Objective:To investigate the correlation between multifidus muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), fat infiltration index (FI), and the grading of lumbar facet joint degeneration (FJD).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 105 patients with lumbar FJD treated at Sichuan Orthopaedic Hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. Patients were divided into three groups according to the Weishaupt grading system: 37 cases with Weishaupt grade 1 (Mild Group), 44 cases with Weishaupt grade 2 (Moderate Group), and 24 cases with Weishaupt grade 3 (Severe Group). Baseline characteristics [sex, age, body mass index (BMI), treatment duration], pathological features at initial diagnosis [segmental distribution, bone mineral density (BMD) T-score, facet joint asymmetry, endplate morphology, Modic classification, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score], and multifidus muscle MRI findings [multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat infiltration index (FI)] were compared among the three groups. The correlation between lumbar multifidus CSA, FI, and FJD grade was analyzed. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as xˉ± s; comparisons among multiple groups were performed by one-way ANOVA, pairwise comparisons were performed by LSD- t tests. Counting data were expressed as case (%) and compared by χ2 test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between lumbar multifidus MRI parameters and FJD grade. Results:There were no statistically significant differences among the three FJD groups in sex, age, BMI, treatment duration, segmental distribution, BMD T-score, proportion of facet joint asymmetry, endplate morphology, Modic classification, ODI, or JOA score (all P>0.05). At the L4-5 level, the multifidus CSA on the affected side in the severe group was significantly smaller than in the moderate group and mild group [(6.2±1.2) cm2 vs. (7.0±1.1) cm2 vs. (7.8±1.2) cm2], and the CSA in the moderate group was smaller than in the mild group (all P<0.05). At both the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels, the FI on the affected side in the severe group was significantly greater than in the moderate group and mild group [(0.48±0.12) vs. (0.39±0.15) vs. (0.29±0.10) at L4-5; (0.49±0.12) vs. (0.41±0.10) vs. (0.30±0.13) at L5-S1], and the FI in the moderate group was greater than in the mild group (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that at the L4-5 level, multifidus CSA on the affected side was negatively correlated with FJD grade ( r=-0.41, P=0.004). At the L5-S1 level, FI on the affected side was positively correlated with FJD grade ( r=0.58, P<0.001). Conclusion:The CSA and FI of the multifidus muscle on the affected side in the lumbar spine exhibit significant correlations with the severity of FJD grading. Clinically, early functional exercises can be implemented based on the degree of multifidus muscle degeneration observed in patients.

Objective:To examine the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of nuclear receptor NR4A1 in alleviating postoperative ileus (POI) in a rat model.Methods:Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly(random number) divided into four groups ( n=6/group): sham-operated control, POI model, POI model + NR4A1 stimultior (Cytosporone B, 13 mg/kg), and POI model + NR4A1 antagonist (DIM-C-pPhCO2Me, 2 mg/kg). After 24 hours, intestinal tissues and serum were collected for analysis. We assessed: (1) histopathological changes, (2) intestinal motility via propulsion rate, (3) NR4A1 expression by immunohistochemistry, (4) epithelial apoptosis via TUNEL assay, (5) inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-4) by ELISA, (6) tight junction protein (occludin) by Western blot, and (7) p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway activation through combined western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Results:Compared with sham controls, POI model rats showed (all P<0.05): significantly reduced NR4A1 expression, severe mucosal damage, increased inflammatory infiltration, elevated epithelial apoptosis, decreased occludin expression, impaired intestinal motility, upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-4), and activated p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling. NR4A1 activation with Cytosporone B significantly reversed these pathological changes (all P<0.05), while NR4A1 inhibition exacerbated them. Conclusions:NR4A1 activation attenuates POI by suppressing p38MAPK/NF-κB-mediated inflammation and preserving intestinal barrier function, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for postoperative ileus.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between multifidus muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), fat infiltration index (FI), and the grading of lumbar facet joint degeneration (FJD).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 105 patients with lumbar FJD treated at Sichuan Orthopaedic Hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. Patients were divided into three groups according to the Weishaupt grading system: 37 cases with Weishaupt grade 1 (Mild Group), 44 cases with Weishaupt grade 2 (Moderate Group), and 24 cases with Weishaupt grade 3 (Severe Group). Baseline characteristics [sex, age, body mass index (BMI), treatment duration], pathological features at initial diagnosis [segmental distribution, bone mineral density (BMD) T-score, facet joint asymmetry, endplate morphology, Modic classification, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score], and multifidus muscle MRI findings [multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat infiltration index (FI)] were compared among the three groups. The correlation between lumbar multifidus CSA, FI, and FJD grade was analyzed. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as xˉ± s; comparisons among multiple groups were performed by one-way ANOVA, pairwise comparisons were performed by LSD- t tests. Counting data were expressed as case (%) and compared by χ2 test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between lumbar multifidus MRI parameters and FJD grade. Results:There were no statistically significant differences among the three FJD groups in sex, age, BMI, treatment duration, segmental distribution, BMD T-score, proportion of facet joint asymmetry, endplate morphology, Modic classification, ODI, or JOA score (all P>0.05). At the L4-5 level, the multifidus CSA on the affected side in the severe group was significantly smaller than in the moderate group and mild group [(6.2±1.2) cm2 vs. (7.0±1.1) cm2 vs. (7.8±1.2) cm2], and the CSA in the moderate group was smaller than in the mild group (all P<0.05). At both the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels, the FI on the affected side in the severe group was significantly greater than in the moderate group and mild group [(0.48±0.12) vs. (0.39±0.15) vs. (0.29±0.10) at L4-5; (0.49±0.12) vs. (0.41±0.10) vs. (0.30±0.13) at L5-S1], and the FI in the moderate group was greater than in the mild group (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that at the L4-5 level, multifidus CSA on the affected side was negatively correlated with FJD grade ( r=-0.41, P=0.004). At the L5-S1 level, FI on the affected side was positively correlated with FJD grade ( r=0.58, P<0.001). Conclusion:The CSA and FI of the multifidus muscle on the affected side in the lumbar spine exhibit significant correlations with the severity of FJD grading. Clinically, early functional exercises can be implemented based on the degree of multifidus muscle degeneration observed in patients.

