Aim To study the correlation between es-trogen metabolism function of intestinal flora and liver fibrosis disease phenotype and differential intestinal bacteria by fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT).Methods C57BL/6J male mice were divided into normal group(Control-M),liver fibrosis Model group(Model),FMT-1 group(normal mice fecal microbiota transplantation from liver fibrosis mice),and FMT-2 group(liver fibrosis mice fecal microbiota transplanta-tion from female mice).The model group was induced by high fat and high glucose combined with low dose of CCl4 for 16 weeks.In the FMT group,the bacteria were destroyed by mixed antibacterial solution and then the corresponding fecal microbiota solution was given.The model group was established in the FMT-2 group and the model group at the same time.Liver function(ALT,AST)was detected by biochemical methods;liver inflammation(IL-1α,IL-6)was detected by ELISA;liver pathology was detected by HE and Mas-son methods;the expressions of α-SMA,collagen Ⅰ,estrogen receptor ERα,ERβ and GPER were detected by Western blot;estrogen metabolic enzymes β-glucu-ronidase and β-glucosidase in intestinal flora were de-tected by double antibody sandwich assay;gut microbi-ota was detected by 16S rDNA method;the correlation between estrogen metabolic enzymes,estrogen receptors and disease phenotypes and disease-related differential bacteria was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.Results Liver function,inflammation and fibrosis in-dices were significantly higher in the model group than those in the control-M group and significantly lower in the FMT-2 group than in the model group;estrogen metabolic enzymes of the intestinal flora significantly increased in the model group compared to the control-M group and significantly decreased in the FMT-2 group compared to the model group;the model group showed a significant increase in ERβ and GPER and a significant decrease in ERα compared to the control-M group,while the FMT-2 group showed a significant de-crease in ERβ and GPER and a significant increase in ERα compared to the model group;the FMT-2 group increased the enterobacterial abundance and diversity reduced by modelling;estrogen metabolic enzymes,es-trogen receptor ERβ and GPER were all positively cor-related with the disease phenotype,while the opposite was true for ERα;estrogen metabolic enzymes were positively correlated with Allobaculum,Ruminococcus and Alistipes,and negatively correlated with Akkerman-sia,Lactobacillus and Prevotella.Conclusions Fecal microbiota transplantation in female mice can alleviate liver fibrosis in male mice,which is related to the im-provement of estrogen metabolism of intestinal flora.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nebulized inhalation of recombinant human interferon (IFN) α1b injection in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) associated lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia and bronchiolitis) in children.Methods:A randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled add-on design was used.Children with pneumonia or bronchiolitis aged 2 months to 5 years who tested positive for RSV antigen within 72 hours of onset from 30 clinical trial sites including Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University between February 2021 and December 2022 were included in this study and randomly divided into 2 groups at a ratio of 1∶1 based on a stratified-block method.Both groups received basic treatments such as cough control, asthma relieving, expectorant treatment, fever reduction, oxygen therapy, etc.The experimental group received additional nebulized inhalation of IFN α1b injection at a dose of 2.0 μg/(kg·time), twice a day.The control group received nebulized inhalation of placebo twice a day.Clinical efficacy was evaluated based on indicators such as the duration of clinical symptoms and signs, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the median and 95% CI of the duration of clinical symptoms and signs.The Log-rank test was used to compared data between groups.Safety was assessed through the incidence of adverse reactions and laboratory tests, and the Chi-square test was used to analyze the difference between groups. Results:There were 123 children in the experimental group and 122 children in the control group.The median durations of all the 5 clinical symptoms and signs [including shortness of breath, wheezing, dyspnea (visible retractions), decreased transcutaneous oxygen saturation, and abnormal mental state] in the experimental group after treatment were slightly shortened than those in the control group [2.7 d(95% CI: 1.9-3.0 d)] vs.