BACKGROUND:Cervical disc herniation can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area,as well as radiating pain in the upper limbs.The incidence rate is increasing year by year and tends to affect younger individuals.Fully understanding the biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine in adolescents is of great significance for preventing and delaying the onset of cervical disc herniation in this age group. OBJECTIVE:To reconstruct cervical spine models for both healthy adolescents and adolescent patients with cervical disc herniation utilizing finite element analysis techniques,to analyze the motion range of the C1-T1 cervical vertebrae as well as the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and the cartilage of the small joints. METHODS:A normal adolescent's cervical spine and an adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation were selected in this study.The continuous scan cervical spine CT raw image data were imported into Mimics 21.0 in DICOM format.The C1-T1 vertebrae were reconstructed separately.Subsequently,the established models were imported into the 3-Matic software for disc reconstruction.The perfected models were then imported into Hypermesh software for meshing of the vertebrae,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,and ligaments,creating valid geometric models.After assigning material properties,the final models were imported into ABAQUS software to observe the joint motion range of the C1-C7 cervical vertebrae segments under different conditions,and to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and small joint cartilage of each cervical spine segment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In six different conditions,the joint motion range of the C1 vertebra in the cervical spine models of both normal adolescent and adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation was higher than that of the other vertebrae.Additionally,the joint motion range of each cervical spine segment in normal adolescent was greater than that in adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation.(2)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress values in the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus were found on the left side during C2-3 flexion conditions(0.43 MPa and 0.17 MPa,respectively).In the cervical spine model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress values were found on the left side during C7-T1 flexion conditions(0.54 MPa and 0.18 MPa,respectively).(3)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the upper endplate of C3 during flexion conditions(1.46 MPa).In the model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the lower endplate of C7 during flexion conditions(1.32 MPa).(4)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value in the small joint cartilage was found in the C2-3 left rotation conditions(0.98 MPa).In adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the stress in the small joint cartilage significantly increased under different conditions,especially in C1-2,with the maximum stress found during left flexion(3.50 MPa).(5)It is concluded that compared to normal adolescent,adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation exhibits altered cervical curvature and a decrease in overall joint motion range in the cervical spine.In adolescent with cervical disc herniation,there is a significant increase in stress on the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,and endplates in the C7-T1 segment.The stress on the left articular cartilage of the C1-2 is notable.Abnormal cervical curvature may be the primary factor causing these stress changes.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis is an immune system disease with an unclear etiology. Guided by the yang-reinforcing method， it is believed that the fundamental pathogenesis of pulmonary sarcoidosis lies in the disharmony between water and fire and the reckless movement of the ministerial fire. The failure of the spleen and stomach to maintain warmth， leading to the production of phlegm and blood stasis， is an important pathogenesis. The invasion of external pathogenic toxins， deeply penetrating into the interior， is considered a triggering factor for the disease. The treatment focuses on supplementing the yang， consolidating the kidney， drawing fire back to its source， warming the yang， benefiting the kidney， and nourishing the spleen to generate metal. It also emphasizes unblocking the yang， transforming turbidity， and eliminating phlegm and blood stasis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the contamination status, transmission risk and drug resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) on the object surfaces in the surrounding environment of hospitalized patients infected with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) , so as to provide a scientific guidance for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection. MethodsSamples from the surfaces of objects in the surrounding environment of CRKP infected patients living in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hand specimens from healthcare workers were collected for KP isolation and identification, as well as drug susceptible test in a medical institution located in Minhang District, Shanghai from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the influencing factors associated with KP contamination in the hospital environment. ResultsA total of 546 surface samples were collected from the surrounding environment objects of 15 patients infected with CRKP, with a KP detection rate of 6.59% (36/546).The KP detection rate in the ICU of general ward (10.22%) was higher than that in the ICU of emergency department (2.94%) (χ²=12.142, P<0.001). Moreover, the KP detection rate on the surfaces of patient-contacted items (15.66%) was higher than that on shared-use items (6.25%), cleaning items (10.00%), and medical supplies (3.30%) (χ²=17.943, P<0.001). Besides, the detection rate of KP in items sent out of hospital for disinfection (15.38%) was higher than that in those self-disinfected (4.20%) (χ²=19.996, P<0.001).The highest detection rate of KP was observed in high-temperature washing (15.13%, 18/119) (χ²=21.219, P<0.001), while the lowest detection rate was observed in antibacterial hand sanitizer with trichlorohydroxydiphenyl ether sanitizing factor (0, 0/60) ( χ²=21.219, P<0.001).The detection rate of KP in samples taken more than 24 hours after the last disinfection (23.08%) was higher than that in those taken at 4 to24 hours (12.90%) and less than 4 hours (4.22%) (χ²=23.398,P<0.001).ICU of general ward (OR=4.045, 95%CI: 2.206‒7.416), patient-contacted items (OR=3.113, 95%CI: 1.191‒8.141), and self-disinfection ( OR=0.241, 95%CI:0.144‒0.402) were influencing factors for KP contamination in environmental surface. From 2021 to 2023, the drug resistance rates of hospital environmental KP isolates showed an upward trend (P<0.001) to antibiotics such as ceftazidime and gentamicin. Furthermore, high drug resistance rates of KP (>90%) were observed to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and cefepime. ConclusionCRKP can be transmitted outward through the surfaces of objects in the patients’ surroundings, and the drug resistance situation is severe. In clinical settings, it is necessary to implement isolation measures for CRKP infection patients, to increase the frequency of disinfection for objects in their surroundings, to strengthen hand hygiene practices, and to use antibiotics appropriately.

