Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a congenital malformation resulting from abnormal embryonic development of the heart and great vessels, accounting for approximately 25% of all congenital malformations. Children with CHD are often complicated by short stature. Although surgical treatment can improve their growth and development to a certain extent, some children still experience growth retardation after surgery. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is the main drug for treating short stature, but its efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with concomitant CHD warrant further investigation. This article reports six cases of children with CHD and short stature who were treated with rhGH. Through a literature review, we summarize and discuss the therapeutic efficacy, follow-up experiences, and adverse reactions of rhGH treatment, aiming to provide references for clinicians in applying rhGH to treat patients with CHD and short stature.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the methods of ankle hinge position design in the correction of clubfoot deformity by Ilizarov method, and to explore its application value in the prevention of ankle dislocation. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted including 28 patients with rigid clubfoot deformity (34 feet) who met the selection criteria and admitted between September 2021 and December 2024. There were 19 males and 9 females with an average age of 31.8 years (range, 19-47 years). According to Dimeglio classification, there were 21 feet of degree Ⅲ and 13 feet of degree Ⅳ. The causes were traumatic sequelae in 9 cases, congenital foot deformity in 15 cases, spina bifida sequelae in 1 case, peripheral neuropathy in 1 case, and cerebral palsy sequelae in 2 cases. The malformation lasted from 6 to 46 years, with an average of 29.3 years. All patients were treated with Ilizarov circular external fixator, and the hinge position of ankle joint was planned according to the standard lateral X-ray film of foot and ankle and the principle of Ilizarov limb deformity correction center of rotation angulation (CORA) before operation. The 2008 International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) scoring system was used to evaluate the efficacy. RESULTS: The deformity of rigid clubfoot was completely corrected in all patients, and the patients could walk with plantar weight-bearing, and the ankle weight-bearing walking significantly improved when compared with that before operation. There was no complication such as ankle dislocation, talus impact or extrusion, local skin necrosis, needle tract infection, or numbness of extremities during the correction process. All patients were followed up 5-39 months, with an average of 18.1 months. At last follow-up, according to the ICFSG scoring system, 23 feet were excellent, 10 feet were good, and 1 foot was fair, and the excellent and good rate was 97%. CONCLUSION Designing the position of the ankle hinge according to the principle of CORA can effectively avoid ankle dislocation, talus impingement, tibiotalar joint extrusion, and other ankle adverse events in the process of correcting clubfoot deformity, which has good application value in clinical practice.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Clubfoot/diagnostic imaging* ; Ilizarov Technique/instrumentation* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; External Fixators ; Ankle Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Middle Aged ; Joint Dislocations/prevention & control* ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss. extract (HCE) in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. METHODS: Components identification of HCE was conducted using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Mice were sensitized with OVA to establish asthmatic model, and dexamethasone was used as positive control. Respiratory reactivity, white cells counting in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and peripheral blood, cytokine level measurement in serum and lung tissue, and histologic examination were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HCE on asthma. Network pharmacology approach was used for mechanism prediction. Western blotting and untargeted lipidomics method were applied for mechanism validation. RESULTS: Fifty-two compounds were identified in HCE, predominantly terpenoids and flavonoids. HCE markedly reduced airway resistance, the eosinophil infiltration in lung tissues, and the levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-13. Network pharmacology analysis suggested phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) may be key proteins of HCE in the treatment of allergic asthma. Western blot results indicated that the levels of phosphorylated PI3K, JNK, and P38 were downregulated in HCE-treated group. Moreover, HCE significantly upregulated the levels of ceramide and sphingomyelin and downregulated the level of phosphatidylcholine. CONCLUSION HCE inhibited allergic asthma via PI3K/JNK/P38 signaling pathway and lipid homeostasis regulation.

