Xuanfuhua Decoction （旋覆花汤） is considered as the theoretical prototype of the method of unbloc-king collaterals with acrid and moistened medicinals. Guided by the theories of "chronic disease entering the collaterals" and "collaterals performing their functions when there is free flow"， YE Gui further developed this approach into a systematic method. The core of this approach lies in dispersing and opening constraint with acrid medicinals， nourishing and harmonizing collaterals with moistened medicinals， eliminating pathogens and unblocking collaterals with insect medicinals. The disease course of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF） is prolonged， with a complex of deficiency and excess， and chronic disease entering the collaterals. The core pathogenesis involves lung collaterals obstruction， fluid depletion with blood stasis， and chronic disease entering the collaterals. Treatment can be guided by the method of unblocking collaterals with acrid and moistened medicinals based on Xuanfuhua Decoction， following a strategy of "dispersing and unblocking， moistening and nourishing， penetrating and venting". Specifically， for lung collaterals obstruction， acrid medicinals can be used to disperse lung qi and open bi （痹）. In case of fluid depletion and blood stasis， moistened medicinals for nourishing lung collaterals are suggested to restore vitality. For chronic disease ente-ring collaterals， it is advised to search and eliminate collateral pathogens in order to dissipate masses.

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods The domestic and foreign clinical studies on transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate (observation group), TURP or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (control group) in the treatment of BPH during Jan. 2015 and Mar. 2025 were retrieved. The data were extracted with Cochrane systematic review method. The operation time, decrease in hemoglobin, bladder irrigation time, catheter indwelling time, total complication rate, retrograde ejaculation rate and urinary incontinence rate of the two groups were compared with RevMan 5.3.0 statistical software. Results A total of 5 Chinese studies involving 491 patients (248 in the observation group and 243 in the control group) were included in the Meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the observation group had shorter operation time [MD=-20.80, 95%CI:-26.88—-14.72, P＜0.00001], less decrease in hemoglobin [MD=-10.61, 95%CI: -20.21—-1.01, P=0.03], shorter bladder irrigation time [MD=-17.85, 95%CI: -32.62—-3.09, P=0.002], shorter catheter indwelling time [MD=-1.71, 95%CI: -2.81—- 0.62, P=0.002], lower total complication rate [OR=0.11, 95%CI: 0.06—0.21, P＜0.00001], lower retrograde ejaculation rate [OR=0.05, 95%CI: 0.02—0.16, P＜0.00001] and lower urinary incontinence rate [OR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.07—0.79, P=0.02]. There were no significant differences in other complications between the two groups (P＞0.05). The international erectile function score (IIEF-5) of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group [MD=1.87, 95%CI:1.16—2.57, P＜0.00001]. There were no significant differences in international prostate symptom score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and post-voiding residual (PVR) between the two groups (P＞0.05). Conclusion All three surgical procedures can effectively improve the lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH patients. Compared with TURP or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate, transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate has obvious advantages in terms of perioperative recovery, reduction of total complications, urinary incontinence and retrograde ejaculation rates, and preservation of sexual function.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD） is the most common chronic liver disease， and it has become a major global health issue. Excessive lipid accumulation in the liver is the core pathological event of MAFLD， which triggers lipotoxicity and leads to cell apoptosis， necrosis， and inflammatory cascades by mediating endoplasmic reticulum stress， oxidative stress， organelle dysfunction， and ferroptosis， thereby promoting the progression of simple hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis and fibrosis. In this process， very-long-chain fatty acids （VLCFAs）， as essential components of cell membranes and lipid metabolism， have attracted increasing attention for their role in lipotoxicity mechanisms. This article reviews the role of VLCFAs in lipid metabolism processes and lipotoxicity mechanisms， focusing on how VLCFAs participate in metabolic regulation through key proteins and disrupt cell membranes to induce oxidative stress， and how their metabolites and derivatives drive inflammatory responses， ultimately promoting the progression of MAFLD.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 and γ-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) rs11545078 gene polymorphisms on plasma concentrations and toxicity following high-dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: Children with ALL treated at the Xuzhou Children's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2021 to April 2024 were selected for this study. Genotypes of MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 were determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. MTX plasma concentrations were measured by enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique, and toxicity was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. The relationships between MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 genotypes and both MTX plasma concentrations and associated toxicities were analyzed. RESULTS: In the low-risk ALL group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 72 hours (P<0.05). In the intermediate- to high-risk group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 48 hours (P<0.05), and the GGH rs11545078 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 48 hours (P<0.05). In the intermediate- to high-risk group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with the occurrence of reduced hemoglobin (P<0.05), and the GGH rs11545078 genotype was associated with the occurrence of thrombocytopenia (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Detection of MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 genotypes can be used to predict increased MTX plasma concentrations and the occurrence of toxic reactions in high-dose MTX treatment of ALL, enabling timely interventions to enhance safety.
