The purpose of this paper is to explore the decoction and dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions and to provide a reference basis for the clinical use of rhubarb root and rhizome. By collating the relevant classical prescriptions of rhubarb root and rhizome in Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolüe, the relationship between its decoction and dosing methods and the syndrome was analyzed. The decoction of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions can be divided into three categories: simultaneous decoction, decoction later, and other methods (impregnation in Mafei decoction, decoction with water from the well spring first taken in the morning, and pills). If it enters the blood level or wants to slow down, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted at the same time with other drugs. If it enters the qi level and wants to speed up, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted later. If it wants to upwardly move, rhubarb root and rhizome should be immersed in Mafei decoction. If it wants to suppress liver yang, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted with water from the well spring first taken in the morning. If the disease is prolonged, rhubarb root and rhizome should be taken in pill form. The dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome can be divided into five categories: draught, twice, three times, before meals, and unspecified. For acute and serious illnesses with excess of pathogenic qi and adequate vital qi, we choose draught. For gastrointestinal diseases, we choose to take the medicine twice. For achieving a moderate and long-lasting effect, we choose to take the medicine three times. If the disease is located in the lower part of the heart and abdomen, we choose to take it before meals. The use of rhubarb root and rhizome in clinical practice requires the selection of the appropriate decoction and dosing methods according to the location of the disease, the severity of the disease, the patient′s constitution, and the condition after taking the medicine.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize fine particulate matter (PM _2.5)-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emitted from different cooking fumes and their exposure routes and assess their health-associated impact to provide a reference for health risk prevention from PAH exposure across different age and sex groups. METHODS: Sixteen PM _2.5-bound PAHs emitted from 11 cooking styles were analyzed using GC-MS/MS. The health hazards of these PAHs in the Handan City population (stratified by age and sex) were predicted using the incremental lifetime cancer risk ( ILCR) model. The respiratory deposition doses ( RDDs) of the PAHs in children and adults were calculated using the PM _2.5 deposition rates in the upper airway, tracheobronchial, and alveolar regions. RESULTS: The total concentrations of PM _2.5-bound PAHs ranged from 61.10 to 403.80 ng/m ³. Regardless of cooking styles, the ILCR _total values for adults (1.23 × 10 ^-6 to 3.70 × 10 ^-6) and older adults (1.28 × 10 ^-6 to 3.88 × 10 ^-6) exceeded the acceptable limit of 1.00 × 10 ^-6. With increasing age, the ILCR _total value first declined and then increased, varying substantially among the population groups. Cancer risk exhibited particularly high sensitivity to short exposure to barbecue-derived PAHs under equivalent body weights. Furthermore, barbecue, Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and Chinese fast food were associated with higher RDDs for both adults and children. CONCLUSION ILCR _total values exceeded the acceptable limit for both females and males of adults, with all cooking styles showing a potentially high cancer risk. Our findings serve as an important reference for refining regulatory strategies related to catering emissions and mitigating health risks associated with cooking styles.
Humans ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis* ; Cooking/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Adult ; Child ; Middle Aged ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Adolescent ; Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis* ; Young Adult ; Child, Preschool ; Aged ; China ; Inhalation Exposure ; Age Factors ; Sex Factors ; Cities ; Infant

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Objective:To explore the intervention effects of the skill training for parents with autism child (STPAC) on toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Methods:A multicenter non-randomized concurrent controlled study design was conducted. Thirty children with ASD aged 15-30 months, first diagnosed at the Children′s Hospital of Fudan University, the First Hospital of Jilin University, and Chengdu Women′s and Children′s Central Hospital from 2019 to 2020, were enrolled in the STPAC group. Thirty children with ASD who visited the same hospitals during the same period but refused the STPAC intervention were selected as the control group. The STPAC group received an 8-week intervention (3 h/week) followed by quarterly follow-ups for 1 year, while the control group voluntarily chose community-based routine interventions. The Griffiths development scales-Chinese (GDS-C) was used to assess the developmental levels, and the communication and symbolic behavior scales developmental profile infant-toddler checklist (CSBS-DP-ITC) was completed by the primary caregivers to evaluate social, language and symbolic behavior. The independent samples t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, etc.was used for inter-group comparison. The paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, etc. was used for inter-group pre-post intervention comparison. Results:The STPAC group included 30 children (22 males and 8 females, aged (23.9±2.2) months), and the control group included 30 children (20 males and 10 females, aged (24.2±2.6) months). Before the intervention, there were no statistically differences in GDS-C development quotient (DQ) and CSBS-DP-ITC scores between groups (all P>0.05). After 1-year intervention, GDS-C DQ in personal-social, hearing-language, hand-eye coordination, performance domains of STPAC group and GDS-C DQ in personal-social, hearing-language domains of control group were all increased (all P<0.01). After 1-year intervention, CSBS-DP-ITC scores of both groups were all improved in socia, language, symbolic behavior, and total scores (all P<0.001). GDS-C DQ changes before and after 1 year of intervention in hearing-language, hand-eye coordination, performance domains of the STPAC group were all higher the those of control group (34(15, 48 vs. 10(-4, 39), 11±20 vs. -1±19, 23±25 vs. 8±22, all P<0.05). CSBS-DP-ITC scores changes before and after 1 year of intervention in social and total scores of the STPAC group were both higher the those of control group (10(5, 30) vs. 3(1, 7), 26±17 vs. 11±8, both P<0.001). Conclusion:Compared with the community routine interventions, the STPAC better improves the language, hand-eye coordination, visual-spatial, social communication, and play skills in ASD toddlers.

Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.

Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.

Objective:To explore the effects of umbilical moxibustion combined with a multi-component exercise program on perioperative rehabilitation in frail elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures so as to provide evidence-based basis for optimizing clinical rehabilitation nursing pathways.Methods:A quasi-experimental study design was used. Convenience sampling was applied to frail select elderly patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures, who were admitted to Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital from January to October 2024. According to their admission time, the patients were divided into four groups: conventional nursing group, umbilical moxibustion group (conventional nursing+umbilical moxibustion), exercise group (conventional nursing+multicomponent exercise), and combination group (conventional nursing+umbilical moxibustion combined with multicomponent exercise), with 31 patients in each group. All the patients underwent internal fixation with proximal femoral nail antirotation under anesthesia. The umbilical moxibustion protocol focused on Shenque acupoint, combined with liver-kidney-nourishing Chinese herbal powder, with each session lasting 20 minutes. The multi-component exercise program was designed in phases, including resistance, balance, and aerobic training. The Harris hip score (HHS), Tilburg frailty indicator (TFI), falls efficacy scale-international (FES-I), and Chinese version of the short form-36 health survey (SF-36) scores were compared among the four groups preoperatively, at 1 month, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up.Results:A total of 124 elderly patients were involved, including 50 males and 74 females, aged 60-80 years [(71.8±5.0)years]. All the patients were followed up for 6 months. The results of generalized estimating equation showed that the HHS, TFI, FES-I, and SF-36 scores differed significantly in terms of group effect, time effect, and interaction effect among the four groups across all the time points ( P<0.05). Simple effect analysis indicated no significant differences in preoperative HHS, TFI, FES-I, or SF-36 scores among the four groups ( P>0.05). The HHS scores at 1 and 3 months postoperatively were (54.3±5.1)points and (65.7±6.3)points in the umbilical moxibustion group, (61.3±5.3)points and (74.5±6.8)points in the exercise group, and (66.5±5.2)points and (86.3±6.7)points in the combination group, which were all significantly higher than (50.2±4.5)points and (60.7±5.1)points in the conventional nursing group ( P<0.05), with the combination group showing higher scores than the umbilical moxibustion group and exercise group ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the HHS score was (77.3±6.0)points in the conventional nursing group and (77.0±5.9)points in the umbilical moxibustion group ( P>0.05); the score was (83.8±4.7)points in the exercise group and (91.4±3.5)points in the combination group, which were significantly higher than that in the conventional nursing group ( P<0.05), with the combination group showing higher score than those in the umbilical moxibustion group and exercise group ( P<0.05). At 1 month, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, the TFI total scores were 5.0(3.0, 7.0)points, 3.0(1.0, 5.0)points, and 3.0(0.0, 4.0)points in the umbilical moxibustion group, 4.0(1.0, 6.0)points, 2.0(0.0, 5.0)points, and 2.0(0.0, 3.0)points in the exercise group, and 2.0(0.0, 5.0)points, 1.0(0.0, 2.0)points, and 0.0(0.0, 1.0)points in the combination group, which were all significantly lower than those in the conventional nursing group [7.0(5.0, 10.0)points, 7.0(5.0, 9.0)points, and 6.0(5.0, 8.0)points, respectively] ( P<0.05), with the combination group showing lower scores than the umbilical moxibustion group and exercise group ( P<0.05). The physical and social dimension scores of TFI at 1 month, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up were significantly lower in the umbilical moxibustion group, exercise group, and combination group than those in the conventional nursing group ( P<0.05), with the combination group showing the lower scores than those in the umbilical moxibustion group and exercise group ( P<0.05). At 1 month postoperatively, no statistically significant difference was observed among the four groups in the psychological dimension scores of TFI ( P>0.05). At 3 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up, the psychological dimension scores of TFI in the umbilical moxibustion group, exercise group, and combination group were all lower than those in the conventional nursing group ( P<0.05), with the combination group showing the lower scores than those in the umbilical moxibustion group and exercise group ( P<0.05). At 1 month, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, the FES-I scores were (45.3±4.3)points, (40.9±3.9)points, and (33.9±2.8)points, respectively in the umbilical moxibustion group, (38.7±3.8)points, (32.9±3.6)points, and (30.3±2.2)points, respectively in the exercise group, and (34.2±3.6)points, (30.2±2.6)points, and (27.9±1.3)points, respectively in the combination group, which were all significantly lower than those in the conventional nursing group [(50.9±4.9)points, (50.0±4.9)points, and (40.7±4.2)points] ( P<0.05), with the combination group showing lower scores than those in the umbilical moxibustion group and exercise group ( P<0.05). At 1 month, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, the SF-36 physical health scores were (60.6±3.7)points, (76.1±3.5)points, and (78.4±2.6)points, respectively in the umbilical moxibustion group, (57.6±3.7)points, (78.4±3.7)points, and (80.4±3.1)points, respectively in the exercise group, and (65.7±3.1)points, (85.9±2.9)points, and (87.4±2.2)points, respectively in the combination group, which were all significantly higher than those in the conventional nursing group [(47.5±4.6)points, (65.9±4.6)points, and (68.3±4.4)points] ( P<0.05), with the combination group showing higher scores than those in the umbilical moxibustion group and exercise group ( P<0.05). At 1 month, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, the SF-36 mental health scores were (59.7±4.1)points, (74.5±3.6)points, and (76.2±3.0)points, respectively in the umbilical moxibustion group, (59.4±4.6)points, (74.1±3.8)points, and (74.4±3.9)points, respectively in the exercise group, and (66.9±4.1)points, (81.6±3.3)points, and (79.9±3.7)points, respectively in the combination group, which were all significantly higher than those in the conventional nursing group [(52.8±5.2)points, (64.0±4.9)points, and (65.3±5.1)points] ( P<0.05), with the combination group showing higher scores than those in the umbilical moxibustion group and exercise group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:For elderly patients with intertrochanteric femoral fracture combined with frailty, umbilical moxibustion combined with a multi-component exercise program can significantly improve hip function, reduce frailty and fall risk, and enhance quality of life.

