Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with complex clinical manifestations, presenting substantial challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Its symptoms and the eight extraordinary meridians are potentially correlated; therefore, this article explores the association between MSA symptom clusters and the eight extraordinary meridians based on their circulation and physiological functions, as well as their treatment strategies. The progression from deficiency to damage in the eight extraordinary meridians aligns with the core pathogenesis of MSA, which is characterized by "the continuous accumulation of impacts from the vital qi deficiency leading to eventual damage". Liver and kidney deficiency and the emptiness of the eight extraordinary meridians are required for the onset of MSA; the stagnation of qi deficiency and the gradual damage to the eight extraordinary meridians are the key stages in the prolonged progression of MSA. The disease often begins with the involvement of the yin and yang qiao mai, governor vessel, thoroughfare vessel, and conception vessel before progressing to multiple meridian involvements, ultimately affecting all eight extraordinary meridians simultaneously. The treatment approach emphasizes that "the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect method will be needed in order to secure victory" and focuses on "eliminate pathogenic factors and reinforce healthy qi". Distinguishing the extraordinary meridians and focusing on the primary symptoms are pivotal to improving efficacy. Clinical treatment is aimed at the target, and tailored treatment based on careful clinical observation ensures precision in targeting the disease using the eight extraordinary meridians as the framework and core symptoms as the specific focus. Additionally, combining acupuncture, daoyin therapy, and other method may help prolong survival. This article classifies clinical manifestations based on the theory of the eight extraordinary meridians and explores treatment.

Objective To obtain the protective performance parameters of barium sulfate mortar against positron nuclide γ-rays, provide reference data for precise shielding calculations, and guide the design, evaluation, and construction of radiation shielding. Methods The FLUKA program was used to build a model for simulating the dose equivalent rate variation around points of interest under the irradiation of the most commonly used positron nuclide ¹⁸F with changes in the thicknesses of lead and barium sulfate mortar. The transmission curves of lead and barium sulfate mortar were fitted, and the half-value layer (HVL) and lead equivalence of barium sulfate mortar were calculated based on the fitted curves. Results The ambient dose equivalent rate coefficient of positron nuclide ¹⁸F was 1.339 4×10⁻¹ μSv·m²/MBq·h and the HVL for lead was 4.037 mm, with deviations of 0.043% and 1.53% compared to the values provided in the AAPM Report No. 108, respectively. The HVLs for γ-rays produced by ¹⁸F, using barium sulfate mortar with apparent densities of 4.20, 4.00, and 3.90 g/cm³ mixed with 35.2-grade cement in a 4∶1 mass ratio, were 2.914, 2.969, and 3.079 cm, respectively. The lead equivalences were 0.1385, 0.1360, and 0.1311 mmPb/mm, respectively. Conclusion The three types of barium sulfate mortar can provide good protection against γ-rays in positron imaging locations. As the apparent density of barium sulfate increases, its protective effect improves slightly but remains significantly better than common construction materials like concrete and solid bricks.

Objective To examine the significance of susceptible gene detection for hereditary cancer syndrome (HCS) among general population. Methods A total of 2 928 individuals undergoing routine health examinations in Healthcare Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from September 2021 to April 2024 were enrolled retrospectively. Next generation sequencing was employed to identify susceptible genes for HCS. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guideline was used to analyze the pathogenicity of variants. Clinical data, imagings, follow-up data were also collected. Results The overall mutation rate of HCS panel was 3.59% (105/2 928), with 0.61% (18/2 928) for MutY DNA glycosylase (MUTYH), 0.27% (8/2 928) for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) and 0.23% (7/2 928) for mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Conclusions Healthy individuals carrying tumor susceptible genes usually lack the relevant clinical phenotypes. Whether comprehensive testing needs to be carried out among healthy people remains to be further explored.

