Objective:To explore the effects of Yiqi Yangyin Tongluo Decoction combined with TCM syndrome differentiation diet on renal function, inflammatory factors, and nutritional status of DN patients with qi-yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome based on propensity score matching method.Methods:Retrospective clinical studies were carried out. A total of 152 DN patients with qi-yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to January 2024 were selected and divided into an observation group of 83 cases and a control group of 69 cases according to the treatment method. Propensity score matching (PSM) was further adopted to balance the confounding factors before treatment at a ratio of 1:1. Finally, 46 patients in each group were successfully matched. The control group received conventional Western medicine therapy intervention, while the observation group received a combination of Yiqi Yangyin Tongluo Decoction and TCM syndrome differentiation diet treatment on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 3 months. TCM syndrome scores were performed before and after treatment, and t-test was used to detect the levels of SCr, BUN, and β2-MG. ELISA was used to detect the levels of IL-1β, TGF-β1, and TNF-α. Body composition analyzer was used to measure the triceps circumference (AMC) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) of the upper arm; the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to assess the risk or status of malnutrition. Adverse reactions were recorded and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was 91.3% (42/46), while that of the control group was 69.7% (32/46). There was a statistical significance in the total effective rate between the two groups ( χ2=4.84, P=0.028). After treatment, the observation group had lower scores of soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, fatigue and weakness, restlessness and heat in the five hearts, and a decrease in the depth of the tongue and dark veins compared to the control group ( t values of 4.23, 3.86, 3.68, 4.62, respectively, P<0.001); serum SCr [(221.53±23.40) mmol/L vs. (261.92±25.48) mmol/L, t=7.92], BUN [(21.74 ± 4.13) mmol/L vs. (25.12 ± 4.50) mmol/L, t=3.75], β2-MG [(2.88 ± 0.71) mg/L vs. (4.54 ± 0.93) mg/L, t=9.62] levels, as well as IL-1β [(47.21 ± 5.48) μg/L vs. (51.92 ± 5.63) μg/L, t=4.07], TGF-β [(67.84 ± 8.03) μg/L vs. (73.29 ± 8.88) μg/L, t=4.75], TNF-α [(29.74 ± 4.13) μg/L vs. (33.12 ± 4.98) μg/L, t=3.54] were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.001); the MNA score (24.89 ± 4.48 vs. 21.02 ± 4.16, t=4.29), AMC [(24.34±2.83) mm vs. (22.19 ± 2.88) mm, t=3.61], TSF [(8.34 ± 2.13) mm vs. (7.12 ± 1.98) mm, t=2.85] were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.001 or P<0.05). During the treatment period, the incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 13.0% (6/46), while in the control group it was 8.7% (4/46). There was no statistical significance between the two groups ( χ2=0.45, P=0.503). Conclusion:The combination of Yiqi Yangyin Tongluo Decoction and TCM syndrome differentiation diet can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of DN patients, improve their kidney function, enhance their nutritional and health status, and inhibit inflammatory response levels, with good treatment safety.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. The control group received acupuncture at Neixiyan (EX-LE4)，Dubi (ST35), Yinlingquan (SP9), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zusanli (ST36) on the affected side, once every other day, 3 times a week. The observation group received blade needle therapy on the basis of the treatment in the control group, once every 3 days, 2 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before treatment, after 2, 4 weeks of treatment, and after 1 month of treatment completion (in follow-up), the scores of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lequesne index were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: After 2, 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the pain VAS scores, Lequesne index scores, and pain, stiffness, function scores of WOMAC in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the VAS scores, Lequesne index scores and pain, function scores of WOMAC in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective response rate in the observation group was 76.7% (23/30), while that in the control group was 70.0% (21/30), there was no statistically significant difference in the effective response rates between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy could alleviate pain and promote functional recovery in KOA patients, and achieve long-lasting improvements.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Needles ; Combined Modality Therapy