Humans ; Methotrexate/toxicity* ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/genetics* ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/blood* ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; gamma-Glutamyl Hydrolase/genetics* ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/adverse effects* ; Infant ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Adolescent ; Genotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills combined with Tirofiban in alleviating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI)in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods Ninety-two patients with acute STEMI of qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome who were admitted to the Chest Pain Center of Shunde Hospital,Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine between March 2023 and October 2023 were equally randomized into a control group and a treatment group using a random number table,with 46 cases in each group.The control group received intracoronary loading dose of Tirofiban during PCI combined with postoperative intravenous micro-pump injection of Tirofiban,while the trial group additionally received Compound Danshen Dripping Pills orally,the treatment course lasted for 4 weeks.Before treatment or immediately after surgery and after 4 weeks of treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,cardiac function parameters[including left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),cardiac output(CO),and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD)],and levels of inflammatory markers of C-reactive protein(CRP)and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),as well as safety indicators such as liver and kidney function and coagulation parameters in both groups.The peak values of myocardial necrosis markers of creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)and troponin I(cTnI)and other myocardial enzyme profiles between the two groups were compared.After treatment,the TCM syndrome efficacy of improvement,the therapeutic effect on improving ST-segment resolution(STR)of electrocardiogram,and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in both groups were assessed.Results(1)There were 3 patients dropping out during the trial,with a final total of 89 cases included in the efficacy analysis(44 cases in the control group and 45 cases in the trial group).(2)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate in the trial group was 95.56%(43/45)and that in the control group was 79.55%(35/44).Intergroup comparison by chi-square test showed that TCM syndrome efficacy in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(3)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate for improving STR in the trial group was 93.33%(42/45)and that in the control group was 75.00%(33/44).Intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)demonstrated that the trial group had significantly stronger STR improvement efficacy than the control group(P＜0.05).(4)After 4 weeks of treatment,the serum levels of CRP and BNP in both groups were lower than those immediately after surgery(P＜0.05),and the trial group exhibited significantly greater reductions in both CRP and BNP levels than the control group(P＜0.01).(5)The peak values of myocardial necrosis markers of CK-MB and cTnI in the trial group were significantly lower than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).(6)After 4 weeks of treatment,the trial group showed significant improvements in LVEF and CO compared to immediate postoperative values(P＜0.05),while LVEDD demonstrated an improving trend without statistical significance(P＞0.05).The control group showed no significant improvements in LVEF,CO,or LVEDD(P＞0.05).The intergroup comparison revealed that the trial group had significantly better improvements in LVEF and CO than the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(7)After 4 weeks of treatment,both groups showed reductions in the scores of chest pain,chest tightness,palpitations,emotional depression,hypochondriac distension,and dull complexion,as well as the total syndrome scores when compared to pretreatment values(P＜0.05),and the trial group presented significantly greater reductions than the control group(P＜0.05).(8)No statistically significant differences were shown in the parameters of liver/kidney function or coagulation between the two groups before and after treatment(P＞0.05).(9)The incidence of postoperative adverse cardiovascular events in the control group was 13.64%(6/44)and that in the trial group was 6.67%(3/45),and the intergroup comparison(tested by Fisher's exact test)showed no statistically significant difference(P＞0.05).Conclusion The combination therapy of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills and Tirofiban demonstrates significant efficacy in improving TCM syndromes,ST-segment elevation,myocardial necrosis markers,and cardiac function in STEMI patients after PCI,with good safety.

Objective To explore the efficacy of using a single branch stent-graft to treat primary intramural hematoma located at the distal arch or descending aorta in Stanford A type aortic intramural hematoma. Methods From July 2020 to November 2022, 10 patients with primary intramural hematoma of Stanford A type aortic intramural hematoma were treated with endovascular repair using a single branch stent-graft in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital. There were 9 males and 1 female, aged from 32 to 66 years, with a mean age of (47.0±10.4) years. All patients had intramural hematoma involving the ascending aorta and aortic arch, diagnosed as type A intramural hematoma, with the tear located in the descending aorta. Among them, 6 patients were complicated by ulceration of the descending aorta with intramural hematoma, and 4 patients had changes of the descending aortic dissection. All patients underwent endovascular stent repair, with 8 patients undergoing emergency surgery (≤14 days) and 2 patients undergoing subacute surgery (15 days to 3 months). Results There were no neurological complications, paraplegia, stent fracture or displacement, or limb or visceral ischemia during the perioperative period in all patients. One patient had continuous chest pain after surgery, and the stent had a new tear at the proximal end, requiring ascending aorta and partial arch replacement. As of the latest follow-up, all patients had obvious absorption or complete absorption of the intramural hematoma in the ascending aorta and aortic arch compared with before the operation. Conclusion Single branch stent-graft treatment of retrograde ascending aortic intramural hematoma is safe and effective, with good short-term results.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of subsequent radiotherapy (RT) following first-line treatment with durvalumab plus chemotherapy in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). METHODS: A total of 122 patients with ES-SCLC from three hospitals during July 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was performed to address potential confounding factors. The primary focus of our evaluation was to assess the impact of RT on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: After IPTW analysis, 49 patients received durvalumab plus platinum-etoposide (EP) chemotherapy followed by RT (Durva + EP + RT) and 72 patients received immunochemotherapy (Durva + EP). The median OS was 17.2 months vs . 12.3 months (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.85, P = 0.020), and the median PFS was 8.9 months vs . 5.9 months (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.97, P = 0.030) in Durva + EP + RT and Durva + EP groups, respectively. Thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) resulted in longer OS (17.2 months vs . 14.7 months) and PFS (9.1 months vs . 7.2 months) compared to RT directed to other metastatic sites. Among patients with oligo-metastasis, RT also showed significant benefits, with a median OS of 17.4 months vs . 13.7 months and median PFS of 9.8 months vs . 5.9 months compared to no RT. Continuous durvalumab treatment beyond progression (TBP) prolonged OS compared to patients without TBP, in both the Durva + EP + RT (NA vs . 15.8 months, HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.14-1.63, P = 0.238) and Durva + EP groups (12.3 months vs . 4.3 months, HR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10-0.81, P = 0.018). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 13 (26.5%) and 13 (18.1%) patients, respectively, in the two groups; pneumonitis was mostly low-grade. CONCLUSION Addition of RT after first-line immunochemotherapy significantly improved survival outcomes with manageable toxicity in ES-SCLC.
Humans ; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Lung Neoplasms/therapy* ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use* ; Adult ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Aged, 80 and over