[2.9 d(95% CI: 2.6-3.6 d), P=0.027].The improvement in dyspnea (retractions) was especially pronounced in the experimental group, with a relief rate of 50.0% (0, 100%) on the first day of administration[compared with 0 (0, 50.0%) in the control group ( Z=2.002, P=0.025)].The median duration of dyspnea in the experimental group was nearly 1 day shorter than that in the control group [1.0 d(95% CI: 0.7-1.7 d) vs.1.8 d(95% CI: 1.0-2.5 d), P=0.046].There were no significant difference in hospital stay [6.0(5.0, 8.0) d vs.6.5(5.0, 8.0) d, Z=0.675, P=0.500], oxygen therapy duration [32.0(14.0, 96.3) h vs.39.0 (24.0, 83.2) h, Z=0.094, P=0.925], the recovery rate from clinical symptoms during treatment [(105/106, 99.1%) vs.(96/101, 95.0%)], and recurrence rate [(0/106, 0) vs.(2/101, 2.0%)] between the 2 groups (all P>0.05).However, the above-mentioned four indicators in the experimental group showed a trend of clinical benefits.The quantitative virus detection results showed that the RSV viral load in both groups decreased after treatment compared to before treatment.After 2 days of treatment, the decline rate of RSV viral load from the baseline was 0.90 lg copies/(mL·d) in the experimental group and 0.25 lg copies/(mL·d)in the control group, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05).Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 groups ( P>0.05).Importantly, no drug-related serious adverse reactions occurred in both groups. Conclusions:The nebulized inhalation therapy of IFN α1b demonstrates efficacy and safety in treating pediatric RSV associated lower respiratory tract infections.It particularly offers outstanding clinical therapeutic value for severe children.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of two induction regimens, homoharringtonine plus venetoclax and azacitidine (VHA) versus venetoclax and azacitidine (VA) , for newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who are elderly or ineligible for intensive chemotherapy.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 59 newly diagnosed AML patients treated with the VHA or VA regimen at Zhengzhou University Affiliated Cancer Hospital from September 2018 to July 2021. The cohort included 25 males and 34 females, with a median age of 63 years. The overall response rate (ORR) , composite complete remission (CRc) rate [CR+CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) ], minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rate, overall survival (OS) , relapse-free survival (RFS) , and adverse events were compared between the two groups. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic factors were evaluated using univariable and multivariable Cox regression.Results:At the end of the treatment, the ORR was 88.4% (23/26) in the VHA group [21 CR, 2 partial remissions (PR) ] and 90.9% (30/33) in the VA group (25 CR, 5 PR) , with no significant difference between the groups ( P=0.458) . The MRD negativity rates after one cycle of induction were 73.1% (19/26) in the VHA group and 60.6% (20/33) in the VA group, respectively ( P=0.315) . In the high-risk subgroup, the composite remission rates after one cycle were 78.6% (11/14) with VHA and 50.0% (5/10) with VA ( P=0.143) ; MRD negativity rates were 64.3% (9/14) and 20.0% (2/10) , respectively ( P=0.032) . The main adverse events were myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reactions, and infections during neutropenia. Rates of grade 3-4 neutropenia and decreased hemoglobin were similar between groups, whereas grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia was more frequent with VHA than with VA (76.9% vs 45.5%, P=0.015) . With a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 1-59) , 1 year RFS was 69.9% (95% CI: 53.1%-92.2%) with VHA and 55.6% (95% CI: 40.1%-77.1%) with VA ( P=0.305) . The 1 year OS rates were 91.7% (95% CI: 77.3%-100.0%) and 58.2% (95% CI: 41.7%-81.4%) , respectively ( P=0.024) . Among high risk patients, 1 year RFS and OS were higher with VHA than with VA (RFS: 66.2% vs 37.5%, P=0.046; OS: 85.7% vs 48.0%, P=0.011) . Undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) significantly improved RFS and OS ( P=0.027 and 0.047, respectively) . On multivariable analysis, ELN risk classification and MRD negativity after the first cycle were independent prognostic factors for RFS. Treatment regimen (VHA vs VA) , MRD negativity after the first cycle, and receipt of transplantation were independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusion:VHA provides clinical benefit in newly diagnosed AML patients who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy and in older adults, with particularly favorable outcomes in high risk patients; sequential allo-HSCT confers additional benefit, and associated adverse events are manageable.