Metaphors serve as important linguistic tools in doctor-patient communication,especially in describing and elucidating medical conditions to patients.Metaphors are widely used in doctor-patient communication because they represent complex medical terminology and diagnostic information in a more vivid and comprehensible way,which allows patients to understand and accept what doctors intend to convey.Also,doctors use metaphors to alleviate patients' fear and anxiety,thus enhancing trust and cooperation between them.However,it is noted that some challenges should be considered.In other words,the misuse of metaphors may cause misunderstandings,which could compromise the effectiveness of treatments.In this context,the proper use of metaphors is a significant issue in linguistics and communication studies.The development of philosophy of language not only offers various approaches to account for metaphors but also raises some issues in how doctors and patients understand metaphors.One point relates to the indeterminacy of metaphors,which means a single metaphor could have multiple interpretations.If this occurs,a patient may become confused when a doctor utters a metaphor.Another point involves the presuppositions in metaphors,which emphasize the implicit assumptions or background knowledge that a metaphor relies on for its interpretation.These presuppositions influence how a patient understands a metaphor.If the patient does not share the same presuppositions as the doctor,they may misunderstand what the doctor intends to convey.The aim of this paper is to address the challenges of metaphor use in doctor-patient communication through theoretical analysis,thereby fostering harmonious doctor-patient relationships and improving the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services.

Objective To discuss the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKI)and immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICI)for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A total of 101 patients with unresectable HCC,who were admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Harbin Medical University of China between January 2021 and October 2022 to receive treatment,were enrolled in this study.Of the 101 patients,50 received TACE+TKI+ICI therapy(TACE+TKI+ICI group)and 51 received HAIC+TKI+ICI therapy(HAIC+TKI+ICI group).The overall survival(OS)and the progression-free survival(PFS)were compared between the two groups,and the adverse events were analyzed to assess the safety of the therapeutic scheme.Results The median PFS in the TACE+TKI+ICI group was 12.0 months,which in the HAIC+TKI+ICI group was 11.0 months(P=0.030).The median OS was not achieved in the TACE+TKI+ICI group,which in the HAIC+TKI+ICI group was 14.6 months(P=0.005).The most common adverse effects in the TACE+TKI+ICI group were the elevation of total bilirubin(46.0％)and hepatic function injury(26.0％),which in the HAIC+TKI+ICI group were the decrease of albumin level(62.7％),fatigue(39.2％),and gastrointestinal reactions(31.4％).Conclusion For the treatment of advanced HCC,the therapeutic scheme of TACE+TKI+ICI has a better long-term survival benefits and the therapeutic scheme of HAIC+TKI+ICI can better maintain the liver function reserve of the patients.Neither therapeutic scheme shows any unexpected toxicity,and both therapeutic schemes have high clinical safety.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:543-548)

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and high-frequency ultrasound for synovitis of the hip in children(SHC).Methods A total of 107 children suffering from hip pain were enrolled and underwent MRI and ultrasound examinations.The value of MRI and ultrasound for diagnosing SHC and identifying different types of SHC was analyzed.Results The result consistency between high-frequency ultrasound and clinical diagnosis was higher than that between MRI and clinical diagnosis(Kappa:0.717 vs 0.586).The AUC of the combined detection for diagnosing SHC was greater than that of MRI(0.844 vs 0.812,P<0.05).For the differential diagnosis of different types of SHC,the result consistency between high-frequency ultrasound and clinical diagnosis was higher than that between MRI and clinical diagnosis(Kappa:0.813 vs 0.630).The AUC of high-frequency ultrasound and the combined detection for differentiation between joint swelling type and joint effusion type of SHC was 0.903 and 0.912,higher than 0.815 of MRI(P<0.05).The detection rates of joint space abnormality,joint effusion,joint swelling and joint cartilage changes were 92.45%(49/53),73.91%(17/23),90.70%(39/43),and 77.78%(14/18)when using MRI,and those were 96.23%(51/53),91.30%(21/23),95.35%(41/43),and 88.89%(16/18)when using high-frequency ultrasound.There was no significant difference in the detection rates of pathological changes such as joint space abnormality between the two methods(P>0.05).Conclusion The combined detection of MRI and high-frequency ultrasound has high diagnostic value for SHC.