Objective:To compare the diagnostic efficacy of 18F-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-42 PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT for bone metastasis in patients with malignant tumors. Methods:From January 2022 to October 2023, the data of 238 patients (160 males, 78 females; age: 58(50, 66) years) with various malignant tumors who underwent both 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University were retrospectively reviewed. An abnormal focal radioactive uptake in bones on the PET images was considered as positive lesion for bone metastasis. The efficacy of 2imaging methods and the supplementary role of CT in the diagnosis of bone metastasis were evaluated by McNemar test. Results:Of 238 patients, 95 were with bone metastases and 143 were without bone metastases, including 436 lesions with bone metastases and 358 lesions without bone metastases. Based on the visual analysis, 18F-FAPI-42 PET showed a higher diagnostic sensitivity than 18F-FDG PET (98.4%(429/436) vs 86.5%(377/436); χ2=41.95, P<0.001), while 18F-FDG PET had a higher diagnostic specificity than 18F-FAPI-42 PET (83.2%(298/358) vs 70.4%(252/358); χ2=22.50, P<0.001), and the accuracies of both methods were similar (85.8%(681/794) vs 85.0%(675/794); χ2=0.16, P=0.685). However, when the positive lesions seen in PET were analyzed combined with the image features on CT by the same scanner, the diagnostic specificity of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT was significantly improved compared to that of 18F-FAPI-42 PET alone (91.3%(327/358) vs 70.4%(252/358); χ2=73.01, P<0.001), and was similar to 18F-FDG PET/CT (93.0%(333/358); χ2=0.78, P=0.377). Meanwhile, this combined analysis brought a higher sensitivity and accuracy of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT than 18F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing bone metastases (sensitivity: 98.4%(429/436) vs 86.5%(377/436); χ2=41.95, P<0.001; accuracy: 95.2%(756/794) vs 89.4%(710/794); χ2=21.54, P<0.001). Conclusions:The diagnostic sensitivity of 18F-FAPI-42 PET for bone metastasis is superior to 18F-FDG PET, but the specificity is lower. However, when CT features is combined for analysis, the diagnostic specificity of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT is significantly improved, which thus can be used to diagnose bone metastasis accurately and is superior to 18F-FDG PET/CT.