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.

AIM: To investigate the decentration of the treatment zone(TZ)and the early impact on corneal higher-order aberrations(HOAs)induced by orthokeratology(OK)lenses fitted with digital corneal topography.METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal clinical study was conducted on 28 patients(28 right eyes)who were digitally fitted with OK lenses at the Laser Vision Center of Xi'an No.1 Hospital since 2023. Longitudinal measurements were taken at baseline, 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo post-treatment to assess changes in TZ diameter, decentration magnitude and direction. Furthermore, changes in corneal HOAs were observed, and correlations of decentration with each HOAs were also analyzed.RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 10.29±2.00 years, with 15 males and 13 females, and the average baseline spherical equivalent was -2.92±0.94 D. The average TZ diameters at 1 wk, 1, and 3 mo were 3.64±0.58, 3.83±0.57, and 3.69±0.55 mm, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between 1 wk and 3 mo. Horizontal decentration values were -0.43±0.28, -0.38±0.33, and -0.31±0.37 mm after wearing lenses for 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo, respectively, while vertical decentration values were -0.33±0.20, -0.33±0.23, and -0.36±0.23 mm across the same time points. The TZ consistently decentered inferotemporally, and changes in both horizontal and vertical decentration over time were not statistically significant(Fhorizontal=1.416, Phorizontal=0.252; Fvertical=0.126, Pvertical=0.882). Significant increases in total corneal HOAs, coma, and spherical aberration were observed at 5 mm optical zone post-wear(F=45.695, 33.401, and 45.091, all P<0.001). Vertical decentration at 1 wk and 1 mo was negatively correlated with total HOAs and coma(all P<0.05), while horizontal decentration at 3 mo showed a weak negative correlation with spherical aberration(P=0.037).CONCLUSION: Digitally-fitted OK lenses achieved stable TZ diameter by 1 wk post-wear, with minor inferotemporal decentration. Early post-wear corneal total HOAs, coma and sphercal aberration increased significantly, and vertical downward decentration was associated with elevated total HOAs and coma. However, correlations between decentration and HOAs weakened by 3 mo.

Tamoxifen(TAM)has been widely used for the treatment of ER+breast cancer.However,the inevitable emergence of resistance to tamoxifen obstructs the successful treatment of this cancer.The tumor suppressor gene N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2(NDRG2)plays a significant role in the de-velopment of ER+breast cancer.However,it is unclear whether NDRG2 participates in mediating TAM resistance in ER+breast cancer.Here,we investigate the expression of NDRG2 mRNA and protein in TAM-sensitive and TAM-resistant ER+breast cancer cells.The results of immunoblotting experiments re-vealed a negative correlation between NDRG2 expression and TAM resistance ability in ER+breast cancer cells(P＜0.001).CCK-8 cell viability assays and soft agar colony formation assays showed that NDRG2 overexpression in TAM resistant cells significantly reduced the TAM IC50 value and the soft agar colony formation rate(P＜0.001).For the mechanism,the ERAD reporter protein assays showed that NDRG2 overexpression upregulated the expression of the ERAD reporter protein CD3ε-YFP and increased the lev-els of spliced XBP1s mRNA,leading to severe endoplasmic reticulum stress in TAM resistant cells(P＜0.001).Immunoblot analysis confirmed that overexpression of NDRG2 significantly increased the level of phosphorylation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor IRE 1α and the expression levels of its down-stream protein factors,including ERdj4,P58IPK,EDEM and PDIA5(P＜0.001).The in vivo xenograft tumor experiments in mice further verified that NDRG2 overexpression significantly inhibited the growth of resistant tumors,which enhanced the therapeutic effect of TAM(P＜0.001).These findings indicate that increasing NDRG2 expression and triggering severe endoplasmic reticulum stress upon TAM treatment can reverse the resistance of ER+breast cancer cells to TAM and inhibits the growth of ER+breast canc-er tumors.Our results provide valuable new insights and potential targets for improving the clinical man-agement of TAM-resistance and prognosis in ER+breast cancer.

The incidence of male infertility has been increasing year by year,and one of the major causes is testicular spermato-genic epithelial injury,which affects the spermatogenic function of the testis.Ferroptosis is a novel mode of cell death and plays an im-portant role in testicular cell injury.Some traditional Chinese medicines can intervene in the progression of testicular injury by regula-ting the ferroptosis pathway in testicular spermatogenic epithelia.This paper focuses on the effect of traditional Chinese drugs in regula-ting the ferroptosis pathway in testicular cells,and summarizes the advances in the studies of traditional Chinese medicines in the treat-ment of testicular spermatogenic epithelial injury,aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the selection of relevant medicines and their clinical application.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]

