ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Qishao Tongbi Capsule （芪芍通痹胶囊， QTC） in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration （IDD）. MethodsSeventy-five rats were randomly divided into control group， model group， low-dose QTC group， high-dose QTC group， high-dose QTC +agonist group， with 15 rats in each group. Except for the control group， all other groups were subjected to a fibrous ring puncture to prepare an IDD model. After modeling， rats in low-dose QTC group and high-dose QTC group were given QTC at doses of 0.2 and 0.8 g/（kg·d） by gavage， respectively. Rats in high-dose QTC+ agonist group was given QTC at 0.8 g/（kg·d） and SKL2001 solution at 10 mg/（kg·d） by gavage. The control group and model group were given 10 ml/（kg·d） distilled water by gavage. All treatments were given once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. After treatment， X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） were used to detect IDD degree. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining were used to observe the morphological changes of the intervertebral disc tissue. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the levels of proteoglycan， type Ⅱ collagen （COL Ⅱ）， and matrix metalloproteinase-3 （MMP-3） in the intervertebral disc tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the extracellular matrix （ECM）-related proteins （proteoglycan， COL Ⅱ， MMP-3， MMP-9， MMP-13）， aging-related proteins （P53， P21， P16）， apoptosis related proteins， including B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 （BCL-2）， BCL-2 related X protein （BAX）， Cleaved Caspase-3， and Wnt/β-catenin pathway related proteins such as Wnt3a， glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β） and β-catenin in the intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus （NP） tissue. Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction （RT-qPCR） was used to assess the mRNA expression of Wnt3a， GSK-3β， and β-catenin in intervertebral disc tissue. ResultsCompared with the model group， rats in the low-dose QTC group and high-dose QTC group exhibited improved DHI， decreased Pfirmann grading， and alleviated IDD. The structural integrity of the NP and annulus fibrosus increased， and the number of the NP increased. The levels of proteoglycan， COL Ⅱ， BCL-2 and GSK-3β increased， while the levels of MMP-3， MMP-9， MMP-13， P53， P21， P16， BAX， Cleaved Caspase-3， Wnt3a and β-catenin protein decreased. The mRNA expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin mRNA decreased， while GSK-3β mRNA expression increased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the low-dose QTC group， the high-dose QTC group showed further improvements in DHI， decrease in Pfirrmann grading （P＜0.05）， and greater alleviation of IDD. The structural integrity of NP and annulus fibrosus was further enhanced， and the number of NP cells further increased. The levels of proteoglycan， COL Ⅱ， BCL-2 and GSK-3β were higher， while the levels of MMP-3， MMP-9， MMP-13， P53， P21， P16， BAX， Cleaved Caspase-3， Wnt3a and β-catenin were lower. The mRNA expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin decreased， while GSK-3β mRNA expression increased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the high-dose QTC group， the high-dose QTC +agonist group showed a decrease of DHI， an increase of Pfirmann grading （P＜0.05）， significant aggravation of IDD， reduction in structural integrity of the NP and annulus fibrosus， a decrease of NP cell count， lower levels of proteoglycan， COL Ⅱ， BCL-2 and GSK-3β， and higher levels of MMP-3， MMP-9， MMP-13， P53， P21， P16， BAX and Cleaved Caspase-3. Additionally， GSK-3β mRNA expression decreased （P＜0.05）. ConclusionQTC can inhibit NP cell aging， apoptosis， and ECM degradation in IDD rats， and its therapeutic effect may be mediated through the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the current status and changing trends of the disease burden of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in China from 1990 to 2023, and to quantitatively assess the impact of different influencing factors on this disease burden, thereby providing references for the prevention of TBI. METHODS: Based on the 2023 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD), indicators including incidence and years lived with disability (YLDs) were used to analyze the status and changing trends of TBI disease burden in China from 1990 to 2023. Additionally, the decomposition method established by Gupta was adopted to quantify the effects of population growth, population aging, age-specific incidence rate, and disease severity on YLDs. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2023, the age-standardized incidence rate and YLDs rate of TBI in China showed an overall upward trend, with a significant downward trend between 2015 and 2020, followed by a resumption of upward trend after 2020. The disease burden of TBI in males was higher than that in females, with a larger increase amplitude. The elderly population had higher TBI incidence rate and YLDs rate, also with a larger upward amplitude. Falls were the main cause of TBI in China, and the changing trend of the disease burden caused by falls was consistent with the overall trend of TBI disease burden; meanwhile, the elderly population bore a relatively high disease burden from falls. Taking 1990 as the baseline, the growth rates of YLDs in males and females in 2023 were 101.54% and 101.40%, respectively. For males, the proportions of YLDs growth attributed to population growth, population aging, age-specific incidence rate, and disease severity were 26.91%, 49.62%, 37.74%, and -12.73%, respectively; for females, the corresponding proportions were 28.85%, 57.69%, 27.65%, and -12.79%. CONCLUSION From 1990 to 2023, population aging had a significant impact on the disease burden of TBI in China. Strengthening the prevention and control of falls and paying close attention to males and the elderly population should be the key focuses of TBI prevention and control work in China in the future.
