This paper summarizes the clinical experience in treating children adenoid hypertrophy using the "opening the orifices and regulating qi method". It is considered that the pathogenesis of adenoid hypertrophy in children is rooted in dysfunction of zangfu （脏腑） organs， with binding of phlegm and stasis as the branch. Obstruction of the cervical passes and rebellious， chaotic qi flow run through the entire course of the disease. The "opening the orifices and regulating qi method" is proposed， which emphasizes the regulation of the lung， spleen， liver， and stomach. By opening the cervical passes， regulating zangfu organs， and eliminating phlegm and stasis to harmonize the ascent and descent of qi， a comprehensive application of external traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） therapies， such as acupuncture， umbilical moxibustion with medicinals， collateral bloodletting， and sole therapy， is utilized. Addressing both root and branch causes， this approach provides new perspectives for treating children adenoid hypertrophy using external TCM therapies.

Despite that sleep disturbance and poor neurocognitive performance are common complaints among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors, few studies have focused on the effect of post-COVID-19 sleep disturbance (PCSD) on cognitive function. This study aimed to identify the impact of PCSD on neurocognitive function and explore the associated risk factors for the worsening of this condition. This cross-sectional study was conducted via the web-based assessment in Chinese mainland. Neurocognitive function was evaluated by the modified online Integrated Cognitive Assessment (ICA) and the Number Ordering Test (NOT). Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to match the confounding factors between individuals with and without PCSD. Univariate analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of PCSD on neurocognitive function. The risk factors associated with worsened neurocognitive performance in PCSD individuals were explored using binary logistic regression. A total of 8692 individuals with COVID-19 diagnosis were selected for this study. Nearly half (48.80%) of the COVID-19 survivors reported sleep disturbance. After matching by PSM, a total of 3977 pairs (7954 individuals in total) were obtained. Univariate analyses revealed that PCSD was related to worse ICA and NOT performance (P<0.05). Underlying disease, upper respiratory infection, loss of smell or taste, severe pneumonia, and self-reported cognitive complaints were associated with worsened neurocognitive performance among PCSD individuals (P<0.05). Furthermore, aging, ethnicity (minority), and lower education level were found to be independent risk factors for worsened neurocognitive performance in PCSD individuals (P<0.05). PCSD was related to impaired neurocognitive performance. Therefore, appropriate prevention and intervention measures should be taken to minimize or prevent PCSD and eliminate its potential adverse effect on neurocognitive function.
Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Sleep Wake Disorders/epidemiology* ; Propensity Score ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adult ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged ; Risk Factors ; China/epidemiology* ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Neuropsychological Tests

Cuproptosis, a recently identified form of regulated cell death triggered by excess intracellular copper, has emerged as a promising cytotoxic strategy for cancer therapy. However, the therapeutic efficacy of copper ionophores such as elesclomol (ES) is often hindered by cellular copper homeostasis mechanisms that limit copper influx and cuproptosis induction. To address this challenge, we developed a nanoagent utilizing outer membrane vesicle (OMV) derived from Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) for co-delivery of antioxidant 1 copper chaperone (Atox1)-targeting siRNA and ES (siAtox1/ES@OMV) to tumors. In vitro, we demonstrated that Atox1 knockdown via siRNA significantly disrupted copper export mechanisms, resulting in elevated intracellular copper levels. Simultaneously, ES facilitated efficient copper influx and mitochondrial transport, leading to Fe-S cluster depletion, increased proteotoxic stress, and robust cuproptosis. In vivo, siAtox1/ES@OMV achieved targeted tumor delivery and induced pronounced cuproptosis. Furthermore, leveraging the immunomodulatory properties of OMVs, siAtox1/ES@OMV promoted T-cell infiltration and the activation of tumor-reactive cytotoxic T cells, enhancing tumor immune responses. The combination of siAtox1/ES-induced cuproptosis and immunogenic cell death synergistically suppressed tumor growth in both subcutaneous breast cancer and orthotopic rectal cancer mouse models. This study highlights the potential of integrating copper homeostasis disruption with a copper ionophore using an immunomodulatory OMV-based vector, offering a promising combinatorial strategy for cancer therapy.

