Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Tongyuan acupuncture in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis.Methods A total of 126 cases of patients with definitive diagnosis of acute gouty arthritis admitted to the wards and outpatient clinics of Guangzhou Nansha District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2023 to June 2024 were selected as the study subjects.The patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group according to the random number table method,with 63 cases in each group.The control group was given health training and conventional treatment,while the observation group was given Tongyuan acupuncture on the basis of treatment in the control group.Patients in both groups were treated for 14 consecutive days.After two weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes in the clinical symptom scores,the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores of pain,the levels of musculoskeletal ultrasonography(synovial proliferation,blood flow signals,and joint fluid)before and after the treatment were observed in patients of both groups.The changes of blood uric acid(UA),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),and interleukin 1(IL-1)before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.Results(1)The total effective rate was 95.24%(60/63)in the observation group and 84.13%(53/63)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the clinical symptom scores and VAS scores of the patients in the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the serum UA,ESR,and CRP levels of patients in the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the TNF-α and IL-1 levels of patients in the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(5)After treatment,the musculoskeletal ultrasound indicators of the two groups of patients were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Tongyuan acupuncture in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients,reduce the level of patients'blood UA and inflammatory factor.

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of chronic liver failure in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC)before intervention,and to establish and evaluate a nomogram risk prediction model.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted by collecting general data and clinical test data within 24 hours of admission for PHC patients.Univariate analysis and Lasso regression were used for variable selection,followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent influencing factors for CLF before PHC intervention,leading to the establishment of a nomogram risk prediction model.The model was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve,clinical decision curve,and clinical impact curve.Result A total of 353 cases of PHC patients were collected,including 153 cases in the liver failure group and 200 cases in the non-liver failure group,with a prevalence rate of 43.3％.Variables selected by Lasso regression included gastrointestinal bleeding,prothrombin time(PT),albumin(ALB),total bilirubin(TBIL),and gamma glutamyl transferase(GGT).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gastrointestinal bleeding(OR=13.549,95％CI:2.899～63.322,P=0.001),PT(OR=1.599,95％CI:1.282～1.995,P＜0.001),TBIL(OR=1.016,95％CI:1.006～1.025,P=0.002),and GGT(OR=1.002,95％CI:1.000～1.003,P=0.028)were independent risk factors for chronic liver failure prior to PHC intervention,leading to the establishment of a nomogram risk prediction model.The Hosmer Lemeshow test showed that the model had a good fit(x2=6.152,P＞0.05);the area under ROC was 0.902(0.869-0.934),with a sensitivity of 80.4％and a specificity of 87.5％.The calibration curve indicated that the model predicts chronic liver failure prior to PHC intervention with good consistency.Clinical decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve analysis showed that the model has good clinical utility within a certain threshold range.Conclusion Gastrointestinal bleeding,PT ≥16.05s,TBIL≥37.80 mmol/L,and GGT≥ 99.00 U/L are independent risk factors for the occurrence of chronic liver failure before PHC intervention.The established nomogram risk prediction model has certain clinical application value in predicting the risk of chronic liver failure before PHC intervention.

Objective This study aims to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Asher-McDade aesthetic index and clarify its feasibility for the postoperative outcome evaluation of cleft lip in China.Methods The Chinese version of the Asher-McDade aesthetic index was established through translation,back translation,debugging,and pre-survey.Eighty postoperative photographs of patients with cleft lip admitted to the West China Hospital of Stoma-tology,Sichuan University were included.Ten healthcare professionals,including surgeons,nurses,and students,in the department of cleft lip and palate surgery finished the index to test its reliability and validity.Results The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and retest reliability of this index are 0.804 and 0.895,respectively.The item-level content validity in-dex(I-CVI)and scale-level content validity index ave-rage(S-CVI/ave)of the index are 1.000 and 0.95,respec-tively.For this index,the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin(KMO)test score is 0.706,the χ2 value of Bartlett's test for the consistency of the index is 962.260(P<0.01),and the cu-mulative variance contribution rate is 63.095%.Conclu-sion The Chinese version of the Asher-McDade aesthe-tic index has good reliability and validity and is applica-ble to the professional evaluation of the effect of postoperative photographs in Chinese patients with cleft lip.