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Erzhu Jiedu Decoction (EZJDD) Granules in treating mid-advanced hepatitis B virus-associated primary liver cancer (HBV-PLC) patients with Pi (Spleen)-deficiency and dampness-heat syndrome. METHODS: From January 2021 to June 2023, a cohort of 132 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to a control group or a EZJDD group according to the random numbers, with 66 patients in each group. The patients in the control group received conventional treatment for 3 months, followed by a 3-month follow-up. In addition to the conventional treatment, patients in the EZJDD group were administered EZJDD Granules (10.9 g/pack, 2 packs twice per day) orally for same duration. Progression-free survival (PFS) as primary outcome was evaluated by Kaplan Meier method. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores were used to assess the quality of life in two groups before and after treatment, and survival rates were determined as well. The efficacy of Chinese medicine syndrome was calculated with Nimodipine method. Liver function, tumor indicators and T lymphocyte subsets were measured, respectively. Safety indicators were recorded and assessed. RESULTS: Of the 116 patients who completed the study, 57 were in the control group and 59 in the EZJDD group. The median PFS was 3.53 months (106 days) in the EZJDD group compared to 2.33 months (70 days) in the control group (P=0.005). Six-month survival rate was 52.63% (30/57) in the control group and 69.49% (41/59) in the EZJDD group (P=0.039). The median KPS score in the EZJDD group [70(63, 90)] was higher than that in the control group [70(60, 80)] (P=0.013). The total effective rate of CM syndrome was 52.63% (30/57) in the control group and 77.97% (46/59) in the EZJDD group (P=0.005). The levels of alpha fetoprotein, alpha fetoprotein-L3, alpha-L-fucosidase and protein induced by Vitamin K absence or antagonist- II in the EZJDD group increased less than the control group (P>0.05). CD8⁺ levels were decreased, while CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ levels, as well as CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio were significantly increased in the EZZJD group (P<0.05). No treatment-related adverse reactions were observed during the study. CONCLUSION EZJDD Granules significantly prolonged the median PFS and improved 6-month survival rate in patients with mid-advanced HBV-PLC (Registration No. ChiCTR2200056922).
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Liver Neoplasms/complications* ; Hepatitis B virus/physiology* ; Hepatitis B/complications* ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Spleen/drug effects* ; Quality of Life ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Aged ; Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the modulation mechanism of Suanzaoren Decoction (SZRD) on basolateral amygdala (BLA) neuronal activity to alleviate chronic restraint stress (CRS)-related behavioral deficits. METHODS: The male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 4 groups using the complete randomization method, including control (CON, n=19), CRS (n=19), SZRD (n=21), and fluoxetine (Flu, n=22) groups. Mice were restrained for 6 h per day, over a 21-d period to establish CRS models. The CON group remained in their cages without food or water during the 6-h matching period. SZRD and Flu groups received intragastric administration of SZRD (4.68 g/kg) and Flu (20 mg/kg) daily, respectively, 30 min before restraint for 21 consecutive days. The therapeutic effects of SZRD were evaluated using behavioral tests including the tail suspension test, elevated plus maze test, and forced swimming test. The cellular Fletcher B. Judson murine osteosarcoma proto-oncogene (c-Fos) expression in the BLA was measured using immunofluorescence, while action potential (AP) firing and synaptic transmission in BLA pyramidal neurons were evaluated using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. RESULTS: SZRD administration significantly increased time spent in the open arms and open-arm entries while reducing immobility time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). It downregulated CRS-induced c-Fos expression and AP firing of pyramidal neurons in the BLA (P<0.01). Additionally, SZRD selectively attenuated excitatory (P<0.01), but not inhibitory, synaptic transmission onto BLA pyramidal neurons. CONCLUSION SZRD alleviated CRS-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice by modulating the excitability and synaptic transmission of BLA pyramidal neurons.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Depression/complications* ; Pyramidal Cells/pathology* ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Basolateral Nuclear Complex/pathology* ; Restraint, Physical ; Anxiety/complications* ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects* ; Stress, Psychological/physiopathology* ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism* ; Action Potentials/drug effects* ; Synaptic Transmission/drug effects*