Objective:To analyze the correlations between the ultrasound contrast features and the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2)of molecular biological indicators of breast cancer,and between ultrasound elastography features and that.Methods:A total of 63 patients with invasive breast cancer who admitted to The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University from February 2019 to June 2022 were selected as the study subjects.The HER-2 positive expression of molecular biological indicator of breast cancer was measured by immunohistochemistry.According to the immunohistochemical results,the patients were divided into positive group(22 cases)and negative group(41 cases).All patients underwent examinations of ultrasound contrast and ultrasound elastography.The differences of the features of ultrasound contrast and ultrasound elastography between the two groups were analyzed and compared.The influencing factors of HER-2 positive expression were analyzed by binary logistic regression,and the receiver operating curve(ROC)was established to assess respectively the values of single ultrasound contrast,single ultrasound elastography and the combination of them in predicting HER-2 positive expression.Results:There was significant differences in the features of ultrasound elastography between the two groups.The ratios of the irregular shape and burr at the edge of the imaging features of the patients with HER-2 positive expression were significantly higher than those of the patients with HER-2 negative expression[(86.4%vs.58.5%)and(77.3%vs.51.2%)],and the differences were statistically significant(x2=5.117,4.060,P<0.05),respectively.The difference of the features of ultrasound contrast between two groups was significant.The ratios of nourishing vessels,and the lesion enlargement≥3 cm after angiography in patients with HER-2 positive expression were significantly higher than those in the patients with HER-2 negative expression[(77.3%vs.41.5%)and(81.8%vs.39.0%)],the differences were statistically significant(x2=7.390,10.554,P<0.05),respectively.The features(shape,edge,nourishing vessels and lesion enlargement after contrast)of ultrasound contrast and ultrasound elastography were used respectively as independent variables,and the HER-2 positive expression was used as dependent variables.The logistic regression analysis showed that regular shape,smooth edge,without nourishing vessels and enlarged lesion<3 cm after angiography were protective factors for HER-2 positive expression of patients with breast cancer(OR=0.185,0.199,0.070,0.186,P<0.05),respectively.The areas under curve(AUC)values of the ROC curve of imaging features(shape,edge,nourishing vessels,and lesion enlargement after angiography)of ultrasound contrast and ultrasound elastography were respectively 0.630,0.639,0.679 and 0.714 in single predicting HER-2 positive expression of patients with breast cancer,and that of the combination of them was 0.874 in prediction.Conclusion:In features of ultrasound contrast and ultrasound elastography,the shape,edge,nourishing vessels and the enlargement lesion after contrast were the influencing factors of HER-2 positive expression in patients with breast cancer.The combined assessment of ultrasound contrast and ultrasound elastography before surgery has certain clinical reference value in predicting HER-2 expression.

The incidence of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture (OTLVF) in the elderly is gradually increasing. The kyphotic deformity caused by various factors has become an important characteristic of OTLVF and has received increasing attention. Its clinical manifestations include pain, delayed nerve damage, sagittal imbalance, etc. Currently, the definition and diagnosis of OTLVF with kyphotic deformity in the elderly are still unclear. Although there are many treatment options, they are controversial. Existing guidelines or consensuses pay little attention to this type of fracture with kyphotic deformity. To this end, the Lumbar Education Working Group of the Spine Branch of the Chinese Medicine Education Association and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized the experts in the relevant fields to jointly develop Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fractures with kyphotic deformity in the elderly ( version 2024), based on evidence-based medical advancements and the principles of scientificity, practicality, and advanced nature, which provided 18 recommendations to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of using the cross-positioning method for correcting low and moderate astigmatism during small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)surgery with Alpins vector analysis.METHODS: A total of 50 patients(81 eyes)with low and moderate astigmatism with the rule ≤1.50 D who underwent SMILE surgery at the laser myopia treatment center of Xi'an No.1 Hospital from May 2022 to November 2022 were included in the prospective randomized controlled study, and they were divided into two groups according to the random table, with 25 case(41 eyes)in cross-positioning group and 25 cases(40 eyes)in control group. In the cross-positioning group, the patients' head position was adjusted based on the cross intersection lines before the standard SMILE procedure, aligning the lateral canthi with the horizontal line and the midpoint of the eyebrows and the nose bridge with the vertical line. Postoperative visual acuity and refractive results at 3 mo were observed in both groups, and astigmatic changes were analyzed and evaluated using the Alpins vector analysis method.RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 6 cases(11 eyes)in the cross-positioning group were lost to follow-up, while in the control group, 8 cases(14 eyes)were lost to follow-up, with 19 cases(30 eyes)and 17 cases(26 eyes)finally included in the cross-positioning group and the control group, respectively. At 3 mo postoperatively, the uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)of both groups' operated eyes was ≥1.0, and no serious complications occurred, with no significant differences in UCVA, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), spherical power, and spherical equivalent between the cross-positioning group and the control group(all P>0.05). The cylindrical power in the cross-positioning group was 0.00(0.00, 0.00)D, which was lower than -0.13(-0.50, 0.00)D in the control group(P=0.01). The vector analysis results showed that the difference vector(DV)in the cross-positioning group was lower than that in the control group [0.00(0.00, 0.00)vs 0.13(0.00, 0.50), P=0.01], and the index of success(IOS)was better than that of the control group [0.00(0.00, 0.00)vs 0.18(0.00, 0.77), P<0.01]. At 3 mo postoperatively, 26(87%)and 15(58%)eyes in the cross-positioning group and control groups achieved an angle of error(AE)within ±5°, respectively.CONCLUSION: The cross positioning method was used to calibrate the patients' head position during SMILE surgery, which reduced the axial position error and improved the accuracy of SMILE in correcting low and moderate astigmatism.