Decoction is the most commonly used dosage form in the clinical treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). During boiling, the violent movement of various active ingredients in TCM creates molecular forces such as hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic interactions, which results in the formation of self-assembled aggregates in decoction (SADs), including particles, gels, fibers, etc. It was found that SADs widely existed in decoction with biological activities superior to both effective monomers and their physical mixtures, providing a new idea to reveal the pharmacodynamic material basis of Chinese herbal medicine from the perspective of component interactions-phase structure. Recently, SADs have become a novel focus of research in TCM. This paper reviewed their relevant studies in recent years and found some issues to be concerned in the research, such as the polydispersity of decoction system, instability of active ingredient interactions during boiling, uncertainty of the aggregates self-assembly rules, and stability, purity, yield of the products. In this regard, some solutions and new ideas were presented for the integrated development and clinical application of SADs.

Humans ; Aged ; Lung Diseases ; Pneumonia/drug therapy* ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy* ; Administration, Inhalation ; Community-Acquired Infections/drug therapy*

Objective To observe the application effect of intra-arterial tirofiban during mechanical thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation cerebral infarction.Methods The clinical data of patients with acute anterior circulation cerebral infarction were retrospectively analyzed.According to cohort method,they were divided into control group and treatment group.The control group was treated with mechanical thrombectomy,while the treatment group was additionally given intra-arterial therapy with tirofiban 0.25-0.5 mg on the basis of the control group.The perioperative indicators(surgical time,number of thrombectomy,vascular recanalization time,vascular recanalization rate),National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score before treatment and at 24 hours and 7 days after treatment,platelet indicators[mean platelet distribution width(PDW),mean platelet volume(MPV),plateletcrit(PCT)],hemorheological indicators[plasma viscosity(PV),low whole blood viscosity(LWBV),high whole blood viscosity(HWBV)],serum indicators[high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)]and clinical efficacy were compared,and the safety of the treatment regimen was assessed.Results There were 92 patients were finally included in this study,including 49 cases in control group and 43 cases in treatment group.The effective rates in treatment group and control group were 75.51％(37 cases/49 cases)and 93.02％(40 cases/43 cases),with significant difference(P＜0.05).The surgical times in treatment group and control group were(93.53±9.86)and(91.59±8.36)min;the vascular recanalization times were(78.46±9.69)and(77.40±10.32)min;the vascular recanalization rates were 93.02％and 83.67％;the NIHSS scores were(10.32±2.90)and(9.59±2.84)points at 24 hours after treatment,all with no significant difference(all P＞0.05).At 7 days after treatment,the NIHSS scores in treatment group and control group were(3.34±1.25)and(4.12±1.48)points;the PDW values were(12.58±1.81)％and(14.15±1.95)％;MPV values were(9.16±1.24)and(11.26±1.86)fL;PCT levels were(0.33±0.05)％and(0.29±0.04)％;PV values were(1.64±0.27)and(1.99±0.24)mPa·s-1;LWBV values were(4.16±0.48)and(5.01±0.49)mPa·s-1;HWBV values were(8.12±0.54)and(9.27±0.68)mPa·s-1;serum hs-CRP levels were(3.57±0.45)and(4.48±0.83)mg·L-1;TNF-α levels were(20.42±4.55)and(27.34±4.95)ng·L-1;VEGF levels were(738.80±52.41)and(664.72±41.68)ng·L-1,all with significant difference(all P＜0.05).Incidence rates of adverse drug reactions in treatment group and control group were 8.16％(4 cases/49 cases)and 4.65％(2 cases/43 cases)respectively,with no significant difference(P＞0.05).Conclusion Intra-arterial tirofiban therapy during thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation cerebral infarction has good neurological function and prognosis,and it may be related to the improvement of platelet function and cerebral tissue blood flow and relief of inflammatory response.