ObjectiveTo explore the influencing factors of occupational hand-arm vibration disease (OHAVD) caused by handheld workpiece polishing. Methods A total of 222 OHAVD patients (case group), 275 hand-transmitted vibration-exposed workers (exposed group) and 243 healthy workers without hand-transmitted vibration exposure (control group) in a sports equipment manufacturing enterprise were selected as the study subjects using the convenience sampling method. Worksite survey of occupational health was conducted on these three groups, and the human vibration measurement equipment was used to measure the vibration exposure level of handheld vibration among the study subjects. The 8-hour energy equivalent frequency-weighted vibrating acceleration ［A(8)］ and cumulative vibration exposure level (CVEL) were calculated. Results The prevalence of coldness, numbness, tingling fingers, and vibration-induced white finger was higher in the exposed group and the case group compared with the control group (all P<0.05). The prevalence of the above-mentioned hand symptoms was higher in the case group compared with the exposed group (all P<0.05). The A(8) and CVEL levels of the study subjects in the case group were higher than those in the exposed group (all P<0.05). Binary logistic analysis result showed that age and CVEL were both influencing factors of OHAVD (all P<0.05). According to the restricted cubic spline models, CVEL of the study subjects in the exposed group had a positive nonlinear dose-response relationship with the risk of OHAVD (overall trend P<0.01, nonlinear P<0.01), indicating an increasing risk of OHAVD with increasing CVEL. Conclusion Hand-transmitted vibration exposure is a risk factor for OHAVD. Early intervention should be carried out for hand-transmitted vibration-exposed individuals to reduce vibration-exposed levels and control vibration exposure time.

Objective:To analyze the status of anemia at the beginning of dialysis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) adult patients, and to explore the relationship between early dialysis anemia and early survival and long-term survival.Methods:It was a retrospective cohort study. The baseline demographic and clinical data of newly admitted MHD patients from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the hemoglobin (Hb) level at the beginning of dialysis, the patients were divided into high Hb group (Hb≥110 g/L), middle Hb group (80 g/L≤Hb<110 g/L) and low Hb group (Hb<80 g/L). The baseline data among the three groups were compared, and the changing trend of Hb level in MHD patients during the 8 years was analyzed. The follow-up ended at peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation, death or on December 31, 2021. All-cause death event within 6 months after the initiation of dialysis was defined as early death, while all-cause death event more than 6 months after the initiation of dialysis was defined as long-term death. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the survival rate, and log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates among the three groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis model was used to analyze the association between anemia (Hb<110 g/L) at the beginning of dialysis and both early and long-term mortality.Results:A total of 36 216 MHD patients were included in this study, with age of (61.3±15.5) years old and 22 163 males (61.20%). The Hb at the beginning of dialysis was (89.33±20.89) g/L. The compliance rate of Hb (≥110 g/L) was 16.43% (5 952/36 216). There were 12 232 patients (33.78%), 18 032 patients (49.79%), and 5 952 patients (16.43%) in low Hb group, middle Hb group, and high Hb group, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in gender distribution, age, serum creatinine, blood phosphorus, blood calcium, C-reactive protein, intact parathyroid hormone, blood leukocytes, platelets, serum albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and proportions of chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, tumors, emporary catheter, long-term catheter and autologous arteriovenous fistula among the three groups (all P<0.05). During the 8-year period, the Hb level had an increased trend steadily each year, and Hb was (88.48±22.07) g/L, (88.52±21.43) g/L, (87.86±21.29) g/L, (88.93±20.69) g/L, (88.87±20.69) g/L, (90.03±20.47) g/L, (90.74±20.31) g/L and (90.31±20.54) g/L year by year. There were 2 176 early deaths (6.01%), and 6 557 long-term deaths (18.10%) by the end of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that early survival rate of low Hb group was significantly lower than those of high Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=57.115, P<0.001) and middle Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=49.918, P<0.001), and long-term survival rates of low Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=107.097, P<0.001) and middle Hb group (log-rank test, χ2=47.430, P<0.001) were significantly lower than that of high Hb group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Hb<80 g/L at the beginning of dialysis was an independent influencing factor of early death (Hb ≥110 g/L as a reference, HR=1.307, 95% CI 1.096-1.559), and 80 g/L≤Hb<110 g/L and Hb<80 g/L at the beginning of dialysis were the independent influencing factors of long-term death (Hb≥110 g/L as a reference, HR=1.108, 95% CI 1.021-1.203; HR=1.228, 95% CI 1.127-1.339, respectively) in MHD patients. Conclusions:The compliance rate of Hb at the beginning of dialysis in MHD patients is low. Hb <80 g/L at the beginning of dialysis is an independent risk factor of early death, and Hb <110 g/L at the beginning of dialysis is an independent risk factor of long-term death in MHD patients.

