Objective To compare perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve surgery by a right anterior minithoracotomy (RAMT) and conventional sternotomy. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent isolated aortic valve surgeries in Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University between May 2021 and August 2023 with a minimal incision via the RAMT approach (a RAMT group) or conventional incision via the full sternotomy approach (a conventional group). A propensity score matching analysis was performed to balance preoperative data and compare perioperative data of the two groups. Results There were 58 patients in the RAMT group, including 46 males and 12 females with an average age of (52.0±14.1) years; 128 patients were enrolled in the conventional group, including 87 males and 41 females with an average age of (60.0±12.4) years. After propensity-score matching, there were 51 patients in each group. The RAMT group had a longer average operation time, cross-clamping time and cardiopulmonary bypass time compared to the conventional group (all P<0.05). However, ICU length of stay, ventilator-assisted time and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the RAMT group (all P<0.05). Patients in the RAMT group had lower 24 hour chest drain output (P<0.05). RAMT was associated with a trend towards a lower blood transfusion rate in comparison to the sternotomy group, although this was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The occurrence of all-cause death, and perioperative complications was also similar in both groups (P>0.05). Conclusion RAMT has less trauma, faster recovery, less postoperative drainage, and shorter hospital stay than conventional approach. RAMT in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve surgery is a safe approach.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and genotypic changes of six children with RARS2 gene variants. METHODS: The clinical data of 6 children with RARS2 gene variants diagnosed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to August 2024 were collected. Genetic variants were detected using trio-whole exome sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from samples and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Variants were detected and analyzed using relevant databases and software. Pathogenic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. The protein structure encoded by a previously unreported variant was predicted using a SWISS-MODEL online server. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2024-373-01). RESULTS: Among the six children, four were males and two were females, with the most recent follow-up age ranging from 1-year-and-1-month to 7 years old. The age of onset was under 1 year in all cases. All six children exhibited seizures, including infantile spasms in three, spasms and tonic spasms in one, and focal seizures in two. One child became seizure-free for 4 ~ 5 years following Valproic acid combined with topiramate and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) pulse therapy, but subsequently experienced a relapse. Another child has remained seizure-free for nearly one year with oral sodium valproate, levetiracetam, and a "cocktail" therapy. Seizures were not controlled in the remaining four children. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia was observed on neuroimaging in two children. All six patients exhibited severe psychomotor retardation. A total of 10 RARS2 gene variants were identified, three of which were previously unreported. CONCLUSION The predominant clinical features of Pontocerebellar hypoplasia associated with RARS2 gene variants include infantile onset, severe psychomotor retardation or regression, drug-resistant epilepsy, and feeding difficulties. The characteristic neuroimaging finding is pontocerebellar hypoplasia. However, its appearance may vary widely with time. The majority of affected children have a poor prognosis.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Child ; Olivopontocerebellar Atrophies/genetics* ; Arginine-tRNA Ligase/genetics* ; Mutation ; Cerebellar Diseases

Yttrium-90(90Y)selective internal radiation therapy(SIRT)is an emerging modality for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),leveraging the nuclide 90Y to deliver targeted radiation therapy.90Y has a long half-life and can be used to selectively ablate tumor cells by high-energy beta rays.It has high biological effectiveness and robust local control capabilities.In recent years,with the continuous advancement of basic and clinical research,the application of 90Y-SIRT in the conversion treatment of unresectable HCC(uHCC)has made significant progress.However,challenges remain in the clinical application of 90Y-SIRT,including how to improve the efficacy of conversion therapy and how to optimize therapy regimens.This review aims to summarize the research progress of90Y-SIRT in the conversion therapy of uHCC.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and genotypic changes of six children with RARS2 gene variants. Methods:The clinical data of 6 children with RARS2 gene variants diagnosed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to August 2024 were collected. Genetic variants were detected using trio-whole exome sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from samples and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Variants were detected and analyzed using relevant databases and software. Pathogenic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. The protein structure encoded by a previously unreported variant was predicted using a SWISS-MODEL online server. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2024-373-01). Results:Among the six children, four were males and two were females, with the most recent follow-up age ranging from 1-year-and-1-month to 7 years old. The age of onset was under 1 year in all cases. All six children exhibited seizures, including infantile spasms in three, spasms and tonic spasms in one, and focal seizures in two. One child became seizure-free for 4 ~ 5 years following Valproic acid combined with topiramate and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) pulse therapy, but subsequently experienced a relapse. Another child has remained seizure-free for nearly one year with oral sodium valproate, levetiracetam, and a " cocktail" therapy. Seizures were not controlled in the remaining four children. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia was observed on neuroimaging in two children. All six patients exhibited severe psychomotor retardation. A total of 10 RARS2 gene variants were identified, three of which were previously unreported. Conclusion:The predominant clinical features of Pontocerebellar hypoplasia associated with RARS2 gene variants include infantile onset, severe psychomotor retardation or regression, drug-resistant epilepsy, and feeding difficulties. The characteristic neuroimaging finding is pontocerebellar hypoplasia. However, its appearance may vary widely with time. The majority of affected children have a poor prognosis.

