Renal Fanconi syndrome (FS) is a rare renal manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). This study aims to analyze the clinical and prognostic characteristics of patients with pSS-associated renal FS (pSS-FS) and provide insights for clinical management.

Background: Malignant vasovagal syncope (VVS) is characterized by cardiac arrest lasting more than 3 seconds during a syncope episode or head-up tilt test (HUTT). We aim to conduct a risk assessment for potential malignant VVS before the HUTT by using economic, simple and convenient demographic data, in order to prevent adverse outcomes for pediatric VVS.Purpose: To explore the correlation between demographic factors and pediatric malignant VVS, and verify the value of these factors in early risk assessment for malignant VVS before HUTT, so as to optimize test safety and reduce adverse events. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 3,734 children who were initially diagnosed with VVS due to unexplained syncope and presyncope. Finally, 122 children who met the diagnostic criteria for malignant VVS were included in the malignant VVS group, and 661 children who did not meet the criteria during the same period were matched as the control group. By analyzing demographic data and other factors, we attempted to clarify the association between these factors and malignant VVS. Results: Linear relationship: age and body mass index (BMI) have independent protective effects on malignant VVS. For every 1-year increase in age and every 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 12% and 9%, respectively. Nonlinear relationship: When the age is <12.9 years old, for every additional year of age, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 20%. For ages 12.9 years and above, the efficacy is not significant. There is no significant nonlinear relationship between BMI and malignant VVS. Conclusion Age and BMI are independent protective factors for pediatric malignant VVS. Before the age of 12.9 years, the incidence of malignant VVS gradually decreases with the increase in age, and thereafter there is no significant impact.

ObjectiveTo elucidate the effects of autonomic neuromodulators [calcium chloride (CaCl₂)-acetylcholine (ACh)] on atrial electrical remodeling and histopathological changes in rats, thereby providing evidence for further investigation into the pathological mechanisms by which autonomic imbalance induces atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsTen 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups, with 5 rats in each group. The experimental group received daily tail vein injections of a CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days, while the control group received an equal volume of saline. Surface electrocardiograms were recorded before and after daily administration. On day 28 of administration, under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia, echocardiography was performed, and then the rats were euthanized by exsanguination under isoflurane anesthesia for tissue collection. Body weight and heart weight of rats were measured, and electrophysiological parameters including AF inducibility, conduction velocity, and conduction dispersion in isolated rat hearts were monitored using the MappingLab multichannel electrophysiological mapping system. HE staining was performed to evaluate atrial tissue architecture and inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were analyzed by Western blotting. Masson staining was used to quantitatively analyze the proportional distribution of collagen fibers and myocardial fibers, and to calculate the area of collagen deposition, thereby evaluating the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining was used to evaluate morphological changes of cardiomyocytes. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to detect the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect atrial cell apoptosis. ResultsCompared with the control group, the experimental group showed obvious arrhythmias on electrocardiograms. Echocardiography after 28 days of administration revealed significant structural remodeling in the experimental group, with a marked increase in left atrial anteroposterior diameter (P < 0.05), and also showed cardiac dysfunction, with significant decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a significantly increased heart weight-to-body weight ratio (P < 0.05), a markedly higher AF inducibility (P < 0.001), a significantly slowed atrial conduction velocity (P < 0.05), an uneven isochronal map with irregular directions, and a significantly increased conduction dispersion (P < 0.01). HE staining showed that atrial myocytes in the experimental group were disorganized, with slight inflammatory cell infiltration. Western blotting showed that the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β in the atrial tissue of the experimental group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). Masson staining showed a significant increase in collagen deposition and a significant increase in fibrosis area in the atrial tissue of the experimental group (P < 0.001). WGA staining showed that cardiomyocytes in the experimental group were significantly hypertrophied compared with the control group (P < 0.05). DHE staining and TUNEL staining revealed that the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes (P < 0.001) and the apoptotic rate (P < 0.01) were both significantly increased. Conclusion Daily tail vein injections of the autonomic neuromodulator CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days can successfully induce AF in rats, accompanied by significant atrial structural remodeling, electrical remodeling, and oxidative stress.