Objective To explore the application value of echocardiography in the differential diagnosis of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis(ATTR-CA)and immunoglobulin light chain cardiac amyloidosis(AL-CA).Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of echocardiographic parameters of 50 confirmed CA patients diagnosed between November 2021 and January 2024 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University,including 6 cases of ATTR and 44 cases of AL.Parameters that could potentially distinguish between the two subtypes were selected using t-tests and x2 tests,and the diagnostic capabilities of these parameters for the two subtypes were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results There were no statistically significant differences in general characteristics,global longitudinal strain(GLS),ratio of apical to basal strain,ejection fraction to GLS ratio(EFSR),maximum thickness of left ventricular myocardium,relative thickness of left ventricular wall,presence of thickened atrioventricular valves,or presence of enlarged atria between ATTR and AL groups(P＞0.05).The interventricular septal thickness was greater than in ATTR group than in AL group(P＜0.05),and the E/e'ratio(ratio of spectral Doppler early diastolic peak velocity to tissue Doppler early diastolic peak velocity)was greater in ATTR group than in AL group(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for distinguishing between the two subtypes based on interventricular septal thickness and E/e'ratio were 0.891(95％CI:0.792-0.991)and 0.826(95％CI:0.698-0.955),respectively,with a sensitivity of 100.00％and specificity of 95.24％for combined diagnosis.Conclusion Echocardiographic parameters,including E/e'ratio and interventricular septal thickness,may have clinical significance in distinguishing between the two main subtypes of CA in patients.

BACKGROUND:Kidney deficiency is the main pathogenesis of osteoporosis.To study the relationship between the two major syndrome types of kidney deficiency,Kidney-Yang deficiency and Kidney-Yin deficiency,is beneficial for the development of clinical diagnosis and treatments based on the combination of disease and syndrome. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the biomechanical differences of the rat femurs with Kidney-Yang deficiency and Kidney-Yin deficiency caused by Yougui pills,and to demonstrate the scientific efficacy of medication based on the combination of disease and syndrome in osteoporosis from a biomechanical perspective. METHODS:The bilateral ovaries of 60 female Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically removed to establish an ovariectomized osteoporosis model.At 10 weeks after modeling,all the rats were randomly divided into a Kidney-Yang deficiency group(n=30)and a Kidney-Yin deficiency group(n=30).Rats with Kidney-Yang deficiency were given gluteal intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone,while rats with Kidney-Yin deficiency were orally administered with thyroid tablet suspension,once a day,for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,20 rats in each group were given a suspension of Yougui pills by gavage once a day for 12 consecutive weeks and the remaining 10 rats were used as the control group without intervention.After gavage,the microstructural parameters of the bone were measured using Micro-CT scanning.Three-point bending,finite element simulation,femoral head compression,and surface indentation distribution experiments of the femurs were performed on a mechanical testing machine. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Micro-CT revealed that the femoral bone density,bone volume fraction,bone surface density,trabecular number,and trabecular separation were improved in the Kidney-Yin deficiency+Yougui pills group compared with the Kidney-Yin deficiency group(P＜0.05);the femoral bone volume fraction,bone surface density,trabecular number,and trabecular thickness were improved in the Kidney-Yang deficiency+Yougui pills group compared with the Kidney-Yang deficiency group(P＜0.05).The three-point bending experiment showed that the femur elastic modulus,maximum bending strength and bending fracture strength were decreased(P＜0.05)and toughness was increased(P＜0.05)in the Kidney-Yang deficiency+Yougui pills group compared with the Kidney-Yang deficiency group.Finite element simulation showed that Yougui pills could significantly improve the bending resistance of the femurs in the Kidney-Yang deficiency group,but had no significant effect on the Kidney-Yin deficiency group.The femoral head compression experiments showed that Yougui pills could enhance the ability of the femoral head to resist deformation in the Kidney-Yang deficiency group,but there was no significant difference in the effect of Yougui pills on the surface properties of the femoral head in the Kidney-Yin deficiency group and the Kidney-Yang deficiency group.To conclude,Yougui pills can significantly enhance the biomechanical properties of the osteoporotic bones with Kidney-Yang deficiency,but have no significant effect on the osteoporotic bone with Kidney-Yin deficiency.

Critically ill patients are at high risk for hospital acquired infections, which can significantly increase the mortality rate and treatment costs for these patients. Therefore, in the process of treating the primary disease, strict prevention and control of new hospital infections is an essential component of the treatment for critically ill patients. The treatment of critically ill patients involves multiple steps and requires a concerted effort from various aspects such as theory, management, education, standards, and supervision to achieve effective prevention and control of hospital infections. However, there is currently a lack of unified understanding and standards for hospital infection prevention and control. To address this, in March 2024, a group of experts in critical care medicine, infectious diseases, and hospital infection from China discussed the current situation and issues of hospital infection control in the intensive care unit together. Based on a review of the latest evidence-based medical evidence from both domestic and international sources, 2024 Expert Consensus on Hospital Acquired Infection Control Principles in the Department of Critical Care Medicine was formed, aiming to provide a basis for the development of hospital infection prevention and control strategies in the field of critical care medicine.