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir alone or in combination with ribavirin in Chinese patients with genotype 3B HCV/HIV infection. MethodsA total of 299 patients with genotype 3B HCV/HIV infection who attended The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming from January 2017 to December 2020 were enrolled and treated with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir alone or in combination with ribavirin for 12 weeks， and they were followed up for 12 weeks after drug withdrawal. The patients were evaluated in terms of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after treatment （SVR12） and adverse reactions. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups， and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups； the Agresti-Coull method was used to evaluate the 95% confidence interval （CI） of SVR12； univariate and multivariate non-conditional logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for SVR. ResultsThe 299 patients with genotype 3B HCV/HIV infection had a mean age of 43.92±6.84 years， among whom the male patients accounted for 77.3% （231/299）， the patients with liver cirrhosis accounted for 36.5% （109/299）， the patients with a history of antiviral therapy accounted for 13.4% （40/299）， and the patients receiving sofosbuvir/velpatasvir combined with ribavirin accounted for 27.8% （83/299）. The overall SVR was 87.0% （260/299） for all patients， and there was no significant difference in SVR12 between the patients receiving sofosbuvir/velpatasvir alone and those receiving sofosbuvir/velpatasvir combined with ribavirin （87.5% vs 85.5%， χ²=0.203， P=0.653）. There was a significant difference in SVR12 between the patients without liver cirrhosis and those with liver cirrhosis （90.0% vs 81.7%， χ²=4.256， P=0.039）， and the patients receiving antiviral therapy for the first time had a significantly higher SVR12 than the treatment-experienced patients （93.4% vs 45.0%， χ²=71.670， P<0.001）. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that platelet count （odds ratio ［OR］=0.957， 95%CI： 0.931 — 0.984， P=0.002）， liver stiffness measurement （OR=1.446， 95%CI： 1.147 — 1.822， P=0.002）， and experience in treatment （OR=13.807， 95%CI： 2.970 — 64.174， P=0.001） were independent influencing factors for SVR in patients with genotype 3B HCV/HIV infection. There were 41 cases of serious adverse events， all of which occurred within 2 weeks after antiviral therapy， and 28 cases were resolved without drug withdrawal or active treatment， while 13 cases were not resolved after active treatment and were resolved after the antiviral drugs were stopped for 2‍ ‍—‍ ‍5 days， with no similar reactions observed when the drugs were used again after remission. ConclusionSofosbuvir/velpatasvir alone or in combination with ribavirin has relatively good efficacy and safety in patients with genotype 3B HCV/HIV infection.

Objective To explore the feasibility and clinical outcome of lateral cervical incision via sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach(SMIA)in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism.Methods The clinical data of 64 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent unilateral parathyroid surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital,School of Medicine of Zhejiang University from January 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.They were divided into lateral cervical incision via sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach group(SMIA group)and linea alba cervicalis approach group(LACA group)based on the surgical incision and access route.The differences in clinical features,surgery-related outcomes and postoperative functions of the anterior cervical region were compared between the two groups.The EQ-5D-5L scale was used to assess the subjective feeling of postoperative neck discomfort,while the Hollander Wound Assessment Scale was used to assess the clinical outcome of incision healing.Results There were no statistical differences between the two groups of patients in terms of age,gender,intraoperative bleeding,parathyroid hormone or blood calcium levels before and after surgery(P＞0.05).The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the SMIA group than in the LACA group[(39.77±5.69)min vs.(54.41±4.66)min].There was a statistical difference between the two groups in functional protection of the anterior cervical region at 1 month and 12 months after surgery(1 month,84.67±3.74 vs.79.47±5.38,P＜0.001;12 months,93.80±2.52 vs.89.94±2.39,P＜0.001),and the SMIA group was better than the LACA group.The Hollander Incision Assessment Scale scores of the SMIA group were better than those of the LACA group at 6 months and 12 months after surgery,and the difference was statistically significant(6 months,1.93±0.58 vs.2.41±0.66,P=0.003;12 months,1.03±0.67 vs.1.74±0.62,P＜0.001).Conclusion Parathyroidectomy via sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach through lateral cervical incision is a simple,safe and effective surgical procedure,which makes it easier to search for parathyroid lesions and shortens the surgical time compared with the traditional incision,and has obvious advantages in the protection of anterior cervical region function.

