Objective:To explore the influencing factors for pathological upgrading in prostate cancer patients with a Gleason score of 3 + 3 undergoing targeted biopsy，and to establish a nomogram prediction model.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 191 patients with localized prostate cancer diagnosed with a Gleason score of 3 + 3 through targeted biopsies at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to June 2024. The age of the patients was 67（61，73）years，with prostate-specific antigen（PSA）level of 7.44（5.53，10.19）ng/ml，prostate volume of 35.64（26.59，48.97）ml，and PSA density（PSAD）of 0.20（0.14，0.31）ng/ml 2. Among them，61 cases（31.94%）had a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System（PI-RADS）score of 3，104 cases（54.45%）had a score of 4，and 26 cases（13.61%）had a score of 5. The diameter of the main lesion was 10.75（7.86，14.00）mm. The lesions were located in the peripheral zone in 78 cases（40.84%），the transition zone in 99 cases（51.83%），and the anterior fibromuscular stroma in 14 cases（7.33%）. The lesions were found at the apex in 56 cases（29.32%），in the body in 120 cases（62.83%），and at the base in 15 cases（7.85%）. MRI revealed only one lesion with a PI-RADS score ≥ 3 in 131 cases，two suspected lesions in 43 cases，three suspected lesions in 12 cases，and four suspected lesions in 5 cases. Systematic biopsy was positive in 121 cases（63.4%）and negative in 70 cases（36.6%）. The lesions were confined to the left lobe in 63 cases（32.98%），right lobe in 68 cases（35.60%），and involved both lobes in 60 cases（31.41%）. The interval between biopsy and surgery was 9.0（7.0，14.0）days. Univariate analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U tests or χ2 tests，and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of pathological upgrading. A nomogram model was constructed based on these independent predictors. The model’s discriminative ability was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curve（AUC），and internal validation of the model’s consistency was conducted using the bootstrap resampling method. Decision curve analysis（DCA）was performed to assess clinical utility. Results:Among the 191 cases，60（31.4%）had no pathological upgrading after surgery，while 131（68.6%）showed upgrading. Univariate analysis showed that the maximum diameter of the main lesion［9.0（6.0，13.2）mm vs. 11.0（8.4，14.0）mm］，number of suspicious lesions on MRI［1.0（1.0，1.0）vs. 1.0（1.0，2.0）］，number of positive systematic biopsy cores［1.0（0，2.0）vs. 1.0（0，3.0）］，percentage of positive systematic biopsy cores［0.08（0，0.17）vs. 0.12（0，0.25）］，number of positive targeted biopsy cores［2.0（1.0，3.0）vs. 3.0（1.0，4.0）］，percentage of positive targeted biopsy cores［0.37（0.24，0.75）vs. 0.50（0.38，0.85）］，level of the index lesion，location of the index lesion，and PI-RADS score were associated with pathological upgrading（ P < 0.05）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PI-RADS score 4（ OR = 5.88，95% CI 2.41 - 14.35），number of suspicious lesions on MRI（ OR = 4.15，95% CI 1.88 - 9.17），location of the index lesion in the transition zone（ OR = 6.86，95% CI 2.81 - 16.73），and percentage of positive targeted biopsy cores（ OR = 4.37，95% CI 1.38 - 14.90）were independent risk factors for pathological upgrading（ P < 0.05）. The nomogram model constructed using these predictors had an AUC of 0.845. Internal validation using the Bootstrap method yielded an AUC value of 0.812，indicating high predictive accuracy of the model. The calibration curve indicated good calibration. Decision curve analysis showed that the threshold range for net benefit in the model was between 12% - 100%. Conclusions:The PI-RADS score 4，the number of lesions with PI-RADS ≥ 3，the location of the main lesion in the transition zone，and the percentage of positive needles in targeted biopsy are independent risk factors for pathological upgrading from Gleason score 3 + 3. The nomogram model constructed from these factors demonstrates good predictive performance and provides a reference for clinical decision-making.

Objective:To evaluate the risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in schools and the protective effect of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect data on 15 school outbreaks that occurred in Guangdong Province from 2017 to 2021. Baseline information on tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release test (IGRA) was obtained during contact surveys, as well as baseline information such as TPT. The incidence of PTB between 2017 and 2022 was queried using the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Poisson regression analysis was used to compare the incidence risk of PTB in the LTBI population under different TST states at baseline. Current cases, new cases and all cases (the sum of the two) were used as dependent variables. Cox regression models were used to analyze various risk factors affecting the risk of PTB in the LTBI population and evaluate the protective effect of TPT.Results:A total of 6 550 contacts were included in this study, of which 409 received TPT. Within 0-3 months after baseline survey, 119 cases were diagnosed as current cases [19.4‰, 119/(6 550-409)]. A total of 17 221.65 person-years of follow-up were conducted, during which 71 new cases were diagnosed (4.1/1 000 person-years, 71/17 221.65). The incidence density of PTB was 47.7/1 000 person-years, 6.6/1 000 person-years, 1.4/1 000 person-years, and 0.9/1 000 person-years, respectively, in TST strong/IGRA positive, TST moderate positive, TST generally positive, and TST and IGRA negative populations. The difference in PTB incidence density was statistically significant [likelihood ratio test LRT=153.16, P<0.001]. TPT was performed for individuals with strong TST or IGRA positivity, and the protection rate could reach 93% ( HR=0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.23). Conclusion:After the outbreak of the school epidemic, individuals with strong TST/IGRA positivity have a higher risk of developing PTB in the future. Targeted implementation of TPT can achieve better protection effects. In addition, the risk of developing PTB in individuals with moderate TST positivity is also worth noting.

