Osteoporotic fractures(OPF) refer to the fractures caused by minor violence in the state of osteoporosis, seriously threatening the life and health of elderly patients. Drug and surgical therapies have limitations such as single targets, diverse adverse reactions, and poor prognosis. Kidney-tonifying traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has good potential in the treatment of OPF. TCM can promote the healing of OPF by promoting angiogenesis in the early stage of bone healing, promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the stage of bone repair, maintaining the balance of osteogenic and osteoclastic system in the stage of bone remodeling, and regulating the oxidative stress responses throughout the process of OPF healing. TCM can alleviate the pathological state of osteoporosis and promote fracture healing in OPF patients via multiple pathways and targets, demonstrating the advantages and potential of biphasic regulation.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Osteoporotic Fractures/metabolism* ; Animals ; Fracture Healing/drug effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Kidney/metabolism* ; Osteogenesis/drug effects*

Objective To investigate the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)on the cardiac structure and function in obese patients with heart failure(HF)and compare the efficacy of LSG across obese patients with different HF types.Methods This study included 33 obese patients with HF who underwent LSG.The clinical indicators were compared between before operation and 12 months after operation.Repeated measures analysis of variance was employed to evaluate the changes in echocardiographic parameters before operation and 3,6,and 12 months after operation.Patients were allocated into a HF with preserved ejection fraction group(n=17),a HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction group(n=5)and a HF with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)group(n=11)based on left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)before operation for subgroup analyses of the effects of LSG on the cardiac structure and function of obese patients with HF.The paired samples t-test was conducted to assess the degree of cardiac structural and functional alterations after LSG.Results The 33 patients included 69.7% males,with an average age of(35.3±9.9)years,and a body mass index(BMI)of(51.2±9.8)kg/m².The median follow-up was 9.0(5.0,13.3)months.Compared with the preoperative values,the postoperative BMI(P=0.002),body surface area(BSA)(P=0.009),waist circumference(P=0.010),hip circumference(P=0.031),body fat content(P=0.007),and percentage of patients with cardiac function grades Ⅲ-IV(P<0.001)decreased.At the 12-month follow-up left atrial diameter(P=0.006),right atrial long-axis inner diameter(RAD1)(P<0.001),right atrial short-axis inner diameter(RAD2)(P<0.001),right ventricular inner diameter(P=0.002),interventricular septal thickness at end-diastolic(P=0.002),and left ventricular end-diastolic volumes(P=0.004)and left ventricular end-systolic volumes(P=0.003) all significantly reduced compared with preoperative values.Additionally,left ventricular fractional shortening and LVEF improved(both P<0.001).Subgroup analyses revealed that cardiac structural parameters significantly decreased in the HF with preserved ejection fraction,HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction,and HFrEF subgroups compared with preoperative values.Notably,the HFrEF group demonstrated the best performance in terms of left atrial diameter(P=0.003),left ventricular inner diameter at end-diastole(P=0.008),RAD1(P<0.001),RAD2(P=0.004),right ventricular inner diameter(P=0.019),left ventricular end-diastolic volume(P=0.004)and left ventricular end-systolic volume(P=0.001),cardiac output(P=0.006),tricuspid regurgitation velocity(P=0.002),and pulmonary artery systolic pressure(P=0.001) compared to preoperatively.Postoperative left ventricular fractional shortening(P<0.001,P=0.003,P<0.001)and LVEF(P<0.001,P=0.011,P=0.001)became higher in all the three subgroups than the preoperative values.Conclusions LSG decreased the body weight,BMI,and BSA,improved the cardiac function grade,reversed the enlargement of the left atrium and left ventricle,reduced the right atrium and right ventricle,and enhanced the left ventricular systolic function.It was effective across obese patients with different HF types.Particularly,LSG demonstrates the best performance in improving the structures of both atria and ventricles in obese patients with HFrEF.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Gastrectomy/methods* ; Heart Failure/complications* ; Adult ; Obesity/physiopathology* ; Laparoscopy ; Middle Aged ; Heart/physiopathology* ; Stroke Volume

