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 investigate the dynamic imaging characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following Yttrium-90 selective internal radiation therapy ( 90Y-SIRT) and to compare these with imaging findings after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods:This retrospective case-control study included 24 HCC patients who received 90Y-SIRT at Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, between September 2021 and June 2023, establishing the 90Y-SIRT group. Additionally, 45 HCC patients who underwent their first TACE treatment at Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University during the same period were included as the TACE group. Patients underwent MRI and/or CT follow-ups at 1-3 months (first follow-up) and 3-6 months (second follow-up) after treatment. The analyzed imaging features included tumor characteristics, peritumoral features, and measurements of tumor and liver volumes, with postoperative change rates calculated. Imaging differences between the 90Y-SIRT and TACE groups were statistically compared using the Mann-Whitney U test or χ2 test. Results:At the first follow-up, compared to baseline, a higher proportion of lesions in the 90Y-SIRT group exhibited a reduction in arterial phase enhancement in the viable region (10/13) than in the TACE group (10/29), with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.040). The necrotic region of the tumor on T 1WI showed significantly lower signal intensity in the 90Y-SIRT group than in the TACE group ( Z=2.98, P=0.006). The change in the apparent diffusion coefficient value in the viable region compared to baseline was 157.0×10 -3(-62.0×10 -3, 311.5×10 -3) mm2/s in the 90Y-SIRT group and -56.0×10 -3 (-216.8×10 -3, 110.0×10 -3) mm2/s in the TACE group, with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-2.71, P=0.008). At the first and second follow-up, the contralateral liver lobe volume increased significantly in the 90Y-SIRT group, with a statistically significant difference from the TACE group ( Z=-3.21, -3.78, both P=0.001). Regarding peritumoral imaging characteristics, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in the low signal intensity of the liver lobe or segment where the tumor waslocated during the hepatobiliary phase ( P=0.020, 0.040). Both HCC groups exhibited progressive tumor volume reduction after treatment. In the 90Y-SIRT group, the change rates of lesion volume relative to baseline at the two follow-ups were -23.0% (-45.6%, 7.9%) and -68.7% (-82.7%, -28.5%), respectively. In the TACE group, the values were -29.8% (-53.6%, -2.7%) and -38.0% (-65.3%, -10.7%). The differences between the two groups were not statistically significant ( Z=-0.52, P=0.605; Z=-1.79, P=0.073). Conclusion:There is a statistically significant difference in the tumor imaging features and peritumoral imaging characteristics between 90Y-SIRT and TACE. 90Y-SIRT demonstrates a notable advantage in promoting contralateral liver lobe regeneration while also contributing to tumor size reduction.

BACKGROUND:The imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation in microgravity environments leads to significant bone loss in astronauts.Current research indicates that bone loss under microgravity conditions is the result of the combined effects of various cells,tissues,and systems. OBJECTIVE:To review different biological effects of microgravity on various cells,tissues,or systems,and summarize the mechanisms by which microgravity leads to the development of osteoporosis. METHODS:Databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Database were searched for relevant literature from 2000 to 2023.The inclusion criteria were all articles related to tissue engineering studies and basic research on osteoporosis caused by microgravity.Ultimately,85 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In microgravity environment,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells tend to differentiate more into adipocytes rather than osteoblasts,and hematopoietic stem cells in this environment are more inclined to differentiate into osteoclasts,reducing differentiation into the erythroid lineage.At the same time,microgravity inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts,promotes apoptosis of osteoblasts,alters cell morphology,and reduces the mineralization capacity of osteoblasts.Microgravity significantly increases the number and activity of osteoclasts.Microgravity also hinders the differentiation of osteoblasts into osteocytes and promotes the apoptosis of osteocytes.(2)In a microgravity environment,the body experiences changes such as skeletal muscle atrophy,microvascular remodeling,bone microcirculation disorders,and endocrine disruption.These changes lead to mechanical unloading in the bone microenvironment,insufficient blood perfusion,and calcium cycle disorders,which significantly impact the development of osteoporosis.(3)At present,the mechanism by which microgravity causes osteoporosis is relatively complex.A deeper study of these physiological mechanisms is crucial to ensuring the health of astronauts during long-term space missions,and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

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.

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.