Objective:Committee of Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Surgery(CMICS) conducts an annual summary of minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery procedures performed throughout the country, which includes a comprehensive survey of the total number of minimally invasive procedures by region and the distribution of minimally invasive procedures by hospital. Since CMICS first published the 2018-2019 China Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Surgery Data White Paper in 2020, the report has received great attention from peers within and outside the industry. In this statistical report, CMICS will focus on publishing the data related to minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery in China from 2021 to 2023 for reference and use by industry peers.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of "four-step" aortic valve anatomic repair for bicuspid aortic valve(BAV) with aortic regurgitation(AR).Methods:From August 2021 to November 2024, a total of 298 consecutive patients with BAV-AR underwent aortic valve anatomic repair(AVr) in Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 266 males and 32 females, with age of 39(29.5, 48.5) years. All patients underwent " four-step" three-dimensional anatomic repair of the aortic annulus and leaflets, 129(43.3%) patients via upper mini-sternotomy and 169(56.7%) patients via conventional median sternotomy, with the main steps including: (1) deep dissecting and annuloplasty of the virtual basal ring(VBR); (2) symmetrical repairing of leaflets; (3) replacement or remodeling of the sinus of Valsalva; (4) annuloplasty of the sinotubular junction(STJ). Basal and perioperative data were retrospectively collected, and statistical analysis was performed in conjunction with follow-up data.Results:All patients successfully underwent anatomical repair without transferring to valve replacement during operation. Among them, 43 patients underwent aortic root reimplantation technique(Reimplantation group), while 255 patients underwent modified aortic root sleeve remodeling technique(Sleeve group). The median cardiopulmonary bypass time for the Reimplantation and Sleeve groups were 154(134, 169) minutes and 111(95, 129) minutes, respectively( P<0.05); the median aortic cross-clamp time were 112(100, 131) minutes and 80(67, 94) minutes, respectively( P<0.05). Preoperative TEE showed 35 patients(81.4%) and 229 patients(89.8%) with moderate and severe AR in Reimplantation and Sleeve groups, respectively. Postoperative TEE showed 41 patients(95.3%) with no/trace AR and 2 patients(4.7%) with central mild AR in Reimplantation group, while 212 patients(83.1%) with no/trace AR and 43 patients(16.9%) with central mild AR in Sleeve group. Follow-up was completed in all patients, with a median follow-up of 12.9(4.7, 21.2) months. Echocardiography was obtained in 271 patients(90.9%) at the latest follow-up, including no/trace AR in 167 patients(56.0%), mild AR in 89 patients(29.9%), moderate AR in 14 patients(4.7%), and severe AR in 1 patient(0.3%). Conclusion:Aortic valve anatomic repair by standardized "four-step" approach is safe and reproducible. Satisfied short- and mid-term outcome have obtained in selected BAV-AR patients.

Objective:To summarize the early clinical outcomes of aortic valve replacement(AVR) using the Perceval sutureless aortic valve.Methods:This retrospective study included 50 patients who underwent AVR with the Perceval sutureless prostheses at Beijing Anzhen Hospital between June 2023 and January 2025. Surgical parameters, early clinical outcomes, valve function, and hemodynamic performance were evaluated to summarize clinical effectiveness.Results:The mean age of patients was(63.5±9.1) years, predominantly female(36/50). Severe aortic stenosis was present in 43 cases(86.0%). A preoperative aortic annulus dimension of 20.0(19.0, 21.0) mm measured in both anteroposterior and transverse diameters. Preoperative peak transvalvular gradient was(92.7±31.0)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), with a mean gradient of (58.0±21.2) mmHg. All procedures were successfully completed using the Perceval sutureless prostheses. Isolated AVR was performed in 20 patients(40.0%), with cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times of 75.0(50.5, 99.5) min and 50.5(29.5, 71.5) min, respectively. Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed an immediate reduction in the peak transvalvular gradient to 11.0(8.0, 18.0) mmHg, significantly lower compared to preoperative measurements( P<0.001). Two cases of paravalvular leakage and one case requiring permanent pacemaker implantation were reported postoperatively. All patients completed the 3-month follow-up, with one death during the follow-up period; the remaining patients exhibited normal prosthetic valve function without major adverse cardiovascular events. Significant postoperative reductions were observed in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(45.8 mm vs. 43.2 mm, P=0.003) and left atrial diameter(53.9 mm vs. 44.6 mm, P<0.001) compared with baseline. Conclusion:AVR using the Perceval sutureless prostheses demonstrated safe and effective early clinical outcomes with excellent hemodynamic performance and low incidence of postoperative paravalvular leakage and permanent pacemaker implantation. The sutureless technique represents a viable alternative strategy, particularly advantageous for patients with small aortic annuli or complex surgical conditions, warranting broader clinical adoption.