Gene therapy, harnessing the power of CRISPR-Cas9 and/or DNAzyme systems, stands as a pivotal approach in cancer therapy, enabling the meticulous manipulation of genes pivotal to tumorigenesis and immunity. However, the pursuit of precise gene therapy encounters formidable hurdles. Herein, a near-infrared upconversion theranostic nanomachine is devised and tailors for CRISPR-Cas9/DNAzyme systems mediate precise gene therapy. An ingenious logic DNAzyme system consists of Chain 1 (C1)/Chain 2 (C2) and endogenous lncRNA is designed. We employ manganese modified upconversion nanoparticles for carrying ultraviolet-responsive C1-PC linker-C2 (C₂P) chain and Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP), with outermost coats with hyaluronic acid. Upon reaching tumor microenvironment (TME), the released Mn²⁺ ions orchestrate a trifecta: facilitating endosomal escape, activating cGAS-STING signaling, and enabling T1-magnetic resonance imaging. Under near-infrared irradiation, Cas9 RNP/C₂P complex dissociates, releasing Cas9 RNP into the nucleus to perform gene editing of Ptpn2, while C1/C2 chains self-assemble with endogenous lncRNA to form a functional DNAzyme system, targeting PD-L1 mRNA for gene silencing. This strategy remodels the TME by activating cGAS-STING signaling and dual immune checkpoints blockade, thus realizing tumor elimination. Our theranostic nanomachine armed with the CRISPR-Cas9/DNAzyme logic systems, represents a resourceful and promising strategy for advancing cancer systemic immunotherapy and precise gene therapy.

Objective:To analyze the quality level of maternal mid-trimester serum prenatal screening in China from 2019 to 2023.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information from laboratories participating in the National Health Commission′s Clinical Laboratory Center inter-laboratory quality assessment program for prenatal screening from 2019 to 2023. The collected data included screening protocols, detection methods, testing systems, and monthly laboratory screening quality indicators. The Chi-square test was used to compare the initial screening positive rates among different screening protocols, provinces, detection methods, and testing systems. A log-transformed linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the average annual sample size and the out-of-control rate of various median multiple of the median (mMoM) values.Results:This study included 806 laboratories from 29 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities). The five-year average out-of-control rates for mMoM values across indicators ranged from 15.8% to 31.3%. The initial positive rates of dual, triple, and quadruple screening protocols were statistically different ( χ2=760.2, P<0.001). The initial positive rates across different provinces ranged from 4.7% to 10.3%, with statistically significant differences ( χ2=35 388.0, P<0.001). There were also statistically significant differences in initial positive rates between different testing systems ( χ2=2 493.2, P<0.001). Testing systems using chemiluminescence methods had significantly higher initial positive rates compared to systems using time-resolved fluorescence methods (7.2% vs. 6.5%, χ2=533.6, P<0.001). Log-linear regression analysis showed that testing systems with larger annual average sample sizes had lower out-of-control rates for mMoM values (AFP: β=-0.100, P=0.005; hCG: β=-0.123, P=0.008; uE3: β=-0.139, P=0.007). Conclusion:There are significant differences in the quality of maternal mid-trimester serum screening across different detection methods, testing systems and provinces in China.

Objective:To construct a nomogram model for predicting the risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding following laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) based on relevant risk factors and evaluate its predictive value.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 466 patients with periampullary space occupying lesion who underwent LPD at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, from January 2021 to December 2024. Among them, there were 284 males and 182 females, aged (59.9±10.7) years. Patients were randomly divided into a training cohort ( n=326) and a validation cohort ( n=140) using a random number table (7: 3 ratio). Based on whether patients suffered gastrointestinal bleeding, the training cohort was further stratified into a gastrointestinal bleeding group ( n=23) and control group ( n=303). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding. A nomogram was constructed based on multivariate results, and its predictive performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:Compared to the control group, the gastrointestinal bleeding group exhibited significantly higher age, higher rates of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and intra-abdominal infection, along with lower body mass index, and lower levels of fibrinogen and albumin (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified age ( OR=1.065, 95% CI: 1.002-1.132), fibrinogen ( OR=0.486, 95% CI: 0.243-0.969), albumin ( OR=0.840, 95% CI: 0.741-0.953), POPF ( OR=4.299, 95% CI: 1.348-13.716), and postoperative intra-abdominal infection ( OR=6.352, 95% CI: 1.476-27.341) as independent predictors of gastrointestinal bleeding (all P<0.05). The nomogram demonstrated robust discrimination, with an AUC of 0.861 (95% CI: 0.784-0.939), sensitivity of 82.6%, and specificity of 82.2% in the training cohort. In the validation cohort, the AUC was 0.824 (95% CI: 0.675-0.973), with sensitivity and specificity of 80.0% and 83.8%, respectively. Calibration curves indicated excellent agreement between predicted and observed outcomes. DCA revealed superior net clinical benefit of the nomogram over " treat-all" or " treat-none" strategies within threshold probabilities of 0-0.9 (training) and 0-0.75 (validation). Conclusion:The nomogram based on age, fibrinogen, albumin, POPF, and intra-abdominal infection provides accurate prediction of gastrointestinal bleeding after LPD and demonstrates high clinical utility for risk stratification and decision-making in periampullary space occupying lesion patients.