To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval, we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic (NOA) men with different testicular volumes (TVs) who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China) were retrospectively reviewed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles. Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups. Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%. FSH levels (median [interquartile range]) were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was <5 ml (first quartile [Q1: TV <3 ml]: 43.32 [17.92] IU l -1 vs 32.95 [18.56] IU l -1 , P = 0.048; second quartile [Q2: 3 ml ≤ TV <5 ml]: 31.31 [15.37] IU l -1 vs 25.59 [18.40] IU l -1 , P = 0.042). Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were <5 ml (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.06 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.11; P = 0.011). In men with TVs ≥5 ml, larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval (adjusted OR: 0.84 per 1 ml increase; 95% CI: 0.71-0.98; P = 0.029). In conclusion, elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs <5 ml. In men with TV ≥5 ml, increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.
Humans ; Male ; Azoospermia/surgery* ; Sperm Retrieval/statistics & numerical data* ; Adult ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood* ; Retrospective Studies ; Testis/pathology* ; Microdissection ; Organ Size

Addressing the enduring challenge of evaluating traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of TCMs (Eff-iEC) has emerged. This paper explored its capacity through a demonstration study that evaluated the effectiveness evidence of six commonly used anti-hepatic fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), including Biejiajian Pill (BP), Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP), Biejia Ruangan Compound (BRC), Fuzheng Huayu Capsule (FHC), Anluo Huaxian Pill (AHP), and Heluo Shugan Capsule (HSC), using both Eff-iEC and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recognition of these CPMs within the TCM academic community was also assessed through their inclusion in relevant medical documents. Results showed that the evidence of BRC and FHC received higher assessments in both Eff-iEC and GRADE system, while the assessments for others varied. Analysis of community recognition revealed that Eff-iEC more accurately reflects the clinical value of these CPMs, exhibiting superior evaluative capabilities. By breaking through the conventional pattern of TCMs effectiveness evaluation, Eff-iEC offers a novel epistemology that better aligns with the clinical realities and reasoning of TCMs, providing a coherent methodology for clinical decision-making, new drug evaluations, and health policy formulation.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective To provide a longitudinal evaluation tool based on the frequency of aggressive be-havior for the aggression assessment of schizophrenia patients.Methods The Life History of Aggression was translated and revised to form the Life History of Aggression-Chinese Version(LHA-CV)based on 369 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in the Chengdu community and compulsory medical insti-tution.The reliability of LHA-CV was analyzed by means of split-half reliability,test-retest reliability and inter-evaluator consistency.The validity was analyzed by item analysis,construct validity and crite-rion validity.Results Item analysis found that LHA-CV had good homogeneity and discriminant validity.Exploratory factor analysis found that the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin(KMO)test value was 0.80,and the Bartlett's sphericity test χ2=1203.46(P<0.05),and it revealed four factors including non-physical ag-gression,physical aggression,self-directed aggression and antisocial behavior/consequences.The factor loadings for all 11 items were greater than 0.40.Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the factor model,Chi-square degree of freedom(χ2/df)was 3.61,root mean square error of approxima-tion(RMSEA)was 0.07,goodness-of-fit index(GFI)was 0.92,comparative fit index(CFI)was 0.90,incremental fit index(IFI)was 0.90,and the discriminant validity of each factor was good.The criterion validity test showed the total score of LHA-CV was positively correlated with the aggressive behavior level of MacArthur Community Violence Instrument,the total score of Buss-Perry Aggression Scale,and the score of Antisocial Personality Disorder Subscale of Personality Diagnostic Question-naire-4th Edition Plus(PDQ-4+_ASPD,P<0.05).The Cronbach's α coefficient of non-physical aggres-sion,physical aggression,self-directed aggression,antisocial behavior/consequences and LHA-CV total score were 0.82,0.73,0.74,0.56 and 0.79,respectively.The test-retest reliability,Spearman-Brown split-half reliability and intra-class correlation coefficient of LHA-CV total score were 0.82(P<0.05),0.66 and 0.99,respectively.Conclusion LHA-CV has good reliability and validity,and can be used as an evaluation tool for longitudinally assessing aggressive behavior in schizophrenia patients.

Tooth extraction is a common and widely employed therapeutic procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery.Minimally invasive tooth extraction can reduce both physical and psychological trauma to the patients,and is widely recommended as a first-line clinical treatment.But currently no guidelines or consensus has been available to provide a systematic introduction of minimally invasive tooth extraction to guide the clinical practices.To address this issue,this consensus,based on a comprehensive literature review and clinical experiences of experts,systematically summarizes the indications,target patients,and contraindications of minimally invasive tooth extraction,the overall workflow of this procedure(preoperative preparation,surgical steps,postoperative management,postoperative instructions,medications,and follow-up),and its common postoperative complications to provide a comprehensive guidance for clinical application of this technique.