Objective:To compare and analyze the similarities and differences in clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, pathological characteristics, and prognosis between urticarial vasculitis (UV) and chronic spontaneous urticaria with pigmentation (CSUwp) .Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and follow-up results from 35 UV patients and 54 CSUwp patients who attended the Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University from 2014 to 2024. The clinical characteristics (duration of rash, pigmentation, petechiae and ecchymosis, itching, burning sensation, fever, fatigue, skin lesion characteristics, etc.) , laboratory test results, pathological features, and prognosis were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was carried out by t test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results:There were no significant differences in gender, age, or age of onset between the UV group and CSUwp group (all P < 0.05) . The proportions of patients with petechiae/purpura (68.57% [24/35] vs. 11.11% [6/54]) , and those with burning sensation (22.86% [8/35] vs. 3.70% [2/54]) were significantly higher in the UV group than in the CSUwp group (both P < 0.05) . Compared with the CSUwp patients, the UV patients presented with a greater number of lesions, larger lesion areas, and more frequent involvement of the lower limbs (all P < 0.05) , also showed significantly higher incidence rates of peripheral blood complement reduction, perivascular neutrophil infiltration, nuclear dust, fibrinoid necrosis of the vessel wall, and erythrocyte extravasation (all P < 0.05) , as well as more extensive dermal perivascular inflammation ( Z = -4.506, P < 0.001) . Among patients who achieved remission, the natural disease course was significantly longer in the CSUwp patients than in the UV patients (6.00 [2.5, 24] months vs. 2.00 [0.5, 24] months; Z = -2.618, P = 0.009]. However, the survival analysis showed no significant difference in the natural disease course or clinical outcomes between the two groups ( χ2 = 2.771, P = 0.096) . There were also no significant differences in rash duration or in the incidence rates of itching, angioedema, or joint pain between the two groups (all P > 0.05) . Conclusions:UV patients exhibited certain differences from CSUwp patients in clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, histopathological features, and prognosis. However, whether their natural disease courses differ requires further follow-up studies to confirm.

Objective:o evaluate the clinical efficacy of the induced membrane technique combined with an antibiotic-impregnated bone cement-coated plate fixation in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the distal femur.Methods:A retrospective study was performed on patients diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis of the distal femur, who received the induced membrane technique combined with an antibiotic-impregnated bone cement-coated plate fixation at Southwest Hospital from November 2016 to December 2022. All patients underwent a two-stage surgical protocol. Stage I involved thorough debridement, placement of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement spacers, and internal fixation with antibiotic-impregnated bone cement-coated plates. Stage II comprised internal fixation for the repair and reconstruction of bone defects. Intraoperatively, microbial culture, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and pathological examination were conducted on bone tissue lesion samples to guide targeted anti-infective therapy. Postoperatively, laboratory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), along with clinical manifestations (e.g., incision drainage, redness, fever, and pain), were monitored to exclude infection recurrence. Infection control was ultimately confirmed by intraoperative frozen section analysis during the second stage. Additionally, bone healing was evaluated via X-ray of the affected limb every month after the second-stage surgery, and lower limb function was assessed using the final knee range of motion (ROM) and the lower extremity function scale (LEFS).Results:A total of 104 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 70 males and 34 females, with a mean age of 35.2±12.13 years. Thirty-seven patients were diagnosed with chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis (CHO) and 67 with post-traumatic osteomyelitis (PTOM). The mean follow-up was 25.48±6.61 months (range, 12-38 months). After the first-stage surgery, infection recurred in 6 CHO and 15 PTOM patients, requiring repeated debridement. Two CHO patients experienced infection recurrence after second-stage reconstruction, which was successfully controlled with further staged treatment. Five PTOM patients developed nonunion after second-stage bone grafting but ultimately achieved bone union after revision surgery. At final follow-up, CRP levels were 4.45±4.23 mg/L (CHO) and 5.16±4.26 mg/L (PTOM), and ESR levels were 5.47±7.42 mm/h (CHO) and 8.51±8.72 mm/h (PTOM), all significantly lower than preoperative values (CRP: CHO 68.31±65.61, PTOM 42.71±80.46; ESR: CHO 52.18±34.29, PTOM 45.87±39.13; all P<0.05). All patients ultimately achieved bone union. One PTOM patient with a preoperative rupture of the knee extensor mechanism had limited improvement in ROM (15° preoperatively vs. 12° at 4-year follow-up). In the remaining patients, knee ROM at final follow-up was significantly improved (CHO: 101.38°±43.73°, PTOM: 94.28°±43.94°) compared with preoperative values (CHO: 57.17°± 4.53°, PTOM: 39.61°±52.61°; all P<0.05). The final LEFS scores were 72.18±9.51 (CHO) and 71.66±10.25 (PTOM). Conclusion:The findings of this study demonstrate that the combination of the "Chongqing Technique" and the "Membrane-Induced Technique" is effective in eradicating chronic osteomyelitis of the distal femur, promoting bone healing, and restoring satisfactory knee joint function.