Objective To explore method of establishing and evaluating an asthma rat model with phlegm and blood stasis syndrome.Methods 60 SD male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups,a normal group,asthma group,combination of disease and syndrome(combination)group,DM group,and KCLW group,with 12 rats in each group.Asthma models were established using ovalbumin(OVA).A syndrome model of phlegm and blood stasis was established using a high-fat diet combined with the ice water bath method.We evaluated the asthma model through animal behavior observation,pathological section observation,inflammation index detection,and airway reactivity measurements.The phlegm and blood stasis syndrome model was evaluated via measurements of rat body mass,blood glucose,blood lipids,coagulation function,and hemorheological indexes and by observing symptoms and syndrome determination by Kechuan Liuwei mixture.Results(1)After OVA induction,the rats in the asthma model group and combination group showed symptoms such as shortness of breath,open mouth breathing,abdominal movement,restlessness,and irritability.HE staining showed the disordered arrangement of the bronchial mucosa in lung tissue,local detachment,thickening of the basement membrane and the bronchial tube wall,narrowing of the lumen,extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells,and congestion of capillaries.Compared with the normal group,the asthma model group and combination group(P＜0.05)had increased serum IL-4,IL-6,and TGF-β1.Penh values were increased after stimulation with various concentrations of Mch(P＜0.05).(2)Rats in the combination group showed symptoms such as chills,curling up with minimal movement,purple and dark claws,purple and black bruises on the tail,loose stools,and unclean perianal area.Compared with the rats in the asthma model group,rats in the combination group had increased body mass(P＜0.05)and blood glucose,triglyceride,and total cholesterol levels(P＜0.05),a shortened thrombin time(P＜0.05),increased fibrinogen content(P＜0.05),and significantly increased whole-blood viscosity at low,medium,and high shear rates(P＜0.05).The indexes were significantly improved after Kechuan Liuwei mixture administration.Conclusions The asthma rat model with phlegm and blood stasis syndrome can be established through OVA induction and high-fat diet combined with ice water bath.The model can be evaluated through behavioral observation,index measurements,and syndrome determination via formulas.

Objective To observe the value of contrast-enhanced CT radiomics combined with clinical and hematology indicators for predicting lymph node(LN)metastasis(LNM)of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Methods Totally 218 ESCC patients were retrospectively enrolled.Stage pN1 and pN2 were clustering as LNM(n=90),while stage pN0 were taken as non-LNM(n=128).The patients were divided into training set(n=174)and test set(n=44)at the ratio of 8∶2.In training set,clinical and LN imaging features which could be used to independently judge LNM were screened and a clinical-imaging model was constructed.The hematological indicators that might be associated with ESCC LNM were screened,and a hematological model was constructed.Radiomics features in LN ROI and ESCC volume of interest(VOI)were extracted based on venous-phase contrast-enhanced CT images,and those might be associated with LNM were screened,and a radiomics model was constructed.Finally a combined model was constructed based on all the above features.The efficacy of each model for diagnosing LNM was evaluated with the area under the curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic curves,and the clinical net benefit was evaluated using decision curve analysis(DCA).Results Body mass index(BMI)and internal necrosis of target LN were both independent judging factors for ESCC LNM(both P＜0.05),and AUC of clinical-imaging model for diagnosing LNM in training and test sets was 0.747 and 0.687,respectively.Seven hematological indicators were included in hematological model,and AUC in training and test sets was 0.623 and 0.583,respectively.Ten LN radiomics features and 15 ESCC radiomics features were included in radiomics model,and AUC in training and test sets was 0.769 and 0.745,respectively.AUC of the combined model for diagnosing LNM in training and test sets was 0.822 and 0.739,respectively,better than other models in training set(all P＜0.05),but no significantly different in test set(all P＞0.05).DCA showed that combined model had higher net gain than the other models in 0.55-0.80 threshold probability interval.Conclusion Combined model based on venous-phase contrast-enhanced CT radiomics and clinical and hematology indicators could relatively effectively evaluate ESCC LNM,which might bring some promotions in clinical benefit.