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has a promising future in the treatment of ocular diseases due to its high efficiency, specificity, and low toxicity in inhibiting the expression of target genes and proteins. However, due to the unique anatomical structure of the eye and various barriers, delivering nucleic acids to the retina remains a significant challenge. In this study, we rationally design PACD, an A-B-C type non-viral vector copolymer composed of a hydrophilic PEG block (A), a siRNA binding block (B) and a pH-responsive block (C). PACDs can self-assemble into nanosized polymeric micelles that compact siRNAs into polyplexes through simple mixing. By evaluating its pH-responsive activity, gene silencing efficiency in retinal cells, intraocular distribution, and anti-angiogenesis therapy in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, we demonstrate the efficiency and safety of PACD in delivering siRNA in the retina. We are surprised to discover that, the PACD/siRNA polyplexes exhibit remarkable intracellular endosomal escape efficiency, excellent gene silencing, and inhibit retinal angiogenesis. Our study provides design guidance for developing efficient nonviral ocular nucleic acid delivery systems.

ObjectiveTo analyze the incidence， recovery rate and associated factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） among residents aged 65 years old and above in Xinqiao Community of Songjiang， Shanghai， and to provide basic data for further efficient community management. MethodsData of annual geriatric physical examination program for residents aged 65 and above were collected in Xinqiao Community， Songjiang from 2016 to 2022. Those residents who participated twice or more were included in this analysis. Data were collated into longitudinal form. For each participant， data of the first physical examination was used as baseline， and each subsequent examination was taken as follow-up. Incidence and recovery rate of NAFLD were calculated. Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore the associated factors and their changes with the onset and recovery of NAFLD. ResultsDuring the study period， a total of 11 983 residents participated in physical examinations， of which 8 644 participated twice or more， and 8 154 had no history of excessive alcohol consumption. B-ultrasound showed that there were 5 267 residents without NAFLD and 2 887 with NAFLD at baseline. After a median follow-up of 3.3 years， the incidence density of NAFLD in this population was estimated to be 11.5 per 100 person-years， and the recovery density was 23.4 per 100 person-years. The incidence density of NAFLD was negatively associated with age， and positively associated with baseline BMI， abdominal obesity， high fasting blood glucose， and high triglycerides. The recovery density was negatively associated with baseline BMI and abdominal obesity. Compared with those with normal BMI at both baseline and follow-up， those with persistent obesity showed the highest risk of NAFLD （males： HR： 3.19， 95%CI： 2.16-4.70； females： HR： 3.34， 95%CI： 2.46-4.54） and the lowest potential of recovery （males： HR： 0.58， 95%CI： 0.42-0.82； females： HR： 0.58， 95%CI： 0.44-0.77）. Persistently high triglycerides were also associated with a higher risk of developing the disease. ConclusionResidents aged 65 years old and above in Xinqiao， Shanghai had a higher incidence and recovery rate of NAFLD. Women， being obese and having hyperlipidemia are at a higher risk for the development and persistence of NAFLD.