Objective:To optimize the smart follow-up workflow for day-case breast surgery patients using an action research approach and evaluate its effectiveness.Methods:A total of 648 post-discharge patients who underwent day-case breast surgery at the Day Surgery Unit of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between February and May 2024 were selected by convenience sampling. Patients who received routine smart follow-up (automated+telephone) from February to March 2024 served as the baseline group. Patients enrolled in April 2024 ( n=218) and May 2024 ( n=202) formed the first and second cycle groups, respectively, in which the smart follow-up workflow was optimized iteratively using action research. Outcome indicators included automated recovery rate and total recovery rate of follow-up forms, as well as the incidence of postoperative discomfort symptoms. Results:The automated and total recovery rates of follow-up forms in the first and second cycle groups were significantly higher than those in the baseline group, with statistically significant differences observed ( P<0.01). The proportion of patients experiencing persistent chest distress was significantly lower in the first and second cycle groups compared to the baseline group, and further reduced in the second cycle group compared to the first, with statistically significant differences observed ( P<0.01). Pain levels in the first and second cycle groups were also significantly lower than those in the baseline group, with statistically significant differences observed ( P<0.01) . Conclusions:Optimizing the smart follow-up workflow for day-case breast surgery patients based on an action research approach can significantly improve the automated and overall recovery rates of follow-up forms, reduce postoperative discomfort, and enhance both the efficiency and quality of follow-up care.

BACKGROUND:After total knee arthroplasty,patients may experience significant pain,which has negative effects on functional recovery.Exploring and seeking effective means of analgesia has important clinical value.OBJECTIVE:To explore an effective perioperative analgesic strategy for total knee arthroplasty patients,we first proposed a novel local infiltration anesthetic formulation consisting of morphine,flurbiprofen,and compound betamethasone,and we explored its efficacy and safety.METHODS:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 60 patients who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty at First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2023 to April 2024.Based on whether local anesthesia was used during surgery,the patients were divided into the control and study groups,each consisting of 30 cases.In the study group,the local infiltration anesthesia mixture consisting of morphine,flurbiprofen,and compound betamethasone was injected into the joint cavity around the knee during surgery.No analgesic drugs were used in the control group as a blank control.We recorded and compared the postoperative visual analog scale pain scores,knee range of motion,knee function score,degree of postoperative knee edema,and incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups at different time points.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the visual analog scale pain score in the study group was lower at 6,12,and 24 hours after operation,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=-2.367,-2.906,-4.199,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference in the pain visual analog scale score between the two groups at 48 and 72 hours after operation(Z=-1.287,-1.478,P＞0.05).(2)The postoperative knee range of motion and knee function score of the study group were better than those of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(t=-2.519,-8.027,P＜0.05).(3)The degree of knee joint swelling in the study group was also lighter than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=-2.818,P＜0.05).(4)In the early postoperative period,there was no significant difference in fever between the two groups(P＞0.05).There was no poor wound healing or periprosthetic infection in the two groups.(5)The results show that applying local infiltration anesthesia composed of morphine,flurbiprofen axetil,and compound betamethasone in total knee arthroplasty can relieve early postoperative pain and show high safety.However,prospective studies with large samples are still needed to provide data support.