Objective To investigate the association between the serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio(SCr/Cys C)as a Sarcopenia index(SI)and the incidence of in-hospital adverse events in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Additionally,we evaluate the predictive efficacy of the SI in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)during hospitalization.Methods A total of 306 patients with AMI who underwent emergency PCI in the 904th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force from January 2020 to March 2023 were consecutively included in this retrospective analysis.Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of MACEs during hospitalization:MACEs group(n=43)and non-MACEs group(n=263).Clinical characteristics and pre-PCI laboratory test results were collected.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for MACEs.The predictive performance of SI was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results The incidence of in-hospital MACEs in AMI patients was 14.1%.The results of the independent samples t-test showed that the SI level in MACEs group was significantly lower than that in non-MACEs group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.001).The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that new-onset atrial fibrillation,Killip class 2-4,SI,and TG were independent risk factors for in-hospital adverse events after emergency PCI.The ROC curve results showed that the predictive value of SI(AUC=0.741,95%CI 0.666-0.816)using the SCr/Cys C ratio was superior to that of single Cys C(AUC=0.658,95%CI 0.570-0.746)for predicting post-PCI MACEs,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05),and the optimal cutoff value for SI was 78.14.After stratifying SI based on the cutoff value,the results of the independent samples t-test showed that compared to the higher SI group,the lower SI group had a higher occurrence of specific adverse events such as heart failure(P<0.001),malignant arrhythmias(P=0.009),and strokes(P=0.003),with statistically significant differences.Conclusions The results highlight SI as an independent risk factor for MACEs during hospitalization after emergency PCI in AMI patients.Furthermore,SI has proven to be an effective prognostic index for patient outcomes.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant solid tumor of the digestive system, characterized by rapid progression and difficulties of early diagnosis. Five-year survival rate of the patients is less than 9%. With the acceleration of global population aging and lifestyle change, the incidence of PDAC has been increasing annually. Currently, surgical treatment and chemotherapy remain the standard treatment options for PDAC patients. Early symptoms of PDAC are so undetectable that most patients miss the optimal opportunity for radical surgical resection. Even among those who undergo surgery, the high recurrence rate remains a major problem. PDAC is known for its unique tumor microenvironment. The cellular and non-cellular components in the tumor microenvironment account for as much as 90% of the tumor stroma, presenting many potential targets for PDAC therapy. Activated pancreatic stellate cells within PDAC tissue express specific proteins and secrete various cytokines and metabolites, which directly contribute to the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of PDAC cells. These elements are critical in extracellular matrix production, connective tissue hyperplasia, immune tolerance, and drug resistance. Immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, exert immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting roles in PDAC progression. The extracellular matrix, which serve as a natural physical barrier, induces interstitial hypertension and reduces blood supply, thereby hindering the delivery of drugs to the tumor. Additionally, it helps the metastasis and differentiation of PDAC cells, reducing the efficacy of clinical chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Although chemotherapeutic agents like gemcitabine have been used in the clinical treatment of PDAC for more than 20 years, the curative effect is obstructed by their poor stability in the bloodstream, low cellular uptake, and poor targeting. While small-molecule inhibitors targeting mutations such as KRAS^G12C, BRCA, and NTRK fusion have shown great potential for molecular targeted treatments and gene therapies of PDAC, their broader application is limited by side effects and restricted scope of patients. The advancement of nanotechnology brings new strategies for PDAC treatment. By virtue of unique size characteristics and actual versatility, different drug-delivery nanosystems contribute to overcome the dense stromal barrier, prolong the circulation time of therapeutics and realize precise PDAC treatment by targeted drug delivery. Clinical nanodrugs such as albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) and irinotecan liposome greatly improve the pharmacokinetics of conventional chemotherapeutics and promote drug accumulation inside the tumor, thereby are applying to the first-line treatment of PDAC. It is noteworthy that none nanodrugs with active targeting design have been approved for clinical treatment yet, though many are in clinical trials. In this review, we discuss promising targeting strategies based on different nanodrug delivery systems for treatment of PDAC. One major nanostrategy focuses on the tumor cell targeting and its applications in chemotherapy, molecular targeting therapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy of PDAC. Another nanostrategy targets the tumor microenvironment, which highlights the nanosystems specifically regulating pancreatic stellate cells, immune cells and the extracellular matrix. Recent progress of developing new nanotheraputics for breakthrough in the fight of PDAC are elaborated in this review. We also provide our perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in the field.