Humans ; Brain Injuries, Traumatic/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Incidence ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult ; Cost of Illness ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Persons with Disabilities/statistics & numerical data* ; Child ; Global Burden of Disease ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Aged, 80 and over

Objective:To explore the influencing factors related to olfactory dysfunction secondary to different types of chronic rhinosinusitis（CRS）. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 185 CRS patients treated at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital from July 2023 to July 2024. Based on the presence or absence of nasal polyps, CRS was divided into two groups: chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps（CRSwNP） and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps（CRSsNP）. Further, based on whether olfactory dysfunction was present, the CRSwNP and CRSsNP groups were divided into subgroups with olfactory dysfunction and normal olfaction. General data, laboratory tests, and modified sinus CT scores were compared between the subgroups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent influencing factors based on the results of univariate analysis combined with clinical significance, and two nomogram models were established. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the diagnostic performance, calibration, and clinical utility of the predictive model. Results:The proportion of blood eosinophils, blood urea nitrogen, and total modified CT scores of the bilateral olfactory region were identified as independent influencing factors in the CRSwNP group; the proportion of blood monocytes and modified CT scores of the bilateral posterior region were independent influencing factors in the CRSsNP group. The nomogram prediction model showed good diagnostic performance, calibration, and clinical utility in both the CRSwNP and CRSsNP groups. Conclusion:Olfactory dysfunction in CRSwNP patients is closely related to the proportion of blood eosinophils, blood urea nitrogen, and total modified CT scores of the bilateral olfactory region, while olfactory dysfunction in CRSsNP patients is closely related to the proportion of blood monocytes and modified CT scores of the bilateral posterior region. Moreover, the predictive model established in this study demonstrates good clinical performance and can be used for early identification and risk prediction of olfactory dysfunction secondary to CRS.
Humans ; Sinusitis/complications* ; Chronic Disease ; Retrospective Studies ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Nasal Polyps/complications* ; Rhinitis/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Logistic Models ; Middle Aged ; Smell ; Adult ; ROC Curve ; Nomograms ; Eosinophils ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of lauromacrogol combined with different concentrations of pingyangmycin in the treatment of low-flow venous malformations of limbs.Methods A total of 83 child patients with low-flow venous malformations of limb,who were admitted to the Xi'an Thoracic Surgery/Tumor(Hemangioma)Intervention Center of China between 1 January 2021 and 1 June 2022,were enrolled in this study.The child patients were randomly divided into group A(n=42)and group B(n=41).Under imaging guidance,lauromacrogol mixed together with pingyangmycin(2 mg/mL in group A,and 1 mg/mL in group B)was slowly injected into the cavity of venous malformations until the drug mixture filled the tumor cavity.The curative effect,number of treatments within 6 months,and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results Successful interventional sclerotherapy was accomplished in all the 83 child patients of both groups.During the follow-up period of 6 months,the effective rate in group A and group B was 92.9％(39/42)and 87.8％(36/41)respectively.A total of 88 interventional procedures were performed in group A and 137 interventional procedures in group B,the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(x2=3.282,P=0.047).Adverse reactions occurred in 10 child patients of group A and in 8 child patients of group B,the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P=0.709).Conclusion In treating low-flow venous malformations of limbs,the use of higher concentration pingyangmycin and lauromacrogol mixture has quite the same curative effect and incidence of adverse effects as the use of lower concentration pingyangmycin and lauromacrogol mixture,although the use of higher concentration pingyangmycin and lauromacrogol mixture can reduce the number of treatments in child patients.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:483-487)