Objective To investigate the learning curve of CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy.Methods Using cumulative sum(CUSUM)analysis method,the clinical data from 110 patients,who underwent CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy performed by the same physician at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University of China between May 2024 and October 2024,were retrospectively analyzed.The CUSUM learning curve was fitted,and R2 was used to assess the goodness of fit.The baseline and perioperative data were compared between different stages of the learning curve so as to determine the number of accomplished surgical cases that was required for a physician to reach the proficiency stage from the learning stage in performing CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy.Results Successful CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy was accomplished in all patients,with a mean operation time of(20.2+3.4)minutes(range of 15-29 minutes).With the accumulation of surgical cases,the operation time showed a gradual downward trend.The learning curve was best fitted with a cubic equation,the equation was as follows:CUSUM(110)=0.000 3x3-0.081 3x2+5.597 9x+0.774 3(where x representing the number of cases),with a goodness-of-fit coefficient R2=0.991.The fitted curve reached its peak at the performance of the 46th case,which was used as the cutoff point to divide the learning curve into two phases.Compared with the learning phase,in the proficiency phase the incidence of complications was significantly lower(pneumothorax:18.8％vs 37.0％,P=0.033)and the mean operation time was obviously shorter[(18.33+2.31)min vs(22.80±3.02)min,P＜0.001].Conclusion Through precise CUSUM analysis of the learning curves obtained from 110 patients receiving CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy,the results of this study indicates that it requires to accomplish 46 operations before a physician can skillfully master the technique of CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy.

Objective To provide experimental evidence for selecting acupuncture timing in clinical practice,the optimal time for enhancing the brain effects of electroacupuncture at the Hegu acupoint(LI4)by observing brain imaging data,hemodynamic changes and differences in brain functional connectivity across the twelve traditional Chinese time periods were determined.Methods Thirty-six C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 12 groups corresponding to each of the twelve time periods(Zi,Chou,Yin,Mao,Chen,Si,Wu,Wei,Shen,You,Xu,Hai),with 3 mice per group.Each mouse received electroacupuncture stimulation using the same protocol.Brain imaging data and dynamic hemodynamic changes were collected using functional ultrasound imaging(FUS)ultrasound imaging technology every 0.4 s over a total duration of 420 s,covering pre-acupuncture(resting state),during acupuncture(task state),and post-acupuncture(post-task state)phases.The hippocampal region(HIP)was used as the observation point to analyze changes in functional connectivity between HIP and other brain regions before and after acupuncture.Results Compared to other time periods,the Mao group exhibited the largest whole-brain activation area and the highest average activation signal intensity.The hemodynamic signal increase in the hippocampal region was more pronounced,and the post-acupuncture blood flow signal intensity remained significantly higher than the pre-acupuncture resting state.Functional connectivity data revealed that,using 0.2 as the standard value,the Mao group showed the greatest number of altered brain regions before and after acupuncture.Notably,only in the Mao group was there a significant enhancement in connectivity between the bilateral hippocampal regions.Conclusion The immediate effects of electroacupuncture at the Hegu acupoint(LI4)and brain functional connectivity vary significantly across different time periods,aligning with the traditional Chinese medicine theory of meridian qi and blood flow.Mao time is identified as the optimal period.

Objective:To validate the application value and safety of blunt-tip needle technique for computer tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous biopsy of pancreatic lesions.Methods:Clinical data of 103 patients with pancreatic lesions undergoing CT-guided percutaneous biopsy with blunt-tip needle approach in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2021 to October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 64 males and 39 females, aged (61.5±12.3) years. According to the access routes, procedures were divided into regular group ( n=70) and hard-to-reach group ( n=33). Technical data such as the duration of procedure, number of needle correction scans, and the incidence of complications were recorded. The technical success rate, diagnostic yield, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and false-negative rates were compared between groups. Results:The overall technical success rate was 100%(103/103). According to postoperative pathology and clinical follow-ups, the final diagnosis of 103 patients was 98 cases with neoplastic lesions and 5 with non-neoplastic lesions. The overall diagnostic rate of percutaneous biopsy was 91.3%(94/103), with a false negative rate of 5.8%(6/103), sensitivity of 92.9%(90/98), and specificity of 100%(90/90). Duration of procedure [(22.8±6.3) min vs. (22.4±7.9) min], number of needle correction scans [5.0 (3.0, 6.0) times vs. 5.0 (4.0, 7.5) times], length of target access [(69.9±15.4) mm vs. (73.7±17.4) mm], diagnostic yield [90.0%(63/70) vs. 93.9%(31/33)], and accuracy rate [90.0%(63/70) vs. 93.9%(31/33)] were comparable between regular group and hard-to-reach group (all P>0.05). Complications occurred in 8 patients, including 5 patients with hemorrhage and 3 with pancreatitis, which were successfully managed with conventional therapy. The incidence of complications were similar between the hard-to-reach and regular group [9.1%(3/33) vs. 7.1%(5/70), χ2=0.12, P=0.730]. Conclusion:CT-guided percutaneous biopsy in the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions with blunt-tip needle approach has a satisfactory technical success rate, diagnostic yield, accuracy, and safety, which can be used in patients with hard-to-reach lesions.