AIM To observe the effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula(YQJDTL)on renal microvascular endothelial function and prevention of renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group.The model group was administered with high-fat diet combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ to establish the T2DM model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,the canagliflozin group(9 mg/kg),and the low-dose and high-dose YQJDTL groups(4.77,9.45 g/kg).The corresponding doses of the drug were administered by gavage for a total of 12 weeks,during which the rats underwent observation of their general condition and blood glucose changes.After the end of administration,the rats had their levels of renal index,24-hour UP,serum SCr,BUN,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,ET-1 and NOS measured;their changes in renal microvasculature and the degree of renal fibrosis observed using HE staining,Masson staining,PAS staining,and PASM staining;their ultrastructure of the glomeruli observed using transmission electron microscopy;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,Col-1,VEGFA and PKC detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β,SMAD2 determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose YQJDTL group showed decreased levels of renal index,blood glucose,TG,TC,HDL,24 h UP,BUN,SCr and ET-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased LDL and NOS levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);reduced renal inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis degree,inhibited fusion of foot processes and thickening of basement membrane;decreased renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,VEGFA,PKC and Col-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β and SMAD2(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION In the rat models of T2DM,YQJDTL can reduce their levels of blood glucose and lipids by improving the renal indices levels and the renal microvascular endothelial functions to alleviate renal fibrosis and microangiopathy as well,and the mechanism may be associated with the down-regulated expressions of TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathway-related proteins.

Aim To investigate the protective effect of Shengmai Yin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in-jury(MI/RI)in vitro and in vivo and to unravel the underlying mechanism.Methods SD rats were divid-ed into the sham group,model group,and Shengmai Yin group(SM).Rat MI/RI model was established.Cardiac function,infarct area,pathological changes,cardiomyocyte apoptosis,macrophage infiltration,and serum cTnT and CK-MB levels were measured.The mRNA and protein expressions of Calpain-1 and Cal-pain-2 were assessed.The hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)model was constructed in H9c2 cells.The active ingredients of Shengmai Yin were screened using net-work pharmacology and verified by CCK-8.In the car-diomyocytes H/R model,Fluo-4 AM staining was used to detect the changes of Ca2+levels.Results Com-pared with model group,LVEF and LVFS of Shengmai Yin-treated rats increased,myocardial infarction area was reduced,while myocardial tissue injury was allevi-ated.Myocardial apoptosis rate and the number of macrophages were reduced.Similarly,cTnT and CK-MB levels decreased.In addition,the expression lev-els of Calpain-1 and Calpain-2 mRNA and protein de-creased in the SM treatment group.Under the H/R model,all the active ingredients of Shengmai decoction had protective effects on cardiomyocytes,and the treat-ment could reduce the level of Ca2+in cardiomyocytes.Conclusions Shengmai Yin has protective effects on MI/RI in rats.This effect may be related to the de-crease in Ca2+levels,as well as Calpain-1 and Calap-in-2 mRNA and protein expression.

A 15-year-old boy developed abdominal pain and melena two weeks after COVID-19 infection, which was followed by gross hematuria and proteinuria. Laboratory studies revealed significantly elevated inflammatory markers. Endoscopic examinations showed multiple jejunal and ileal ulcers. Renal biopsy suggested mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with crescent formation, necrosis of capillary loops, and mesangial IgA deposits. IgA vasculitis without purpura was considered as a possible diagnosis, and the treatment with prednisone led to remission of both gastrointestinal and renal diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection's effect on gestational liver function, pregnancy and delivery complications, and neonatal development. METHODS: A total of 157 HCV antibody-positive (anti-HCV[+]) and HCV RNA(+) patients (Group C) and 121 anti-HCV(+) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group B) were included as study participants, while 142 anti-HCV(-) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group A) were the control group. Data on biochemical indices during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, delivery-related information, and neonatal complications were also collected. RESULTS: Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) rates in Group C during early, middle, and late pregnancy were 59.87%, 43.95%, and 42.04%, respectively-significantly higher than Groups B (26.45%, 15.70%, 10.74%) and A (23.94%, 19.01%, 6.34%) ( P < 0.05). Median ALT levels in Group C were significantly higher than in Groups A and B at all pregnancy stages ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in neonatal malformation rates across groups ( P > 0.05). However, neonatal jaundice incidence was significantly greater in Group C (75.16%) compared to Groups A (42.25%) and B (57.02%) ( χ ² = 33.552, P < 0.001). HCV RNA positivity during pregnancy was an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice ( OR = 2.111, 95% CI 1.242-3.588, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Chronic HCV infection can affect the liver function of pregnant women, but does not increase the pregnancy or delivery complication risks. HCV RNA(+) is an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Infant, Newborn ; Viremia/virology* ; Hepatitis C ; Hepacivirus/physiology* ; Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology* ; Young Adult ; Alanine Transaminase/blood*