Objective To develop a pressure swing adsorption oxygen generating device that is workable at altitudes of 0 to 7000 meters.Methods The three-bed molecular sieve oxygen production process was adopted.The switching time of air circuit solenoid valve and the rotation speed of the compression pump were taken as controllable variables.The performance of the oxygen generating device was tested in a normal atmospheric environment and a low-pressure environment corresponding to altitudes of 0 to 7000 meters.The optimal values of controllable oxygen generating parameters corresponding to 10 low-pressure environments(89.9,79.7,69.7,65.0,62.0,57.7,53.8,47.6,43.0,41.0 kPa)were obtained.Results The oxygen concentration could reach 94％,oxygen flow rate was 9 L/min and oxygen outlet pressure stood at 44 kPa in a normal atmospheric environment(altitude 416 meters),compared with 94％,6.3 L/min and 30 kPa in a low-pressure environment of 41 kPa(altitude 7000 meters).Conclusion The oxygen generating device can meet the oxygen needs of two persons within the altitude range of 0 to 7000 meters.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of CT-guided percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage(PTGBD)in treatment of high-risk acute cholecystitis(AC)patients.Methods CT-guided PTGBD was performed in 29 patients with high-risk AC.The therapeutic results were evaluated by comparing the preoperation and postoperation clinical manifestations and laboratory results.Results The implantation of PTGBD catheter was successfully accomplished with single procedure in all patients.Complica-tions occurred in 2 cases,including abdominal pain in 1 case and a small amount of gallbladder bleeding in 1 case,and the incidence of complications was 6.9%.Compared with preoperation,the pain number rating scale(NRS)score,temperature(T),white blood cell count(WBC),C-reactive protein(CRP),total bilirubin(TBIL),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)were significantly decreased 3 days after PTGBD(P<0.001).Except for 1 case of choledocholithiasis with continuous abdominal pain after PTGBD,the postoperation symptoms of the other patients were significantly relieved.Followed up for 3 months,2 cases of calculous AC recurred after PTGBD,and the recurrence rate of cholecystitis was 25.0%.Conclusion For high-risk AC,the CT-guided PTGBD is a safe and effective treatment method,and it can remarkably relieve the clinical symptoms.Patients with calculous AC have higher risk of recurrence and might benefit from definitive cholecystectomy.

Objective To compare the early embryonic developmental potential and clinical outcomes of oocytes matured in vivo and those matured by modified in vitro maturation(LVM)technology during the same controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH)cycle,and to explore the clinical application of melatonin-supplemented IVM technology.Methods 159 patients were recruited into the study.920 mature oocytes were collected during their COH cycles processed for conventional IVF/ICSI protocols,while 1 283 immature oocytes from the same cycles were matured in a melatonin-supplemented IVM medium before ICSI was performed.A retrospective analysis was conducted to compare the impact of conventional assisted reproductive technology and improved IVM technology on the outcomes of assisted reproductive therapy and pregnancy outcomes.Results Compared with mature oocytes collected from COH cycles treated with conventional IVF/ICSI,oocytes promoted by improved melatonin-supple-mented IVM technology had a lower rate of high-quality blastocyst formation.However,after embryo transfer,there was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes of mature oocytes obtained through two methods,including clinical pregnancy rate,full-term birth rate,neonatal length,and neonatal Apgar score.Conclusion The applica-tion of melatonin-supplemented IVM significantly increases the utilization of immature oocytes collected from COH cycles,improving the pregnancy outcomes of patients assisted by assisted reproductive technology.

With the increasing proportion of human papilloma virus(HPV)infection in the pathogenic factors of oro-pharyngeal cancer,a series of changes have occurred in the surgical treatment.While the treatment mode has been im-proved,there are still many problems,including the inconsistency between diagnosis and treatment modes,the lack of popularization of reconstruction technology,the imperfect post-treatment rehabilitation system,and the lack of effective preventive measures.Especially in terms of treatment mode for early oropharyngeal cancer,there is no unified conclu-sion whether it is surgery alone or radiotherapy alone,and whether robotic minimally invasive surgery has better func-tional protection than radiotherapy.For advanced oropharyngeal cancer,there is greater controversy over the treatment mode.It is still unclear whether to adopt a non-surgical treatment mode of synchronous chemoradiotherapy or induction chemotherapy combined with synchronous chemoradiotherapy,or a treatment mode of surgery combined with postopera-tive chemoradiotherapy.In order to standardize the surgical treatment of oropharyngeal cancer in China and clarify the indications for surgical treatment of oropharyngeal cancer,this expert consensus,based on the characteristics and treat-ment status of oropharyngeal cancer in China and combined with the international latest theories and practices,forms consensus opinions in multiple aspects of preoperative evaluation,surgical indication determination,primary tumor re-section,neck lymph node dissection,postoperative defect repair,postoperative complication management prognosis and follow-up of oropharyngeal cancer patients.The key points include:① Before the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer,the expression of P16 protein should be detected to clarify HPV status;② Perform enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the maxillofacial region before surgery to evaluate the invasion of oropharyngeal cancer and guide precise surgical resec-tion of oropharyngeal cancer.Evaluating mouth opening and airway status is crucial for surgical