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: 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 observe any effect of supplementing treatment according to the Early Start Denver model (ESDM) with repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Methods:Sixty-seven children on the autism spectrum aged 2 or 3 years were randomly divided into a control group of 33 and an observation group of 34. Both groups were treated as specified by the ESDM for 24 weeks, but the observation group additionally received rTMS. At 12 and 24 weeks, both groups were evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the revised version of the Repetitive Behavior Scale (RBS-R), Gesell Development Schedules, and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC).Results:The CARS, Gesell, RBS-R and ATEC results of both groups had improved significantly after 12 weeks, with further improvements observed another 12 weeks later, when the average Autism Behavior Checklist scores had also improved significantly. At that point the results of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group, on average.Conclusions:Combining ESDM and rTMS can significantly relieve the main symptoms of autism and improve the comprehensive development of children on the autism spectrum 2 or 3 years old. Therefore, such combination is worthy of application in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of 3D printing spinal external fixator combined with McKenzie therapy for patients with lumbar dics herniation (LDH). METHODS: Sixty patients with LDH between January 2022 and January 2023 were enrolled. Among them, 30 patients were given McKinsey training. According to different treatment methods, all patients were divided into McKenzie group and McKenzie + 3D printing group, 30 patients in each group. The McKenzie group provided McKenzie therapy. The McKenzie + 3D printing group were treated with 3D printing spinal external fixation brace on the basis of McKenzie therapy. Patients in both groups were between 25 and 60 years of age and had their first illness. In the McKenzie group, there were 19 males and 11 females, with an average age of (48.57±5.86) years old, and the disease duration was (7.03 ±2.39) months. The McKenzie + 3D printing group, there were 21 males and 9 females, with an average age of (48.80±5.92) years old, and the disease duration was(7.30±2.56) months. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and lumbar spine function was assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. VAS, ODI and JOA scores were compared between two groups before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 months. The VAS for the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were(6.533±0.860), (5.133±1.008), (3.933±0.868), (2.900±0.759), (2.067±0.640), (1.433±0.504), respectively. In the McKenzie group, the corresponding scores were (6.467±0.860), (5.067±1.048), (4.600±0.968), (3.533±1.008), (2.567±0.728), (1.967±0.809), respectively. The ODI of the McKenzie group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were (41.033±6.810)%, (37.933±6.209)%, (35.467±6.962)%, (27.567±10.081)%, (20.800±7.531)%, (13.533±5.158)%, respectively. For the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group, the corresponding ODI were(38.033±5.605)%, (33.000±6.192)%, (28.767±7.045)%, (22.200±5.517)%, (17.700±4.836)%, (11.900±2.771)%, respectively. The JOA scores of the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were(8.900±2.074), (13.133±2.330), (15.700±3.583), (20.400±3.480), (22.267±3.084), (24.833±2.640), respectively. In the McKenzie group, the corresponding scores were(9.200±2.091), (12.267±2.406), (15.333±3.198), (18.467±2.240), (20.133±2.751), (22.467±2.849), respectively. Before the initiation of treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed in the VAS, ODI, and JOA scores between two groups (P>0.05). At 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment, the VAS in the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group was significantly lower than that in the McKenzie group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The comparison of ODI between two groups at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment revealed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). At 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment, the JOA score in the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group was significantly higher than that in the McKenzie-only group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of 3D printed functional spinal external fixation brace with McKenzie therapy can significantly improve and maintain lumbar function in patients with LDH.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery* ; External Fixators ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Adult ; Braces ; Treatment Outcome

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Objective:To explore the diagnostic key points, treatment strategies, and prognosis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after liver transplantation.Methods:The clinical data of 5 recipients diagnosed with GVHD after liver transplantation at the Liver Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from May 1999 to October 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The causes, onset, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of GVHD after liver transplantation were summarized and analyzed. Literature was searched in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the Chinese keywords "移植物抗宿主病+肝移植", and the English keywords "graft versus host disease + liver transplantation". The search time ranged from January 1988 to January 2025. Inclusion criteria for the literature: (1) meeting the clinical or pathological diagnostic criteria of GVHD after liver transplantation; (2) recipient age >18 years; (3) case number ≥2. Exclusion criteria: incomplete clinical data such as incidence, mortality, and clinical manifestations of GVHD after liver transplantation. The retrieved literature was reviewed.Results:All 5 recipients were male. Among them, 4 cases underwent liver transplantation at this center. The incidence of GVHD after liver transplantation in this center was 0.46% (4/872). All 5 cases developed symptoms such as fever, rash, diarrhea, oral ulcers, and pancytopenia on the 19th (5-21) day after liver transplantation. One case had gastrointestinal bleeding. Two cases were diagnosed by skin pathological biopsy, and three cases were diagnosed based on clinical manifestations such as fever, rash, diarrhea, and bone marrow suppression. One case discontinued immunosuppressants, and four cases reduced the dosage of immunosuppressants. Four cases were treated with high-dose glucocorticoids, four with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), three with ruxolitinib, and three with hematopoietic factors. All five cases received protective isolation, anti-infection, and symptomatic supportive treatment. Among the three recipients treated with ruxolitinib, body temperature returned to normal, rash gradually faded, oral