BACKGROUND:After total knee arthroplasty,patients may experience significant pain,which has negative effects on functional recovery.Exploring and seeking effective means of analgesia has important clinical value.OBJECTIVE:To explore an effective perioperative analgesic strategy for total knee arthroplasty patients,we first proposed a novel local infiltration anesthetic formulation consisting of morphine,flurbiprofen,and compound betamethasone,and we explored its efficacy and safety.METHODS:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 60 patients who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty at First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2023 to April 2024.Based on whether local anesthesia was used during surgery,the patients were divided into the control and study groups,each consisting of 30 cases.In the study group,the local infiltration anesthesia mixture consisting of morphine,flurbiprofen,and compound betamethasone was injected into the joint cavity around the knee during surgery.No analgesic drugs were used in the control group as a blank control.We recorded and compared the postoperative visual analog scale pain scores,knee range of motion,knee function score,degree of postoperative knee edema,and incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups at different time points.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the visual analog scale pain score in the study group was lower at 6,12,and 24 hours after operation,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=-2.367,-2.906,-4.199,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference in the pain visual analog scale score between the two groups at 48 and 72 hours after operation(Z=-1.287,-1.478,P＞0.05).(2)The postoperative knee range of motion and knee function score of the study group were better than those of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(t=-2.519,-8.027,P＜0.05).(3)The degree of knee joint swelling in the study group was also lighter than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=-2.818,P＜0.05).(4)In the early postoperative period,there was no significant difference in fever between the two groups(P＞0.05).There was no poor wound healing or periprosthetic infection in the two groups.(5)The results show that applying local infiltration anesthesia composed of morphine,flurbiprofen axetil,and compound betamethasone in total knee arthroplasty can relieve early postoperative pain and show high safety.However,prospective studies with large samples are still needed to provide data support.

BACKGROUND:After total knee arthroplasty,patients may experience significant pain,which has negative effects on functional recovery.Exploring and seeking effective means of analgesia has important clinical value.OBJECTIVE:To explore an effective perioperative analgesic strategy for total knee arthroplasty patients,we first proposed a novel local infiltration anesthetic formulation consisting of morphine,flurbiprofen,and compound betamethasone,and we explored its efficacy and safety.METHODS:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 60 patients who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty at First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2023 to April 2024.Based on whether local anesthesia was used during surgery,the patients were divided into the control and study groups,each consisting of 30 cases.In the study group,the local infiltration anesthesia mixture consisting of morphine,flurbiprofen,and compound betamethasone was injected into the joint cavity around the knee during surgery.No analgesic drugs were used in the control group as a blank control.We recorded and compared the postoperative visual analog scale pain scores,knee range of motion,knee function score,degree of postoperative knee edema,and incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups at different time points.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the visual analog scale pain score in the study group was lower at 6,12,and 24 hours after operation,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=-2.367,-2.906,-4.199,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference in the pain visual analog scale score between the two groups at 48 and 72 hours after operation(Z=-1.287,-1.478,P＞0.05).(2)The postoperative knee range of motion and knee function score of the study group were better than those of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(t=-2.519,-8.027,P＜0.05).(3)The degree of knee joint swelling in the study group was also lighter than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=-2.818,P＜0.05).(4)In the early postoperative period,there was no significant difference in fever between the two groups(P＞0.05).There was no poor wound healing or periprosthetic infection in the two groups.(5)The results show that applying local infiltration anesthesia composed of morphine,flurbiprofen axetil,and compound betamethasone in total knee arthroplasty can relieve early postoperative pain and show high safety.However,prospective studies with large samples are still needed to provide data support.

Objective:To investigate the dynamic imaging characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following Yttrium-90 selective internal radiation therapy ( 90Y-SIRT) and to compare these with imaging findings after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods:This retrospective case-control study included 24 HCC patients who received 90Y-SIRT at Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, between September 2021 and June 2023, establishing the 90Y-SIRT group. Additionally, 45 HCC patients who underwent their first TACE treatment at Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University during the same period were included as the TACE group. Patients underwent MRI and/or CT follow-ups at 1-3 months (first follow-up) and 3-6 months (second follow-up) after treatment. The analyzed imaging features included tumor characteristics, peritumoral features, and measurements of tumor and liver volumes, with postoperative change rates calculated. Imaging differences between the 90Y-SIRT and TACE groups were statistically compared using the Mann-Whitney U test or χ2 test. Results:At the first follow-up, compared to baseline, a higher proportion of lesions in the 90Y-SIRT group exhibited a reduction in arterial phase enhancement in the viable region (10/13) than in the TACE group (10/29), with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.040). The necrotic region of the tumor on T 1WI showed significantly lower signal intensity in the 90Y-SIRT group than in the TACE group ( Z=2.98, P=0.006). The change in the apparent diffusion coefficient value in the viable region compared to baseline was 157.0×10 -3(-62.0×10 -3, 311.5×10 -3) mm2/s in the 90Y-SIRT group and -56.0×10 -3 (-216.8×10 -3, 110.0×10 -3) mm2/s in the TACE group, with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-2.71, P=0.008). At the first and second follow-up, the contralateral liver lobe volume increased significantly in the 90Y-SIRT group, with a statistically significant difference from the TACE group ( Z=-3.21, -3.78, both P=0.001). Regarding peritumoral imaging characteristics, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in the low signal intensity of the liver lobe or segment where the tumor waslocated during the hepatobiliary phase ( P=0.020, 0.040). Both HCC groups exhibited progressive tumor volume reduction after treatment. In the 90Y-SIRT group, the change rates of lesion volume relative to baseline at the two follow-ups were -23.0% (-45.6%, 7.9%) and -68.7% (-82.7%, -28.5%), respectively. In the TACE group, the values were -29.8% (-53.6%, -2.7%) and -38.0% (-65.3%, -10.7%). The differences between the two groups were not statistically significant ( Z=-0.52, P=0.605; Z=-1.79, P=0.073). Conclusion:There is a statistically significant difference in the tumor imaging features and peritumoral imaging characteristics between 90Y-SIRT and TACE. 90Y-SIRT demonstrates a notable advantage in promoting contralateral liver lobe regeneration while also contributing to tumor size reduction.