Objective To explore the risk factors for noncontiguous spinal fractures(NSFs)in the elderly.Methods The clinical data of 614 elderly patients with spinal fracture from January 2013 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.Patients were divided into the NSFs group and the Non-NSFs group according to whether NSFs occurred or not.Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to screen the risk factors of NSFs.Results Univariate analysis showed that female(P=0.003),high-energy violent injury(P=0.032),osteoporosis(P=0.004),fracture in spring(P=0.020),and previous spinal fracture history(P<0.001)were associated with the occurrence of NSFs.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that fracture in spring(P=0.024),previous spinal fracture history(P<0.001)and high-energy violent injury(P=0.038)were the independent risk factors for the occurrence of NSFs in the elderly.Conclusion High-energy violent injury,fracture in spring and previous spinal fracture history are the independent risk factors for the occurrence of NSFs in the elderly.Therefore,elderly patients with the above risk factors should be examined more carefully and comprehensively to avoid missed diagnosis and delayed diagnosis.In order to reduce the incidence of this disease,corresponding measures should be taken according to the preventable risk factors.

Objective To analyze the risk factors for increased drainage volume after open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF),and to establish a predictive model and then validate it.Methods The clinical data of 680 patients who underwent open TLIF at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from January 2016 to December 2019 were collected and the patients were randomly divided into the training group(n=476)and the validation group(n=204).Taking the predictive factors screened out by LASSO regression analysis as independent variables,a multivariate Logistic regression predictive model was constructed.The model was internally validated through the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test,and calibration curve,and its clinical utility was assessed via decision curve analysis(DCA).Results LASSO regression analysis screened out four predictive variables:age,number of surgical segments,operative duration,and intraoperative blood loss.The multivariate Logistic regression predictive model demonstrated that age≥60 years,number of surgical segments≥4,operative duration≥2 hours,and intraoperative blood loss≥200 mL were independent influencing factors for the increased postoperative drainage volume in patients undergoing TLIF(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis revealed an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.816(95%CI:0.798 to 0.867)in the training group and 0.783(95%CI:0.685 to 0.823)in the validation group,indicating that the predictive model had good discriminatory ability.Additionally,the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration curve indicated that the predictive model had a good degree of fit,and the predicted probability was basically consistent with the actual probability,demonstrating a good calibration.The DCA results confirmed that this predictive model could be applied in clinical practice.Conclusion The risk factors for increased drainage volume after open TLIF include age,number of surgical segments,operative duration,and intraoperative blood loss.The predictive model established based on these factors demonstrates good performance,and it can be applied in clinical guidance for the selection of drainage tube removal time after TLIF.

BACKGROUND: Death burden of stroke is severe with over one-third rural residents in China, but there is still a lack of specific national and high-quality reports on the urban-rural differences in stroke burden, especially for subtypes. We aimed to update the understanding of urban-rural differences in stroke deaths. METHODS: This is a descriptive observational study. Data from the national mortality surveillance system, which covers 323.8 million with 605 disease surveillance points (DSPs) across all 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. All deaths from stroke as the underlying cause from 2015 to 2020 according to DSPs. Crude mortality rate and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) were estimated through DSPs. Average annual percentage change was used to explain the change in mortality rate. RESULTS: From 2015 to 2020, the majority of deaths from all stroke subtypes occurred in rural areas. There were significant differences between the changes of urban and rural ASMRs. On the whole, the changes in urban areas were evidently better, and the ASMR differences were basically expanding. Stroke ASMR in urban China decreased by 15.5%. The rural ASMR of ischemic stroke increased by 12.9%. The rural and urban ASMRs of intracerebral hemorrhage decreased by 24.9% and 27.4%, and those of subarachnoid hemorrhage decreased by 29.5% and 40.4%, respectively. The highest ASMRs of all stroke subtypes and the increasing trend of ischemic stroke ASMR make rural males the focus of stroke management. CONCLUSIONS The death burden of stroke varies greatly between urban and rural China. Rural residents face unique challenges.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Stroke/mortality* ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Female ; Urban Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adult