ulcers gradually healed, blood cells returned to normal, and they were eventually discharged after recovery. The remaining two cases showed no symptom improvement and died of severe lung infection and multiple organ failure. Literature review A total of 34 articles were included. The incidence of GVHD after liver transplantation was 1.03% (279/27 018), and the onset time ranged from 7 to 1,865 days post-transplantation; 272 cases (97.49%) occurred within 1-8 weeks. The main clinical manifestations included fever (195 cases, 69.89%), rash (267 cases, 95.70%), diarrhea (173 cases, 62.01%), and bone marrow suppression (214 cases, 76.70%). Treatment mainly involved adjustment of immunosuppressants (201 cases, 72.04%), high-dose corticosteroids (215 cases, 77.06%), and IVIG pulse therapy (146 cases, 52.33%). In the end, 83 cases (29.75%) recovered and were discharged, while the mortality rate was 70.25% (196/279), with causes of death including infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and multiple organ failure.Conclusions:GVHD after liver transplantation has a low incidence, high mortality, and poor prognosis. Diagnosis mainly relies on typical clinical manifestations and pathological results of tissue biopsy. Early administration of high-dose corticosteroids combined with IVIG pulse therapy, timely reduction or discontinuation of immunosuppressants, use of ruxolitinib, active infection management, and enhanced symptomatic and supportive care are effective strategies for treating GVHD after liver transplantation.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) for sciatic nerve block in mice.Methods:Twenty-four healthy adult male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 25-30 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: 1.33% LB 80 μl group (group A), 1.33% LB 40 μl group (group B), 0.66% LB 80 μl group (group C), and 0.66% LB 40 μl group (group D). The sciatic nerve block was performed using the corresponding concentration of LB or the equal volume of LB in each group. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) was measured using Von Frey filaments immediately after sciatic nerve block, at 5 min of block, and every 1 h until MWT recovered to the baseline level. The sciatic nerve block time-MWT curve was plotted to calculate the area under the curve (AUC). Results:The time-MWT curves exhibited similar bimodal characteristics in each group. From the time point immediately after the blockade to the first MWT peak after the blockade, there were no statistically significant differences in the AUC among the four groups ( P>0.05). From the first MWT peak to the first trough, the AUC was significantly greater in A group than in B, C and D groups and in B and C groups than in D group ( P<0.05). From the first trough to the second MWT peak, there was no significant difference in the AUC between A group and D group ( P>0.05), and the AUC was significantly greater in B and C groups than in A and D groups ( P<0.05). From the second MWT peak to the baseline level, the AUC was significantly greater in A group than in B, C and D groups ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the AUC among B, C and D groups ( P>0.05). In the total duration of the sciatic nerve block, the AUC was significantly greater in A group than in B, C and D groups and in B and C groups than in D group ( P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the AUC between B group and C group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:LB exhibits characteristic bimodal changes when used for sciatic nerve block; higher concentrations and volume of LB result in stronger and longer-lasting block effects in mice.

Objective:To observe any effect of supplementing treatment according to the Early Start Denver model (ESDM) with repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Methods:Sixty-seven children on the autism spectrum aged 2 or 3 years were randomly divided into a control group of 33 and an observation group of 34. Both groups were treated as specified by the ESDM for 24 weeks, but the observation group additionally received rTMS. At 12 and 24 weeks, both groups were evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the revised version of the Repetitive Behavior Scale (RBS-R), Gesell Development Schedules, and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC).Results:The CARS, Gesell, RBS-R and ATEC results of both groups had improved significantly after 12 weeks, with further improvements observed another 12 weeks later, when the average Autism Behavior Checklist scores had also improved significantly. At that point the results of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group, on average.Conclusions:Combining ESDM and rTMS can significantly relieve the main symptoms of autism and improve the comprehensive development of children on the autism spectrum 2 or 3 years old. Therefore, such combination is worthy of application in clinical practice.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) for sciatic nerve block in mice.Methods:Twenty-four healthy adult male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 25-30 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: 1.33% LB 80 μl group (group A), 1.33% LB 40 μl group (group B), 0.66% LB 80 μl group (group C), and 0.66% LB 40 μl group (group D). The sciatic nerve block was performed using the corresponding concentration of LB or the equal volume of LB in each group. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) was measured using Von Frey filaments immediately after sciatic nerve block, at 5 min of block, and every 1 h until MWT recovered to the baseline level. The sciatic nerve block time-MWT curve was plotted to calculate the area under the curve (AUC). Results:The time-MWT curves exhibited similar bimodal characteristics in each group. From the time point immediately after the blockade to the first MWT peak after the blockade, there were no statistically significant differences in the AUC among the four groups ( P>0.05). From the first MWT peak to the first trough, the AUC was significantly greater in A group than in B, C and D groups and in B and C groups than in D group ( P<0.05). From the first trough to the second MWT peak, there was no significant difference in the AUC between A group and D group ( P>0.05), and the AUC was significantly greater in B and C groups than in A and D groups ( P<0.05). From the second MWT peak to the baseline level, the AUC was significantly greater in A group than in B, C and D groups ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the AUC among B, C and D groups ( P>0.05). In the total duration of the sciatic nerve block, the AUC was significantly greater in A group than in B, C and D groups and in B and C groups than in D group ( P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the AUC between B group and C group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:LB exhibits characteristic bimodal changes when used for sciatic nerve block; higher concentrations and volume of LB result in stronger and longer-lasting block effects in mice.