Five meroterpenoids, rhodonoids K-M (1-2), daurichromene E (3), and grifolins A-B (4-5), together with seven known compounds (6-12), were isolated from Rhododendron anthopogonoides. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated through comprehensive analysis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), ultraviolet (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparing experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra with computed values. Notably, compounds 1 and 3 demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells. These compounds markedly suppressed the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) while also down-regulating the protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
Mice ; Rhododendron/chemistry* ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Terpenes/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; Cyclooxygenase 2/immunology* ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/immunology* ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Interleukin-6/immunology* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Interleukin-1beta/immunology*

Objective:To compare and analyze the similarities and differences in clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, pathological characteristics, and prognosis between urticarial vasculitis (UV) and chronic spontaneous urticaria with pigmentation (CSUwp) .Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and follow-up results from 35 UV patients and 54 CSUwp patients who attended the Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University from 2014 to 2024. The clinical characteristics (duration of rash, pigmentation, petechiae and ecchymosis, itching, burning sensation, fever, fatigue, skin lesion characteristics, etc.) , laboratory test results, pathological features, and prognosis were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was carried out by t test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results:There were no significant differences in gender, age, or age of onset between the UV group and CSUwp group (all P < 0.05) . The proportions of patients with petechiae/purpura (68.57% [24/35] vs. 11.11% [6/54]) , and those with burning sensation (22.86% [8/35] vs. 3.70% [2/54]) were significantly higher in the UV group than in the CSUwp group (both P < 0.05) . Compared with the CSUwp patients, the UV patients presented with a greater number of lesions, larger lesion areas, and more frequent involvement of the lower limbs (all P < 0.05) , also showed significantly higher incidence rates of peripheral blood complement reduction, perivascular neutrophil infiltration, nuclear dust, fibrinoid necrosis of the vessel wall, and erythrocyte extravasation (all P < 0.05) , as well as more extensive dermal perivascular inflammation ( Z = -4.506, P < 0.001) . Among patients who achieved remission, the natural disease course was significantly longer in the CSUwp patients than in the UV patients (6.00 [2.5, 24] months vs. 2.00 [0.5, 24] months; Z = -2.618, P = 0.009]. However, the survival analysis showed no significant difference in the natural disease course or clinical outcomes between the two groups ( χ2 = 2.771, P = 0.096) . There were also no significant differences in rash duration or in the incidence rates of itching, angioedema, or joint pain between the two groups (all P > 0.05) . Conclusions:UV patients exhibited certain differences from CSUwp patients in clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, histopathological features, and prognosis. However, whether their natural disease courses differ requires further follow-up studies to confirm.