Objective To develop an expert consensus on subcutaneous injection for allergen-specific immunotherapy.Methods Relevant domestic and intemational literature was reviewed,and nursing experts who had experiences in subcutaneous injection of allergen-specific immunotherapy were interviewed to form the initial draft of the consensus.A total of 85 experts from 42 hospitals nationwide were invited to participate in discussions.2 rounds of expert consultations,adjustments,revisions,and improvements were made to the initial draft,and an online meeting was held to form the final version of the consensus.The content approved by more than 75％of the expert group is adopted,or it will be discussed or deleted.Results The expert consensus includes operational standards for subcutaneous injection of allergen-specific immunotherapy,identification and management of adverse reactions,and health education.Conclusion The consensus demonstrates strong scientific rigor and practicality,providing guidance for nursing practices in the field of clinical allergology.

Objective:To explore the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for renal tumors, guided by both ultrasound and CT, under local anesthesia.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 40 patients with renal tumors admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between January 2018 and December 2022. This treatment involved ultrasound/CT dual-guided radiofrequency ablation under local anesthesia. The cohort included 33 males and 7 females, with an average age of (61.5±11.9) years old and a body mass index (BMI) of (24.79±3.37) kg/m 2. The tumors were located in the left kidney in 20 cases and the right kidney in 16 cases, with 4 cases involving bilateral renal tumors. There were 44 tumors in 40 patients, with the maximum tumor diameter ranging from 1.0 to 4.0 cm [mean (2.3 ± 0.7) cm]. Distribution by kidney pole was as follows: 15 cases at the upper pole, 21 at the middle pole, and 8 at the lower pole. Of the tumors, 23 were exophytic, 5 were endophytic, and 16 exhibited mixed features. There were 2 patients with multiple metastases before surgery(including 1 patient with bilateral renal tumor). Preoperative serum creatinine level was 68.0(56.5, 87.5)μmol/L, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 114.2 (79.6, 132.4) ml/(min·1.73 m 2). All patients underwent renal biopsy before or during radiofrequency ablation. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation surgery was performed using ultrasound and CT dual guidance on all patients, ensuring complete tumor destruction during the procedure as confirmed by dual positioning. Patients with bilateral tumors underwent two separate surgeries, spaced one month apart. Postoperatively, closely monitor the patient's vital signs and conduct long-term follow-ups to record any recurrence and metastasis. Results:In this series, all 40 procedures (involving 44 renal units) were successfully completed under local anesthesia without any need for blood transfusion, conversion to open surgery, or perioperative deaths. The average radiofrequency ablation time was (9.5 ± 3.6) min. Tumor characteristics included predominantly exophytic growths (23 cases, 52.3%), with 31 cases (70.5%) located more than 7 mm from the collecting system and 28 cases (63.6%) positioned posteriorly. Thirteen cases (29.5%) were entirely outside the polar line. The average R. E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was 6.1±0.2. Pathological examination revealed 34 cases of clear cell carcinoma, 2 of papillary renal cell carcinoma, 4 of unclassified renal cell carcinoma, and 4 benign renal tumors. In this cohort, two patients with bilateral renal tumors exhibited benign tumors on one side, while two other patients had malignant tumors in both kidneys. All 40 malignant tumors identified in 38 cases were classified at stage cT 1a.Postoperative serum creatinine level was 71.5 (59.0, 94.3) μmol/L, showing no statistically significant change from preoperative levels ( P > 0.05). Similarly, the eGFR post-operation was 107.4 (79.7, 132.2) ml/(min·1.73 m 2), which also did not differ significantly from preoperative values ( P > 0.05). There were no postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥Ⅱ, except for one case of severe pain (score 7-10). The follow-up period ranged from 15 to 70 months. Among the 38 cases, 36 patients did not have distant metastasis before surgery. There were 2 patients (5.5%) with local recurrence within 60 months after surgery. Among them, one case relapsed 6 months after radiofrequency ablation and was treated with partial nephrectomy. The patient was followed up for 60 months after the second treatment, and no local recurrence occurred. Another patient relapsed 41 months after surgery and was treated with radiofrequency ablation again. The patient was followed up for 12 months after the second treatment, and no local recurrence occurred. Two patients with distant metastasis before surgery were treated with targeted therapy plus immunotherapy for 12 months after surgery. One case had local recurrence 8 months after surgery and was treated with partial nephrectomy. The patient was followed up for 60 months after partial nephrectomy and no local recurrence occurred. Another patient with bilateral renal tumors developed left kidney recurrence 34 months after radiofrequency ablation, and underwent left partial nephrectomy. The right kidney recurred 42 months after radiofrequency ablation and underwent radiofrequency ablation again. After the second right renal radiofrequency ablation, no local recurrence occurred during 12 months of follow-up. Conclusions:Ultrasound/CT dual-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, performed under local anesthesia for treating renal tumors, has minimal impact on the patient's renal function. The procedure boasts a low complication rate, with no postoperative severe complications. Additionally, the postoperative tumor control is effective, making it a safe and minimally invasive surgical option.