OBJECTIVES: Managing patients with refractory head and neck cancer pain is one of the more challenging issues in clinical practice, and traditional intrathecal drug delivery also fails to provide adequate analgesia. There are currently no comprehensive and effective treatment methods. This study aims to observe the efficacy and safety of treating intractable head and neck cancer pain with morphine pump via lumbar approach to the prepontine cistern. METHODS: A total of 18 patients with intractable head and neck cancer pain treated with prepontine cistern morphine pumps were selected from the Department of Pain Management, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University between September 2019 and July 2023. Statistical analysis was performed on patients' preoperative and postoperative (1 week, 1 month, and 2 months after surgery), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores, daily oral morphine consumption, the number of daily breakthrough pain episodes, and postoperative daily intrathecal morphine dosage. RESULTS: The NRS scores, SDS scores, daily oral morphine consumption, and the number of daily breakthrough pain episodes of patients at each time point after surgery were significantly lower than before surgery (all P<0.05). With the gradual increase in the dosage of intrathecal morphine, the daily oral morphine consumption of patients at each postoperative time point was significantly reduced compared to preoperative levels (all P<0.05). The complications related to the operation were mild, including nausea in 5 cases (31.3%), headache in 2 cases (12.5%); hypotension, urine retention, hypersomnia and constipation in 1 case (6.3% each), and no serious adverse events occurred. All improved and were discharged after symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS The implantation of prepontine cistern morphine pump effectively controls intractable head and neck cancer pain, demonstrating characteristics of minimal invasiveness, mild side effects, and low medication dosage under the premise of standardized procedures.
Humans ; Morphine/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery* ; Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage* ; Cancer Pain/drug therapy* ; Pain, Intractable/etiology* ; Aged ; Adult ; Infusion Pumps, Implantable ; Pain Management/methods*

Application of invisible orthodontic appliances in the treatment of adult skeletal malocclusions,especially in the cases requiring tooth extraction,has always been one of the challenges in invisible orthodontic technology.Our department received a 30-year-old female patient in March 2019;the patient presented with complaints of"crooked teeth and protruding mouth,"seeking orthodontic treatment to improve her facial profile.The patient had bilateral distal molar relationship,proclined maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth,and deep overjet;radiographic examination revealed an ANB angle of 6.2°,indicating a skeletal Class Ⅱ malocclusion.By extracting four first premolars and using four miniscrews,after 20 months of treatment,the extraction spaces were fully closed,the dental arch was aligned,and the occlusal relationship was favorable;the anterior teeth were retracted,the mandible showed a reverse rotation,and the soft tissue profile was significantly improved.Application of invisible orthodontic appliances in conjunction with miniscrews anchorage can achieve good three-dimensional control of tooth movement in adult extraction cases,providing a reference for clinical practitioners treating such patients.

Evidence mapping is a novel method of evidence synthesis that has been increasingly applied in the field of TCM in recent years. This article provided a comprehensive and detailed introduction to the origin, definition, and characteristics of evidence mapping. It systemically reviewed and summarized published studies on evidence mapping in TCM, exploring common issues encountered during the production and reporting of TCM evidence mapping research. Such issues included the failure to highlight the advantages of TCM in the research topic, lack of prior registration of the study, limited scope of searches, unclear inclusion and exclusion criteria, insufficient standardization in literature screening and data extraction, inadequate overall quality assessment, obscure process of evidence synthesis, lack of targeted evidence analysis, and insufficiently standardized reporting of results. Corresponding improvement strategies were proposed to enhance the quality of TCM evidence mapping literature, increase the reliability and applicability of research outcomes, and thereby promote the modernization and internationalizati.

Objective:The distribution characteristics of intrathecal drugs and the limitation of current catheterization techniques make traditional intrathecal analgesic treatment nearly useless for refractory craniofacial pain,such as trigemina neuralgia.This technical guideline aims to promote the widespread and standardize the application of intra-prepontine cisternal drug delivery via spinal puncture and catheterization. Methods:A modified Delphi approach was used to work for this guideline.On the issues related to the intra-prepontine cisternal targeted drug delivery technique,the working group consulted 10 experts from the field with 3 rounds of email feedback and 3 rounds of conference discussion. Results:For the efficacy and safety of the intra-prepontine cisternal targeted drug delivery technique,a consensus was formed on 7 topics(with an agreement rate of more than 80%),including the principles of the technique,indications and contraindications,patient preparation,surgical specifications for intra-prepontine cisternal catheter placement,analgesic dosage coordination,analgesic management,and prevention and treatment of complications. Conclusion:Utilizing the intra-prepontine cisternal drug infusion system to manage refractory craniofacial pain could provide advantages in terms of minimally invasive,secure,and effective treatment.This application can not only alleviate the suffering of individuals experiencing the prolonged pain but also support the maintenance of quality of life and dignity in their final moments,justifiing its widespread dissemination and standardized adoption in domestic and international professional fields.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of invisible orthodontic appliances without brackets for the distal movement of maxillary molars to improve the ability of orthodontists to predict treatment outcomes.Methods Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Embase,PubMed,Wanfang Database,CNKI Database,and VIP Database were searched for studies investigating the efficacy of invisible orthodontic appliances for distal movement of maxillary molars in adult patients and published from database inception to August 1,2023.A total of three researchers screened the studies and evaluated their quality and conducted a meta-analysis of those that met quality standards.Results This study included 13 pre-and postcontrol trials with a total sample size of 281 patients.The meta-analysis revealed no sig-nificant differences in the sagittal or vertical parameters of the jawbone after treatment when compared with those before treatment(P＞0.05).The displacement of the first molar was MD=-2.34,95％CI(-2.83,-1.85);the displacement was MD=-0.95,95％CI(-1.34,-0.56);and the inclination was MD=-2.51,95％CI(-3.56,-1.46).There was a statistically significant difference in the change in sagittal,vertical,and axial tilt of the first molar before and after treatment.After treatment,the average adduction distance of the incisors was MD=-0.82,95％CI(-1.54,-0.09),and the decrease in lip inclination was MD=-1.61,95％CI(-2.86,-0.36);these values were significantly different from those before treat-ment(P＜0.05).Conclusion Invisible orthodontic appliances can effectively move the upper molars in a distal direc-tion and control the vertical position of the molars.When the molars move further away,there is some degree of com-pression and distal tilt movement,which is beneficial for patients with high angles.The sagittal movement of incisors is beneficial for improving the patient's profile.