To address the issue of reduced signal quality of photoplethysmography caused by local fluctuation,an approach called locally orthogonal weighted polynomial fitting(LOWPF)is proposed for signal smoothing.After determining the positions of the fluctuation sequences using the forward-backward difference XOR method,weighted polynomial fitting is applied to these sequences,and the fitted values are used to replace the fluctuation sequences to achieve signal smoothing.By constructing orthogonal basis functions,the condition number of the coefficient matrix is reduced,and the stability of the equation system solution for higher-order fitting is improved.Simulation results demonstrate that the smoothed signal's XOR smoothness of the proposed method surpasses that of the moving average algorithm and the empirical mode decomposition reconstruction algorithm.The smoothing results on 241 sets of measured PPG signals show that LOWPF achieves an efficiency of smoothness of 89.10%,significantly higher than the 78.05%of empirical mode decomposition and the 59.13%of the 5-point moving average algorithm.LOWPF has promising application prospects for smoothing signals with significant local fluctuations.

The main protease （M^pro） of SARS-CoV-2, a pivotal enzyme for viral replication and transcription, has emerged as a critical therapeutic target in antiviral drug discovery due to its high conservation across coronaviruses and low homology with host proteases. Recent advances in M^pro inhibitors were summarized in this review, including peptide-mimetic covalent inhibitors, non-peptide covalent inhibitors, and non-covalent inhibitors. Furthermore, the application of proteolysis targeting chimera （PROTAC） technology in developing M^pro degraders was explored, which provided valuable insights for the development of antiviral drugs.

Sophorae Flavescentis Radix is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in China, and a large amount of pharmaceutical residue generated during its processing and production is discarded as waste, which not only wastes resources but also pollutes the environment. Therefore, elucidating the chemical composition of the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and the differences between the residue and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix itself is of great significance for the comprehensive utilization of the residue. This study, based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technology combined with multivariate statistical methods, provides a thorough characterization, identification, and differential analysis of the overall components of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue. Firstly, 61 compounds in Sophorae Flavescentis Radix were rapidly identified based on their precise molecular weight, fragment ions, and compound abundance, using a self-constructed compound database. Among them, 41 compounds were found in the residue, mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Secondly, through principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), 15 key compounds differentiating Sophorae Flavescentis Radix from its residue were identified. These included highly polar alkaloids, such as oxymatrine and oxysophocarpine, which showed significantly reduced content in the residue, and less polar flavonoids, such as kurarinone and kuraridin, which were more abundant in the residue. In summary, this paper clarifies the overall composition, structure, and content differences between Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue, suggesting that the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix can be used as a raw material for the extraction of its high-activity components, with promising potential for development and application in cosmetics and daily care. This research provides a scientific basis for the future comprehensive utilization of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Sophora/chemistry* ; Flavonoids/chemistry* ; Alkaloids/chemistry*

Following the release of the Technical Requirements on Quality Control and Standard Establishment of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules by the National Medical Products Administration in 2021, Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission has promulgated 296 national drug standards so far, and most provinces have started the work of establishing provincial standards as supplements. The promulgation of standards fostered high-quality development of the industry. Since the implementation of national and provincial standards for more than three years, enterprises have gained deep understanding and hands-on experiences on the characteristics, technical requirements, production process, and quality control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) formula granules. Meanwhile, challenges have emerged restricting the high-quality development of this industry, including how to formulate quality control strategies for medicinal materials and decoction pieces, how to reduce manufacturing costs, and how to improve the pass rate and product stability under high standards. Based on the work experiences from standard management and process research, this article analyzed the distribution of sources, processing methods, dry extract rate ranges, process requirements for volatile oil-containing decoction pieces, control measures of safety indices, characteristics and trends of setting characteristic chromatograms or fingerprints, characteristics and trends of setting content ranges, and main differences between national standards and provincial standards. On the one hand, this article aims to present main characteristics for deeply understanding different indicators in standards and provide basic ideas for establishing quality and process control systems. On the other hand, from the perspective of industrial practice, suggestions are put forward on the important aspects that need to be focused on in the quality and process control of TCM formula granules.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Quality Control ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; China ; Drug Industry/standards*