Objective:To investigate the graft survival rate after total parathyroidectomy (TPTX) plus forearm muscle auto-transplantation in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and evaluate the effect of graft survival status on calcium and phosphorus metabolism.Methods:It was a retrospective cohort study. The end-stage renal disease patients who were diagnosed with SHPT and underwent TPTX plus forearm muscle auto-transplantation from November 2015 to December 2018 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine were enrolled. The clinical data including serum calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase preoperative and postoperative 1 week, 1 month and 6 months, and cumulative requirements of calcium carbonate and calcitriol in postoperative 1 month and 6 months were collected. The graft survival rate was summarized and the differences of serum calcium, phosphorus, and supplementation dosage of calcium and calcitriol after surgery between the graft survival group and the graft non-survival group were compared.Results:A total of 191 patients were included in the study, with 95 males (49.7%), and 172 patients of age <60 years old. There were 154 grafts surviving with a graft survival rate of 80.6%. There were no significant differences in the levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase at 1 week, 1 month and 6 months after surgery, and cumulative dosage of calcium carbonate at 1 month and 6 months after surgery between the two groups (all P>0.05). The dose of calcitriol in the graft non-survival group was significantly higher than that in the graft survival group within 1 month after surgery [41.50 (30.00, 45.00) μg vs. 32.75 (25.50, 40.50) μg, Z=-2.307, P=0.021]. However, there was no significant difference in cumulative calcitriol supplementation between the two groups within 6 months after surgery ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The graft survival rate after TPTX plus forearm muscle auto-transplantation is high in SHPT patients. Within 6 months after surgery, there is no significant difference in serum calcium, phosphorus and cumulative supplemental doses of calcium and calcitriol between the graft survival and non-survival groups.

As the life expectancy of the population increases and traditional indexes are flawed in reflecting the health level, the concept of the healthy life expectancy has emerged, which integrates the length of the life and quality, more comprehensively reflects the health level of the population. This article has summarized the emergence and development of health life expectancy, classification of indexes, and commonly used measurement methods, as well as domestic and international application examples, and domestic research status. It proposes to establish a unified national measurement method, and make full use of big data resources in health care to comprehensively assess the health life expectancy of the population.

Programmed death-1 (PD-1) is an important immunosuppressive molecule which interacts with its ligand programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and plays an important role in central/peripheral immune tolerance, transplantation immunity, tumor immune escape, and autoimmune disease. At present, there is still no systematic understanding of the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in the development and progression of liver diseases. This article summarizes related studies on the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in the progression of liver diseases and reviews the immunoregulatory function of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and its role in liver diseases. It is pointed out that the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is involved in immunoregulatory function of the liver and plays an important role in the development and progression of liver inflammation, autoimmune liver diseases, viral liver diseases, tumor immune escape, transplantation rejection reaction, induced immune response, and autoimmune tolerance. Intervention of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway may provide new strategies and directions for the prevention and treatment of liver disease.