Objective:To test the practical effect of the research projects outpatient strategy for application of the National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC) in a hospital of Chinese medicine.Methods:We compared the number and success rate of the National Natural Science Foundation of China grant awards before and after the implementation of the research projects outpatient strategy, and further analyzed the promotional effect of the research projects outpatient strategy on general programs and youth scientists funds through univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression.Results:Since the implementation of the research projects outpatient strategy, both the number of NSFC grant awards and the success rate continuously increased, indicating that the strategy played a positive role in improving the overall success rate of the hospital. However, this effect was primarily reflected in the assistance provided to applications for youth scientists funds. The main favorable factor for winning general programs was the applicant′s preliminary foundation. Applicants who have previously received NSFC funding had a higher success rate.Conclusions:The strategy of research projects outpatient can promote the winning of NSFC youth scientists funds.

Objective To analyze the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on colorectal adenoma detection rate (ADR) in fatigue state of endoscopists. Methods A total of 784 patients undergoing colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Hengshui People's Hospital in Hebei Province were enrolled. Patients were divided into group A (n=405, time from 14: 00 to 15: 59) and group B (n=379, time from 16: 00 to 17: 30) based on the operation time. Patients in both groups who underwent AI-assisted examination were included in AI subgroup, while those without AI assistance were included in non-AI subgroup. Baseline data, including age, gender and bowel preparation quality [assessed by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) score] were collected. The ADR and polyp detection rate (PDR) for colorectal lesions were calculated for both groups, and the ADR was compared between groups with and without AI assistance. Results The overall ADR was 32.10% in the group A, which was higher than 26.91% in the group B, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Without AI assistance, the ADR in the group A was 25.85%, which was significantly higher than 17.30% in the group B (P < 0.05). In the group B with AI assistance, the ADR was significantly higher than that in the group A without AI assistance (P < 0.05). Without AI assistance, the PDR in the group A was 33.17%, which was significantly higher than 22.70% in the group B (P < 0.05). After using AI assistance, there was no significant difference in PDR between the two groups (P>0.05). In the group A, the ADR was 38.50% in the AI subgroup (n=200) and 25.80% in the non-AI subgroup (n=205), with a statistically significant difference (P=0.006). In the group B, the ADR was 36.08% in the AI subgroup (n=194) and 17.30% in the non-AI subgroup (n=185), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Conclusion AI-assisted colonoscopy can effectively improve the ADR of endoscopists under fatigue conditions.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the disease burden of prostate cancer (PC) and assess key influencing factors associated with the disease expenditures of PC in the United States. METHODS: The total deaths, incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years of PC were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey was used to estimate healthcare expenditures and productivity loss and to investigate patterns of payment and use of healthcare resources in the United States. A multivariable logistic regression model was conducted to identify key factors influencing expenditures. RESULTS: For patients aged 50 and older, the burden for all age groups showed a modest increase over the 6-year period. Annual medical expenditures were estimated to range from US$24.8 billion to US$39.2 billion from 2014 to 2019. The annual loss in productivity for patients was approximately US$1,200. The top 3 major components of medical costs were hospital inpatient stays, prescription medicines, and office-based visits. Medicare was the largest source of payments for survivors. In terms of drug consumption, genitourinary tract agents (57.0%) and antineoplastics (18.6%) were the main therapeutic drugs. High medical expenditures were positively associated with age (p=0.005), having private health insurance (p=0.016), more comorbidities, not currently smoking (p=0.001), and patient self-perception of fair/poor health status (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS From 2014 to 2019, the national real-world data of PC revealed that the disease burden in the United States continued to increase, which was partly related to patient characteristics.