Objective:To understand the current status of knowledge of brucellosis prevention and control among occupational groups at high-risk of brucellosis, and to provide a scientific basis for assessing the effectiveness of brucellosis prevention and control in China.Methods:A total of four counties in Shanxi Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were selected as survey counties from 2019 to 2020, and 600 people from the occupational groups at high-risk of brucellosis in each survey county were selected as survey respondents, and basic information and knowledge of prevention and treatment were collected through questionnaires. Single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors affecting the population's knowledge of prevention and treatment.Results:A total of 2 411 people participated in the survey and 2 384 valid questionnaires were obtained, including 1 405 males and 979 females, with the youngest age being 18 years old, the oldest being 91 years old, and the median being 57 years old. The overall knowledge of brucellosis prevention and control was 17.74% (423/2 384). The knowledge rate was lower among people over 60 years old, farmers, and people with less than elementary school education (13.99%, 14.50%, and 13.78%), and higher among women, herders, and people with elementary school education (20.02%, 36.33%, and 19.58%); the knowledge rate was lower in Hunyuan County (0.51%), and the differences in overall knowledge rates by age, occupation, education level, and region were statistically significant (χ 2 = 18.25, 87.18, 11.05, 197.43, P < 0.001). Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that gender, occupation, literacy and region were associated with knowledge of prevention and treatment ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The overall knowledge of prevention and treatment among high-risk occupational groups in the key areas of China's brucellosis prevention and treatment program is low, with a large gap with the goals of the national brucellosis prevention and treatment program, and gender, occupation, literacy level, and region are the influencing factors of the knowledge of prevention and treatment. There is an urgent need to carry out a variety of health education activities for high-risk occupational groups and to strengthen the exchange of experience on brucellosis prevention and treatment between regions.

Objective:The emergence of polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(KPN)in clinical settings necessitates an analysis of its antibiotic resistance characteristics,epidemiological features,and risk factors for its development.This study aims to provide insights for the prevention and control of polymyxin-resistant KPN infections. Methods:Thirty clinical isolates of polymyxin-resistant KPN were collected from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University.Their antibiotic resistance profiles were analyzed.The presence of carbapenemase KPC,OXA-48,VIM,IMP,and NDM was detected using colloidal gold immunochromatography.Hypervirulent KPN was initially screened using the string test.Biofilm formation capacity was assessed using crystal violet staining.Combination drug susceptibility tests(polymyxin B with meropenem,tigecycline,cefoperazone/sulbactam)were conducted using the checkerboard method.Polymyxin-related resistance genes were detected by PCR.Multi-locus sequence typing(MLST)was performed for genotyping and phylogenetic tree construction.The study also involved collecting data from carbapenem-resistant(CR)-KPN polymyxin-resistant strains(23 strains,experimental group)and CR-KPN polymyxin-sensitive strains(57 strains,control group)to analyze potential risk factors for polymyxin-resistant KPN infection through univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression.The induction of resistance by continuous exposure to polymyxin B and colistin E was also tested. Results:Among the 30 polymyxin-resistant KPN isolates,28 were CR-KPN,all producing KPC enzyme.Four isolates were positive in the string test.Most isolates showed strong biofilm formation capabilities.Combination therapy showed additive or synergistic effects.All isolates carried the pmrA and phoP genes,while no mcr-1 or mcr-2 genes were detected.MLST results indicated that ST11 was the predominant type.The phylogenetic tree suggested that polymyxin-resistant KPN had not caused a hospital outbreak in the institution.The use of two or more different classes of antibiotics and the use of polymyxin were identified as independent risk factors for the development of polymyxin-resistant strains.Continuous use of polymyxin induced drug resistance. Conclusion:Polymyxin-resistant KPN is resistant to nearly all commonly used antibiotics,making polymyxin-based combination therapy a viable option.No plasmid-mediated polymyxin-resistant KPN has been isolated in the hospital.Polymyxin can induce resistance in KPN,highlighting the need for rational antibiotic use in clinical settings to delay the emergence of resistance.