Objective:To explore the sleep status and impact factor analysis of patients in clinical trials of antineoplastic drugs, and provide a basis for improving the sleep status and impact analysis of patients in clinical trials of antineoplastic drugs.Methods:From April to May 2023, 107 oncology patients in the Phase I Clinical Trial Ward of the Affiliated East Hospital of Tongji University were selected as the research objects by convenient sampling method. The general information questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale (PSQI), Numeric rating scale (NRS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Depression Self-Ration Tool Scale (PHQ-9). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis methods were used to carry out a cross-sectional investigation and the relevant factors affecting patients′sleep.Results:Totally 103 questionnaires were effectively collected. The 103 patients′ age ranged from 20 to 75 years old, including 61 males and 42 females. 47.57% (49/103) patients in clinical trials of antineoplastic drugs had abnormal sleep. The average score of patients (PSQI) (7.66 ± 3.93) was higher than the average score of the domestic norm (3.88 ± 2.52), and there was significant statistical difference ( t = 9.76, P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that pain ( OR = 3.004, 95% CI 1.135-7.948, P<0.05) and trial cycle ( OR = 0.432, 95% CI 0.191-0.978, P<0.05) were significant risk factors for abnormal sleep quality. Conclusions:The incidence of abnormal sleep quality in patients of clinical trials of antineoplastic drugs is high, but the sleep quality is poor. The factors that affect the sleep quality of patients in clinical trials of antineoplastic drugs are mainly related to the patient′s trial cycle and cancer pain. According to these characteristics, individualized programs should be developed to improve the sleep quality of patients with advanced cancer, so as to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.

Facial paralysis causes both physical pain and psychological distress to patients. It is difficult for a patient with facial paralysis to engage with a normal social life and at work. Progresses have been made in recent years in the treatment of facial paralysis. More attentions have been caught by masseteric to facial nerve transposition, which has advantages of adjacency in location, abundancy in nerve supply and reliability in the outcome and now has deemed an important option of facial reanimation. It has not been long since the application of the technique of masseteric to facial nerve transposition in China, therefore it still lacks a universal guidance on practice. In order to achieve the aim of better quality control and popularisation of the technique, hereby a consensus with suggestions on facial reanimation with masseteric to facial nerve transposition is proposed as the reference for surgeons specialised in facial reanimation. This consensus is proposed, discussed and drafted by experts from plastic and reconstructive surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, head and neck surgery and neurosurgery.

Objective:To analyze the distribution characteristics of plasma renin concentration (PRC) in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and its impact on diagnosis.Methods:In this retrospective case series, clinical data from 200 patients with APA (80 men and 120 women; mean age 45.6 years) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from November 2013 to January 2022 were evaluated. PRC was determined by automated chemiluminescence immunoassay. The distribution characteristics of PRC were analyzed, and 8.2 mU/L was used as the low renin cutoff to evaluate whether renin was suppressed.Results:The median PRC was 1.6 mU/L (range, 0.4-41.5 mU/L). There were 116 patients with APA with PRC of ≤2 mU/L, 41 patients with 28.2 mU/L) in 8.0% (16/200) of the patients with APA. And PRC was not suppressed in 2.5% (5/200) of the patients with APA, resulting in a primary aldosteronism negative screening outcome.Conclusions:Although most patients with APA have low PRC, there are a small number (8%) of patients whose PRC has not been fully suppressed, which can lead to missed diagnoses during primary aldosteronism screening. While primary aldosteronism is highly suspected, further investigations are required to determine the diagnosis, even if PRC is not fully suppressed at screening.