analyzed. The pilots were grouped by the total CSVD score (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 points), and the distribution of CSVD imaging biomarkers was compared across groups. The severity of EPVS was classified into 3 levels: none or mild (0-10), moderate (11-20), and severe (>20). The impact of vascular risk factors on the total CSVD score and EPVS grading was analyzed.Results:The results of the total CSVD score showed that there were 19 cases (26.39%) with a score of 0, 43 cases (59.72%) with a score of 1, 10 cases (13.89%) with a score of 2, and 0 case with scores of 3 or 4. Among those who scored 1, there were 2 cases (4.65%) of lacunar infarction (LA), 1 case (2.33%) of moderate to severe white matter hyperintensity (WMH), 2 cases (4.65%) of cerebral microbleed (CMB), and 38 cases (88.37%) of moderate and severe EPVS. Among those who scored 2, there were 7 cases (70.00%) of LA combined with EPVS, 2 cases (20.00%) of CMB combined with EPVS, and 1 case (10.00%) of WMH combined with EPVS. According to the CSVD imaging classification of these pilots, there were 9 cases (12.50%) of LA, 52 cases (72.22%) of WMH, 4 cases (5.60%) of CMB and 61 cases (84.72%) of EPVS. Multiple ordered Logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure ( OR=1.068, 95% CI: 1.016-1.122) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( OR=0.111, 95% CI: 0.015-0.843) made a difference in the total CSVD score. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( OR=0.166, 95% CI: 0.031-0.893) could affect the EPVS grading. Spearman′s correlation analysis showed that the systolic blood pressure level was positively correlated with the total CSVD score ( r=0.299, P=0.011), while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was negatively correlated with the total CSVD score and EPVS grading ( r=-0.313, -0.263, P=0.041, 0.026). Conclusions:The total CSVD score of pilots is at a mild level with EPVS as the leading contributor. The systolic blood pressure and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level are determinants for the total CSVD score, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is a determinant for the EPVS grading of pilots. Blood pressure control and lipid regulation can go a long way towards preventing CSVD in pilots. The total CSVD score is of value for stratified evaluation and individual identification of pilots with CSVD.

Objective:To analyze the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration above and below the vertebral body in pilots with lumbar spondylolysis.Methods:The medical records of 66 pilots who underwent lumbar imaging examinations at the Air Force Medical Center between September 2011 and January 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. The degree of intervertebral disc degeneration was compared between 33 pilots with lumbar spondylolysis and another 33 age-matched pilots without spondylolysis. The spondylolysis group was divided into subgroups with/without spondylolisthesis and unilateral/bilateral subgroups. The degree of disc degeneration above and below the vertebral body was compared between these subgroups using the modified Pfirrmann grading system.Results:The modified Pfirrmann scores of the discs above and below the spondylolytic vertebral body in the spondylolysis group were significantly higher than those at the corresponding segments in the non-spondylolysis group ( Z=-2.39, -4.41, P=0.017,<0.001). In pilots with spondylolysis accompanied by spondylolisthesis, the modified Pfirrmann score of the disc below the slipped vertebral body was significantly higher than that in pilots without spondylolisthesis ( Z=-3.02, P=0.003). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the modified Pfirrmann score of the disc above the slipped vertebral body between pilots with and without spondylolisthesis ( P>0.05). No significant differences were observed in the modified Pfirrmann scores of the discs above and below the vertebral body between pilots with unilateral and bilateral spondylolysis (both P>0.05). Conclusions:Pilots with lumbar spondylolysis exhibit severe intervertebral disc degeneration above and below the affected vertebral body. Spondylolisthesis can continue to exacerbate degeneration in the disc inferior to the affected vertebra.

Objective To use imaging features of pulmonary nodules to predict the risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with cT1-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), providing a reference for clinical decision-making. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging features and postoperative pathological results of cT1 NSCLC patients who underwent surgical treatment at Linyi People’s Hospital from July 2019 to July 2022. Patients were grouped and analyzed according to lymph node metastasis status. Results A total of 1 123 patients were included, comprising 471 males and 652 females, with a median age of 59 (52, 66) years. Comparative analysis revealed that sex, age, nodule location, nodule size on imaging, solid component size, consolidation tumor ratio (CTR), average CT value, and tumor proximity to the pleura all influenced lymph node metastasis. A nomogram was constructed, indicating that the probability of lymph node metastasis in cT1 NSCLC was positively correlated with solid component size, CTR, and average CT value of the pulmonary nodule, and negatively correlated with patient age. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.929. Conclusion For cT1 NSCLC patients, the probability of lymph node metastasis can be predicted by measuring the solid component size, CTR, and average CT value of the pulmonary nodule, in conjunction with patient age. However, relying solely on pulmonary nodule imaging characteristics is insufficient to determine a specific lymph node dissection strategy.