Objective To evaluate the effect of the current immunization strategy for hepatitis B virus (Hepatitis B) in blocking mother-to-infant transmission in Hubei Province, and to explore the mechanism and possible influencing factors of failure of mother-to-infant blockade. Methods A multi-stage random sampling method was used to select 2 counties or districts in Hubei Province. Through maternity hospital health handbook, neonatal health record or hospital medical record system, hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive pregnant women in 2012-2018 years were included to retrospectively investigate their delivery status and the HBV infection status of their children. Results Among the 302 newborns, 32 were positive for HBsAg, and the success rate of blockade of mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B was 89.45%. Further analysis showed that 68.21% (206 / 302) of newborns were delivered in township hospitals, 66.23% (200 / 302) were delivered by caesarean section and 41.72% (126 / 302) were breastfed, while 16.89% (51/302) were positive for hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), and 41.06% (124/302) were positive for anti-HBe. The vaccination rate of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) during pregnancy was 3.31% (10/302), and the newborn HBIG vaccination rate was 94.37% (285/302). There were 84.11% (254/302) of pregnant women taking protective measures in daily life. Logistic regression analysis showed that township hospitals (OR=2.82, P<0.05), HBeAg positivity during pregnancy (OR=8.68, P<0.05), and HBIG vaccination during pregnancy (OR=12.62 , P<0.05) were risk factors for failure of mother-to-infant blockade, while anti-HBe positivity during pregnancy (OR=0.22, P<0.05), vaccination of newborns with HBIG (OR=0.20, P<0.05), and protective measures taken in daily life (OR=0.28, P<0.05) were protective factors for mother-to-infant interruption. Conclusion Deliveries in township hospitals and HBeAg-positivity during pregnancy are more likely to fail in blocking of mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B. HBIG vaccination during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of blockade failure. Neonatal HBIG vaccination, anti-HBe positivity during pregnancy, and protective measures in daily life can reduce the risk of blockade failure of mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B.

ObjectiveTo explore the influence of Xiaoai Jiedu prescription （XJP）-containing serum on natural killer （NK） cells′ lethal effect on colon cancer cells and the molecular mechanism. MethodXJP-containing serum （0.1%， 0.5%， 1%， 5%， 10%） was used to treat HCT-116 cells and NK-92MI cells respectively for 24 h， and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay was employed to detect cell proliferation. Then， low-concentration （0.1%， 0.5%， 1%） XJP-containing serum was selected to treat co-cultured HCT-116 cells and NK-92MI cells for 24 h and calcein acetoxymethyl ester/propidium iodide （Calcein-AM/PI） was applied to detect the killing effect of NK cells on colon cancer cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis of colon cancer cells， Western blot the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 （STAT4） pathway-related proteins， and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） the secretion of interferon （IFN）-γ. ResultHigh-concentration （5%， 10%） XJP-containing serum inhibited the proliferation of HCT-116 and NK-92MI cells （P<0.01）， while low-concentration （0.1%， 0.5%， 1%） XJP-containing serum had no obvious influence on cell proliferation compared with the blank group. As compared with the blank group， low-concentration XJP-containing serum enhanced the killing activity of NK cells against colon cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner （P<0.01）， and induced apoptosis of colon cancer cells （P<0.01）. Moreover， XJP-containing serum （0.1%， 0.5%， 1%） down-regulated the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2） and B-cell lymphoma-extra large （Bcl-xl）， and up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2-associated X （Bax） compared with the blank group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the co-culture group， XJP-containing serum （0.1%， 0.5%， 1%） increased the expression of p-STAT4 and IFN-γ （P<0.05）. ELISA result showed that XJP-containing serum （0.1%， 0.5%， 1%） raised IFN-γ secretion （P<0.01）. ConclusionXJP-containing serum can enhance the activity of NK cells to kill colon cancer cells. The mechanism is the likelihood that it activates STAT4 pathway， increases IFN-γ secretion by NK cells， down-regulates the expression of Bcl-xl and Bcl-2， and up-regulates the expression of Bax， thereby promoting the apoptosis of colon cancer cells.