approach decisions and postoperative risk prediction;③ For oropharyngeal cancer patients who have to undergo major surgery and cannot eat for one to two months,it is recommended to undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy before surgery to effectively improve their nutritional intake during treatment;④ Early-stage oropharyngeal cancer patients may opt for either sur-gery alone or radiation therapy alone.For intermediate and advanced stages,HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer general-ly prioritizes radiation therapy,with concurrent chemotherapy considered based on tumor staging.Surgical treatment is recommended as the first choice for HPV unrelated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(including primary and re-current)and recurrent HPV related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy and chemotherapy;⑤ For primary exogenous T1-2 oropharyngeal cancer,direct surgery through the oral approach or da Vinci robotic sur-gery is preferred.For T3-4 patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer,it is recommended to use temporary mandibu-lectomy approach and lateral pharyngotomy approach for surgery as appropriate;⑥ For cT1-2N0 oropharyngeal cancer patients with tumor invasion depth＞3 mm and cT3-4N0 HPV unrelated oropharyngeal cancer patients,selective neck dissection of levels ⅠB to Ⅳ is recommended.For cN+HPV unrelated oropharyngeal cancer patients,therapeutic neck dissection in regions Ⅰ-Ⅴ is advised;⑦ If PET-CT scan at 12 or more weeks after completion of radiation shows intense FDG uptake in any node,or imaging suggests continuous enlargement of lymph nodes,the patient should undergo neck dissection;⑧ For patients with suspected extracapsular invasion preoperatively,lymph node dissection should include removal of surrounding muscle and adipose connective tissue;⑨ The reconstruction of oropharyngeal cancer defects should follow the principle of reconstruction steps,with priority given to adjacent flaps,followed by distal pedicled flaps,and finally free flaps.The anterolateral thigh flap with abundant tissue can be used as the preferred flap for large-scale postoperative defects.

Objective:To report a single-center experience with the Cordis Incraft endograft with low-profile in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with severe infrarenal neck.Methods:All patients underwent EVAR with Incraft stent grafts between September 2019 and September 2022, were prospectively enrolled, and retrospectively analyzed. Anatomical details of the proximal aortic neck were evaluated, divided into the severe infrarenal neck (SIN, 13 cases) and normal infrarenal neck (NIN, 50 cases) groups. Early endpoints were intraoperative unplanned cuff or coil embolism, technical success (TS), 30-day morbidity/mortality, and reinterventions. Follow-up endpoints were occurrence of endoleaks, endograft migration, branch stent/ iliac stent-graft stenosis or occlusion, reintervention. The postoperative endoleak, aneurysm sac shrinkage, patency of iliac stent-graft/branch stent, and freedom from reinterventions between the two groups were compared.Results:A total of sixty-three patients were enrolled in this trial, all of whom were successfully treated. There was no significant difference in patient and lesion characteristics, excluding aneurysm neck length, neck angle and maximum aneurysm sac diameter. Proximal aneurysm neck length was shorter in the SIN group [(9.9±8.3)mm vs. (29.6±12.3)mm, P<0.001] and the neck angle was more tortile in the SIN group [(39.1±30.4)°vs.(25.1±15.4)°, P=0.036], as well maximum sac diameter was larger in the SIN group [(57.5±13.4)mm vs. (45.5±12.4)mm, P=0.016]. Although the results showed no differences between the two groups regarding the oversize rate of the main body stent graft, endoleak in operative and perioperative period, as well the hospital stay, the operative time was significantly longer in the SIN group [(96.36±31.83)min vs. (63.58±26.68)min, P=0.001]. Over the 3 years of follow-up (median time, 18 months), there were significant differences between the two groups regarding the complication occurrence of endoleak, renal stent or iliac stent-graft stenosis/occlusion ( P=0.012), and reintervention ( P=0.044). Conclusion:Data from this trial demonstrated excellent early and mid-term outcomes of EVAR using Incraft stent grafts, including severe infrarenal neck, with acceptable safety and efficacy in the short and middle terms.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ARAHKEY(arterial closure using an additional hemostatic device that is deeply compatible with an extravascular suturing device) technique during percutaneous transluminal repair of thoracic aortic disease(TEVAR).Methods:From January 2021 to January 2023, a total of 202 patients underwent TEVAR in our center.24 patients were treated with ARAHKEY technology, which involves using an additional 7F Exosel at the femoral artery puncture site to achieve hemostatic effect when two ProGlide embedded sutures cannot achieve hemostatic effect.Results:All patients achieved complete hemostasis.The mean time for compression hemostasis was(5.8±2.6)min.In this study cohort, no complications including recurrent bleeding, infection, and late acquired hematoma were observed.Conclusion:ARAHKEY technology is a safe method that can be considered as the primary choice when using ProGlide during TEAVR without achieving hemostatic effects.