Objective To investigate the early clinical efficacy of minimally invasive cardiac surgery coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) via left intercostal small incision for multivessel coronary artery disease. Methods The patients who received off-pump CABG in the Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2021 to June 2023 were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to the operative technique used, including a traditional midline sternotomy group and a left intercostal small incision group. The clinical data of the two groups were compared. Results A total of 143 patients were enrolled, including 70 patients in the traditional midline sternotomy group and 73 patients in the left intercostal small incision group. The age of the patients in the left intercostal small incision group and the traditional midline sternotomy group was (63.8±8.0) years and (63.0±7.8) years, respectively; the proportions of males were 69.9% and 74.3%, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). All patients in the two groups successfully completed the operation, and no patients in the left intercostal small incision group were converted to thoracotomy. The patients in the left intercostal small incision group showed less postoperative drainage within postoperative 24 hours [(239.4±177.7) mL vs. (338.0±151.9) mL, P<0.001], lower perioperative blood transfusion rate [32.9% (24/73) vs. 51.4% (36/70), P=0.028], higher postoperative myoglobin level within postoperative 24 hours [366.1 (247.9, 513.0) ng/mL vs. 220.8 (147.2, 314.9) ng/mL, P<0.001], shorter intensive care unit stay [45.5 (31.5, 67.5) h vs. 68.0 (46.0, 78.5) h, P=0.001] and postoperative hospital stay [(10.8±4.0) d vs. (13.1±5.3) d, P=0.028] compared to the traditional midline sternotomy group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event between the two groups [2.7% (2/73) vs. 2.9% (2/70), P=1.000]. Conclusion Compared to the full median sternotomy, MICS CABG leads to a good clinical result with smaller trauma, faster overall recovery, and less perioperative blood transfusion.

Objective:o evaluate the clinical efficacy of the induced membrane technique combined with an antibiotic-impregnated bone cement-coated plate fixation in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the distal femur.Methods:A retrospective study was performed on patients diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis of the distal femur, who received the induced membrane technique combined with an antibiotic-impregnated bone cement-coated plate fixation at Southwest Hospital from November 2016 to December 2022. All patients underwent a two-stage surgical protocol. Stage I involved thorough debridement, placement of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement spacers, and internal fixation with antibiotic-impregnated bone cement-coated plates. Stage II comprised internal fixation for the repair and reconstruction of bone defects. Intraoperatively, microbial culture, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and pathological examination were conducted on bone tissue lesion samples to guide targeted anti-infective therapy. Postoperatively, laboratory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), along with clinical manifestations (e.g., incision drainage, redness, fever, and pain), were monitored to exclude infection recurrence. Infection control was ultimately confirmed by intraoperative frozen section analysis during the second stage. Additionally, bone healing was evaluated via X-ray of the affected limb every month after the second-stage surgery, and lower limb function was assessed using the final knee range of motion (ROM) and the lower extremity function scale (LEFS).Results:A total of 104 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 70 males and 34 females, with a mean age of 35.2±12.13 years. Thirty-seven patients were diagnosed with chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis (CHO) and 67 with post-traumatic osteomyelitis (PTOM). The mean follow-up was 25.48±6.61 months (range, 12-38 months). After the first-stage surgery, infection recurred in 6 CHO and 15 PTOM patients, requiring repeated debridement. Two CHO patients experienced infection recurrence after second-stage reconstruction, which was successfully controlled with further staged treatment. Five PTOM patients developed nonunion after second-stage bone grafting but ultimately achieved bone union after revision surgery. At final follow-up, CRP levels were 4.45±4.23 mg/L (CHO) and 5.16±4.26 mg/L (PTOM), and ESR levels were 5.47±7.42 mm/h (CHO) and 8.51±8.72 mm/h (PTOM), all significantly lower than preoperative values (CRP: CHO 68.31±65.61, PTOM 42.71±80.46; ESR: CHO 52.18±34.29, PTOM 45.87±39.13; all P<0.05). All patients ultimately achieved bone union. One PTOM patient with a preoperative rupture of the knee extensor mechanism had limited improvement in ROM (15° preoperatively vs. 12° at 4-year follow-up). In the remaining patients, knee ROM at final follow-up was significantly improved (CHO: 101.38°±43.73°, PTOM: 94.28°±43.94°) compared with preoperative values (CHO: 57.17°± 4.53°, PTOM: 39.61°±52.61°; all P<0.05). The final LEFS scores were 72.18±9.51 (CHO) and 71.66±10.25 (PTOM). Conclusion:The findings of this study demonstrate that the combination of the "Chongqing Technique" and the "Membrane-Induced Technique" is effective in eradicating chronic osteomyelitis of the distal femur, promoting bone healing, and restoring satisfactory knee joint function.