Intestinal fibrosis in Crohn′s disease (CD) presents a significant clinical challenge, imposing a substantial burden on patients, their families and society. This article explores the histopathological and pathophysiological changes associated with intestinal fibrosis, providing a detailed summary of the related phenomena and processes. Additionally, we discuss the methods for detecting and assessing intestinal fibrosis, including radiological examinations, histopathological investigations, and the application of serum biomarkers. Finally, we delve into the therapeutic strategies for intestinal fibrosis in CD and the challenges faced in this realm, offering vital insights for further research and treatment of the disease.

Intestinal fibrosis in Crohn′s disease (CD) presents a significant clinical challenge, imposing a substantial burden on patients, their families and society. This article explores the histopathological and pathophysiological changes associated with intestinal fibrosis, providing a detailed summary of the related phenomena and processes. Additionally, we discuss the methods for detecting and assessing intestinal fibrosis, including radiological examinations, histopathological investigations, and the application of serum biomarkers. Finally, we delve into the therapeutic strategies for intestinal fibrosis in CD and the challenges faced in this realm, offering vital insights for further research and treatment of the disease.

AIM:To analyze and screen the risk factors for acute kidney injury(AKI)following heart transplantation(HT),and to establish a dynamic no-mograms prediction model to forecast early AKI af-ter HT.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was con-ducted on clinical data from HT recipients at Nan-jing First Hospital from October 2012 to June 2024.Patients were divided into AKI and non-AKI groups based on AKI occurrence within 7 days post-sur-gery,with a 8:2 ratio for training and testing sets.Lasso regression and multivariable logistic regres-sion were used to select influencing factors.A dy-namic nomogram model was visualized using R.In-ternal validation was performed using 1 000 boot-strap samples.Model accuracy and discrimination were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC-ROC),calibra-tion curves,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.The nomogram model was compared with the Cleveland score.RESULTS:The results of a multivariable logistic regression indicate that a his-tory of atrial fibrillation(OR=9.647,95％CI=1.961-47.470),vasoactive inotropic score(OR=1.094,95％CI=1.012-1.183),intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells or plasma(OR=10.200,95％CI=1.727-60.238),postoperative central venous pressure(OR=1.548,95％CI=1.186-2.021),and postoperative use of vancomycin(OR=25.082,95％CI=2.122-296.417)are independent risk factors for HT-AKI.The dynamic nomogram model achieved an AUC of 0.842(95％CI:0.676-0.971)in the test set,with a calibration plot showing a slope close to 1 and a Brier score of 0.173.The Hosmer-Lemeshow good-ness-of-fit test(x2=5.658,P=0.685)suggests good predictive performance of the model.Moreover,this model demonstrates superior discriminative ability compared to the Cleveland score.CONCLU-SION:This study identified preoperative,intraoper-ative,and postoperative risk factors influencing the occurrence of HT-AKI.The developed dynamic no-mogram model accurately identifies high-risk indi-viduals for early HT-AKI and is convenient for clini-cal use.

Objective:To analyze the correlation between the grouping and weighting of two sets of disease combination systems, namely diagnosis-related groups(DRG) and diagnosis-intervention packet(DIP), and to establish a multidimensional analysis and evaluation mode by applying DRG, DIP, and clinical pathway to guide the standardized diagnosis and treatment and management of disease types.Methods:DRG grouping and DIP simulation full enrollment were applied to patients discharged from a tertiary Grade A general hospital in 2019. The correlation analysis between DRG, DIP, and clinical pathway inclusion(entry), correlation analysis between relative weight of DRG group and DIP standard score, and correlation analysis between clinical pathway entry and cost structure of the two disease groups were conducted by using chi-square test, Pearson correlation analysis, t-test, structural change value, degree of structural change, and incremental contribution rate. Results:Among the 130 395 patients, 41 460 cases entered the clinical pathway, 127 535 cases were enrolled in DRG, and 104 227 cases were enrolled in DIP. There was a correlation between the enrollment of DRG, DIP, and clinical pathway( P<0.05), and there was also a correlation between the relative weight of DRG groups and the enrollment of clinical pathway. The relative weight of the DRG disease group was positively correlated with the DIP standard score( r2=0.761 7, P<0.001). There was a significant difference in hospitalization costs between patients with and without clinical pathway access for some diseases( P<0.05), and different cost categories had different impacts on the total costs. Conclusions:The weight assignment and value orientation of DRG and DIP disease types are consistent, and the multi-dimensional fusion evaluation mode for DRG-DIP-clinical pathway is feasible. The correlation analysis of DRG, DIP, and clinical pathways can serve as the basis for disease classification and cost structure evaluation, which could help to carry out hospital′s refined management and optimize disease structure.