Objective To systematically evaluate the incidence rate of low-level viremia(LLV)in chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients and related influencing factors,and to provide evidence-based medicine evidence for effective intervention and prevention of LLV in clinical practice.Methods This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guideline,with a PROSPERO registration number of CRD42023455304.CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane library were searched for observational studies on LLV and related influencing factors in CHB patients published up to July 21,2023.Stata 16.0 software was used to perform the meta-analysis.Results A total of 12 articles were included,with a total sample size of 3408 cases,among whom there were 1181 patients with LLV.The meta-analysis showed that the incidence rate of LLV was 32.8%(95%confidence interval[CI]:27.6%—38.3%)in treatment-experienced CHB patients.High HBsAg quantification(odds ratio[OR]=2.107,95%CI:1.782—2.491,P<0.001),positive HBeAg(OR=3.258,95%CI:2.629—4.038,P<0.001),high HBV DNA level at baseline(OR=1.286,95%CI:1.157—1.430,P<0.001),and history of entecavir treatment(OR=3.089,95%CI:1.880—5.074,P<0.001)were risk factors for LLV;duration of antiviral therapy≥3 years(OR=0.175,95%CI:0.093—0.331,P<0.001)and high alanine aminotransferase level at baseline(OR=0.985,95%CI:0.978—0.992,P<0.001)were protective factors against LLV.The sensitivity analysis showed no significant change in effective value,suggesting that the results of the meta-analysis were relatively stable.The funnel plot of the studies included was basically symmetrical,and the results of the Egger's test and the Begg's test suggested that there was no obvious publication bias in the articles included.Conclusion Clinicians should guide decision making based on the influencing factors for LLV and related clinical evidence,so as to reduce long-term clinical risks and avoid adverse outcomes.

Objective:To analyze the short-term clinical outcomes of total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) and laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) combined with Billroth-Ⅱ+Braun anastomosis.Methods:Clinical characteristics of patients undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy combined with Billroth-Ⅱ+Braun anastomosis at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from Jan 2020 to Oct 2022 were analyzed. Patients were divided into TLDG group ( n=62) and LADG group ( n=62) according to the surgical approach. Results:There were significant differences in the preoperative clinical data section between the two groups, and 124 patients (62 in each group) were enrolled after using propensity score matching to balance significant variables. Compared with the LADG group, the TLDG group showed statistically differences in time to first venting [(2.9±1.3) vs. (2.3±0.8) d, Z=-3.072, P=0.002], time to first fluid diet [(5.9±1.3) vs. (5.4±1.4) d, Z=-2.031, P=0.042] and incision length [(7.1±1.4) vs. (4.8±0.8) cm, Z=-6.331, P=0.000]. Total postoperative complication rate in the TLDG group and the LADG group (29% vs. 37%, χ2=0.911, P=0.340) was not statistically significant. Incidence of postoperative pneumonia was lower in the TLDG group than in the LADG group (3% vs. 13%, χ2=3.916, P=0.048), and incidence of all remaining postoperative complications were not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of serious postoperative complications between the TLDG and LADG groups ( P=1.000). Multifactorial analysis revealed that male ( P=0.023) and age ≥65 years ( P=0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Conclusion:TLDG is safe and feasible and has better short-term clinical efficacy than LADG.