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel autologous blood recovery device during the weaning process from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: A total of 16 patients who received ECMO support and underwent blood recovery during the weaning process from January 2022 to September 2024 at our hospital were included in the experimental group. In contrast, 58 patients who did not receive blood recovery during the weaning process were assigned to the control group. Transfusion components, costs, and changes in routine blood tests and coagulation functions were compared between the two groups from the day of weaning until 48 hours post-weaning. Results: Significant differences were observed in the volumes of red blood cell transfusions, plasma transfusions, and transfusion costs between the two groups from the day of weaning to 48 hours post-weaning (P<0.05). Additionally, in the experimental group, significant differences were noted in hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (Plt), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) results when comparing values before and after extubation (P<0.05). Conclusion: The application of a novel autologous blood recovery device during ECMO weaning reduces patient costs, minimizes wastage of autologous blood, decreases reliance on exogenous blood transfusions, and mitigates the risks associated with allogeneic blood transfusion. This approach merits further promotion for clinical use.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection into the external urethral sphincter in combination with sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for the treatment of idiopathic non-obstructive urinary retention (INOUR). Methods A total of 57 INOUR patients treated in our hospital during May 2022 and May 2024 were enrolled. Patients were divided into the BTX (n=30) and combined groups (n=27) according to whether they chose SNM after BTX-A injection. The baseline, postoperative 1-month and 6-month consecutive 3-day voiding diaries, quality of life score (QoL), and post-void residual (PVR), preoperative and postoperative 1-month urodynamic results, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results One month after surgery, the average number of voiding frequency per day and PVR were lower in both groups than those before surgery (P<0.05), while the average daily urine volume and maximum flow rate (MFR) were higher (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the maximum detrusor pressure during micturition in both groups before and after surgery (P>0.05). One month after surgery, the average number of voiding frequency per day, average daily urine volume, PVR, QoL, MFR, bladder compliance (BC), and maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) were better in the combined group than in the BTX group (P<0.05), and the efficiency was higher in the combined group (88.9% vs.63.3%, P<0.05). Six months after surgery, the efficacy of the BTX group returned to the baseline level with no statistically significant difference, whereas the efficacy of the combined group was stable (not different from the postoperative 1-month indicators, but better than the baseline level). During the follow-up, there was no difference in the incidence of complications between the BTX group and combined group [43.3% (13/30) vs. 48.1% (13/27), P>0.05]. Conclusion BTX-A injection into the external urethral sphincter combined with SNM improves the short-term outcomes of INOUR patients and maintains the efficacy 6 months postoperatively, which is a safe and reliable treatment option.

Objective:To discuss the infection status and clinical outcomes in the patients with bullous pemphigoid(BP),and to analyze the risk factors for infection in hospitalized BP patients,as well as to construct and evaluate the risk prediction model.Methods:A total of 126 patients first diagnosed with BP were selected.According to the occurrence of infection,the patients were divided into infection group(52 cases)and non-infection group(74 cases).The infection status and outcomes of the patients in two groups were recorded;statistical analysis was performed on the general data,laboratory examination results,FRAIL scale scores for frailty screening,NRS2002 scores,and skin lesion severity of the patients in two groups;multivariate Logistic regression model was used to identify the risk factors for infection in the patients;the goodness-of-fit test was used to evaluate the model;receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of the model for infection.Results:Among the 126 hospitalized BP patients,52 cases had infection,with an infection rate of 41.27％.The mortality rate of the patients in infection group was higher than that in non-infection group(P＜0.05),and the remission rate of the patients in non-infection group was higher than that in infection group(P＜0.05).The FRAIL scale score for frailty screening,NRS2002 score,serum albumin level,prealbumin level,number of hospitalization,skin lesion severity,and time of hospital stay of the patients in infection group were significantly higher than those in non-infection group(P＜0.05).The multivariate Logistic regression analysis results derived the regression equation:Logistic(P)=-7.63+0.922× skin lesion severity+2.565×FRAIL scale score for frailty screening+1.214×NRS2002 score.The area under the curve of the Logistic regression model was 0.916.Conclusion:The FRAIL scale score for frailty screening,NRS2002 score,and skin lesion severity are the risk factors for infection in the hospitalized BP patients.The constructed infection risk prediction model based on these factors has good predictive value and may provide new ideas for the prevention and control of infection in the hospitalized BP patients.