OBJECTIVES: A ventricular assist device (VAD) is an electromechanical device used to assist cardiac blood circulation, which can be employed for the treatment of end-stage heart failure and is most commonly placed in the left ventricle. Despite enhancing perfusion performance, the implantation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) transforms the local intraventricular flow and thus may increase the risk of thrombogenesis. This study aims to investigate fluid-particle interactions and thromboembolic risk under different LVAD configurations using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction models, focusing on the effects of outflow tract orientation and blood flow rates. METHODS: A patient-specific end-diastolic 3D reconstruction model was initially constructed in stereo lithography (STL) format using Mimics software based on CT images. Transient numerical simulations were performed to analyze fluid-particle interactions and thromboembolic risks for LVAD with varying outflow tract orientations under 2 flow rates (4 L/min and 5 L/min), using particles of uniform size (2 mm), and a blood flow rate optimization protocol was implemented for this patient. RESULTS: When the LVAD flow rate was 5 L/min, helicity and flow stagnation of the blood flow increased the particle residence time (RT) and the risk of thrombogenesis of the aortic root. The percentage of particles traveling toward the brachiocephalic trunk was up to 20.33%. When the LVAD flow rate was 4 L/min, blood turbulence in the aorta was reduced, the RT of blood particles was shortened, and then the percentage of particles traveling toward the brachiocephalic trunk decreased to 10.54%. When the LVAD blood flow rate was 5 L/min and the direction of the outflow pipe was optimal, the RT of blood particles was shortened, and then the percentage of particles traveling toward the brachiocephalic trunk decreased to 11.22%. A 18-month follow-up observation of the patient revealed that the LVAD was in good working order and the patient had no complications related to the implantation of LVAD. CONCLUSIONS Implantation of LVAD results in a higher risk of cerebral infarction; When implanting LVAD with the same outflow tract direction, optimizing flow velocity and outflow tract can reduce the risk of cerebral infarction occurrence.
Heart-Assist Devices/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Heart Failure/physiopathology* ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Thromboembolism/prevention & control* ; Models, Cardiovascular ; Heart Ventricles/physiopathology* ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

Digital biopsy for liver diseases is characterized by the deep integration of artificial intelligence （AI） technologies and large-scale liver disease data， through which intelligent analytics are applied to support clinical decision-making and full-cycle management. This article reviews the AI technical framework based on standardized data governance and centered on multimodal large medical models， covering the application of natural language processing， knowledge map， generative AI， and large language models in the establishment of databases for specialty diseases， diagnosis， prognosis prediction， treatment， and automated medical documentation. This article also discusses the application prospects of this framework in medical education， scientific research， and healthcare management. Although this technique shows broad application potential， it still faces challenges in areas such as multi-center data integration， model interpretability， ethics， and data security. In the future， a smart ecosystem with closed-loop optimization and human-AI collaboration should be established to promote the comprehensive implementation of digital biopsy in the whole process of medicine， education， research， and management， thereby providing help for the precise prevention and control and holistic health management of liver diseases.

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of lymph node dissection (LND) in the radical resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Methods: The propensity score matching and retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 448 patients with ICC who were admitted to 12 medical centers from December 2011 to December 2017 were collected, including 279 in the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital of Navy Medical University, 32 in the Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 21 in the First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, 20 in the Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, 19 in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 18 in the Second Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 18 in the Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 16 in the Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 10 in the Xuanwu Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 7 in the Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 5 in the Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, and 3 in the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College. There were 281 males and 167 females, aged from 22 to 80 years, with a median age of 57 years. Of the 448 patients, 143 with routinely intraoperative LND were divided into LND group and 305 without routinely intraoperative LND were divided into control group, respectively. Observation indicators: (1) the propensity score matching conditions and comparison of general data between the two groups after matching; (2) intraoperative and postoperative situations; (3) follow-up; (4) survival analysis. Patients were followed up by outpatient examination, telephone interview and email to detect survival of patients and tumor recurrence up to October 31, 2018 or death. Follow-up was conducted once every 3 months within postoperative 1-2 years, once every 6 months within postoperative 2-5 years, and once a year after 5 years. The propensity score matching was realized using the nearest neighbor method with 1∶1 ratio. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M (range), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and draw survival curve, and Log-rank test was used to perform survival analysis. Univariate analysis and multivaraiate analysis were conducted using the Log-rank test and COX regression model, respectively. Results: (1) The propensity score matching conditions and comparison of general data between the two groups after matching: 286 of 448 patients had successful matching, including 143 in each group. The number of males and females, cases with hepatitis, cases with grade A and B of Child-Pugh classification, cases with distance from margin to tumor <1 cm and ≥1 cm, cases with highly, moderately, and poorly differentiated tumor, cases with anatomical hepatectomy and nonanatomical hepatectomy before propensity score matching were 77, 66, 33, 96, 47, 70, 73, 105, 38, 79, 64 in the LND group, and 204, 101, 121, 165, 140, 207, 98, 251, 54, 124, 181 in the control group, respectively, showing significant differences in the above indices between the two groups (χ²=7.079, 11.885, 7.098, 14.763, 5.184, 8.362, P<0.05). After propensity score matching, the above indices were 77, 66, 33, 96, 47, 70, 73, 105, 38, 79, 64 in the LND group, and 79, 64, 29, 88, 55, 71, 72, 112, 31, 74, 69 in the control group, respectively, showing no significant difference in the above indices between the two groups (χ²=0.056, 0.329, 2.158, 0.014, 0.936, 1.400, P>0.05). (2) Intraoperative and postoperative situations: the operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, cases with intraoperative blood transfusion, cases with postoperative complications, and duration of postoperative hospital stay were 265 minutes (range, 160-371 minutes), 300 mL (range, 200-500 mL), 37, 46, 12 days (range, 9-17 days) for the LND group, and 59 minutes (range, 46-250 minutes), 200 mL (range, 100-400 mL), 24, 25, 9 days (range, 7-11 days) for the control group, respectively. There was no significant difference in the volume of intraoperative blood loss or cases with intraoperative blood transfusion between the two groups (Z=1.700, χ²=3.520, P>0.05). There were significant differences in the operation time, cases with postoperative complications, and duration of postoperative hospital stay (Z=6.520, χ²=8.260, Z=4.270, P<0.05). (3) Follow-up: 143 patients in the LND group was followed up for 18-26 months. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 66.9%, 32.8%, 25.0%, and the median survival time was 22.0 months (range, 18.0-26.0 months). In the control group, 143 patients were followed up for 11-32 months. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 71.7%, 38.0%, 31.0%, and the median survival time was 22.0 months (range, 11.0-32.0 months). There was no significant difference in the overall survival between the two groups (χ²=0.466, P>0.05). (4) Survival analysis: results of univariate analysis showed that distance from margin to tumor, tumor diameter, the number of tumors, microvascular tumor thrombus, and lymph node metastasis by pathological examination were related factors for prognosis of patients undergoing radical resection of ICC (χ²=10.662, 9.477, 16.944, 6.520, 11.633, P<0.05). Results of multivariate analysis showed that distance from margin to tumor<1 cm, tumor diameter>5 cm, multiple tumors, microvascular tumor thrombus, positive lymph node metastasis by pathological examination were independent risk factors for prognosis of patients undergoing radical resection of ICC (hazard ratio=0.600, 1.571, 1.601, 1.750, 1.723, 95% confidence interval: 0.430-0.837, 1.106-2.232, 1.115-2.299, 1.083-2.829, 1.207-2.460, P<0.05). Conclusion Lymph node metastasis is an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of ICC patients, and it is necessary to perform LND in radical resection for patients with ICC and lymph node metastasis.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacies of free endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) in primary duct closure (PDC) following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for choledocholithiasis.Methods The retrospective cohort study was conducted.The clinical data of 312 patients with extrahepatic bile duct stones accompanied with or without cholecystolithiasis who were admitted to the 11 medical centers [86 in the Affiliated Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology,62 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine,44 in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University,29 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University,27 in the First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University),25 in the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital,17 in the Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University,10 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University,5 in the Henan Provincial People's Hospital,4 in the Beijing Tian Tan Hospital of Capital Medical University,3 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University] from January 2011 to June 2017 were collected.All patients underwent LCBDE+PDC,and 81 and 231 patients with and without ENBD were respectively allocated into the ENBD group and PDC group.Observation indicators:(1) comparisons of operation situations;(2) comparisons of postoperative recovery;(3) comparisons of postoperative complications;(4) follow-up situations.Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect the postoperative complications up to June 2017.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as x±s.Comparison between groups was analyzed by the t test.Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented M [interquartile range (IQR)],and comparison between groups was analyzed by the nonparametic test.Comparisons of count data were analyzed using the chi-square test and Fisher exact probability.Results (1) Comparisons of operation situations:all the 312 patients underwent successful laparoscopic LCBDE + PDC,without conversion to open surgery,including postoperative death of 1 patient in the PDC group.The common bile duct diameter,cases using interrupted sutures,continuous sutures,absorbable threads and nonabsorbable threads were respectively (1.2±0.4)cm,106,125,195,36 in the PDC group and (1.1±0.5)cm,76,5,79,2 in the ENBD group,with statistically significant differences between groups (t =2.497,x2 =56.706,8.457,P＜0.05).The numbers of stones,stone diameter,cases with common bile duct wall (≤ 3 mm and ＞3 mm),normal and abnormal Oddi sphincter contraction function,volume of intraoperative blood loss and operation time were respectively 2.1±1.7,(1.1-±0.6)cm,148,83,226,5,20 mL (10-45 mL),(116± 49)minutes in the PDC group and 1.9±1.6,(1.0±0.6)cm,49,32,75,6,20 mL (15-30 mL),(113± 23)minutes in the ENBD group,with no statistically significant difference between groups (t =1.021,0.329,x2 =0.329,3.428,Z=1.147,t=0.521,P＞0.05).The further analysis:of 312 patients,cases and time using interrupted sutures and continuous sutures were respectively 182,130 and (133±.49) minutes,(103±34) minutes,with a statistically significant difference between groups (t =-6.605,P＜0.05).The volume of intraoperative blood loss and cases with postoperative complications using interrupted sutures and continuous sutures were respectively 20 mL (15-31 mL),21 and 20 mL (10-45 mL),18,with no statistically significant difference between groups (Z =-0.285,x2 =0.369,P＞ 0.05).Of 312 patients,cases,operation time,volume of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications using absorbable threads and non-absorbable threads were respectively 274,(116±44)minutes,20 mL (15-40 mL),33 and 38,(115±35) minutes,18 mL (10-26 mL),6,with no statistically significant difference between groups (Z =0.971,t =0.023,x2 =0.154,P＞ 0.05).(2) Comparisons of postoperative recovery:recovery time of gastrointestinal function,time of abdominal drainage-tube removal,using time of antibiotics and duration of hospital stay were respectively (2.0± 1.5) days,(4.0 ± 2.4) days,(4.0±2.8) days,(5.5±3.0) days in the PDC group and (4.0±1.9) days,(6.9±3.5) days,(10.0± 3.9) days,(11.1±3.7)days in the ENBD group,with statistically significant differences between groups (t =-9.507,-8.258,-15.103,-13.575,P＜0.05).The total expenses of hospital stay in the Affiliated Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology were respectively (5.1 ±0.6)× 104 yuan in the PDC group and (6.5-±0.5)× 104 yuan in the ENBD group,with a statistically significant difference between groups (t =-9.516,P＜0.05).(3) Comparisons of postoperative complications:incidence of complications in the PDC group was 14.29％ (33/231),including 16 with biliary fistula,11 with biliary tract infection,3 with wound infection,1 with biliary tract bleeding,1 with residual stones of common bile duct and 1 with death;incidence of complications in the ENBD group was 6.17％ (5/81),including 2 with biliary fistula,2 with biliary tract infection and 1 with biliary tract bleeding,showing no statistically significant difference between groups (x2 =3.151,P＞0.05).(4) Follow-up situations:of 312 patients,252 were followed up for 2-67 month,with a median time of 15 months,including 175 in the PDC group and 77 in the ENBD group.During the follow up,there was no occurrence of jaundice,cholangitis and pancreatitis,and stone recurrence and postoperative cholangiostenosis were not detected by abdominal color Doppler ultrasound or CT or magnetic resonanced cholangio-pancreatography.Conclusion On the basis of grasping operative indication strictly,ENBD in PDC following LCBDE for choledocholithiasis is safe and effective.

BACKGROUND: Silk fibroin derived from silk had a good biocompatibility and biodegradation, which could be used for biomaterials to improve cell adhesion and growth abilities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite (SF/HA) compounded of adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) on repairing bone defects. METHODS: Adipose tissues were derived from epididymis of 2-month-old New Zealand rabbits and trypsogen-passaged to obtain ADSCs. The third-passage ADSCs at the concentration of 1×10/L were placed on SF/HA scaffold. Three hours later, the composite was cultured with DMEM culture media containing 1 μmol/L dexamethasone, 50 μmol/L vitamin C, and 10 mmol/L β-sodium glycerophosphate. Thirty-six rabbits were induced cancellated bone defect sizing 4.5 mm × 4.5 mm × 10 mm. The composite group was implanted with SF/HN/ADSCs scaffold, the simple group was implanted with SF/HA scaffold, but any treatment was employed in the blank control group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: At 12 weeks, general observation demonstrated that the bone defects were repaired entirely in composite group and partly in simple group. However, the bone defect was not repaired in the blank control group. X-ray and histological observation suggested that at 12 weeks the bone defects were repaired entirely in composite group and partly in simple group. The quantity of the newly formed bone in the composite group was significantly more than that in the simple group (P < 0.05). Repair showed no effect in the blank control group. SF/HA/ADSCs composite could successfully repair bone defects of a rabbit femur, and the effect was superior to SF/HA scaffold.

The purified elementary bodies of C. pneumoniae TW-183 were used for immunization of male BALB/c mice, the spleen cells of these mice were fused with SP2/0 cells and the hybrid cells were cloned by limiting dilution. One clone that secreted the C. pneumoniae monoclonal antibody (Cpn-McAb) stably was obtained finally. The Cpn-McAb belonged to IgG2b class and anti-Cpn-MOMP; the outcome of micro-immunofluorescence showed its weak cross reaction with the C. psittaci elementary body but it has no cross reaction with C. trachoma elementary body. It has the same speciality of the imported Cpn-McAb. For the evaluation of Cpn-McAb, the peripheral blood mononuclear cell specimens of 454 patients were detected by self-made Cpn-McAb and imported Cpn-McAb at the same time. The positive rates of Cpn-antigen were 53.3% for self-made Cpn-McAb and 52.6% for imported Cpn-McAb,showing high concordance between them (Kappa=0.714). The results showed that self-made Cpn-McAb has almost the same high specificity and sensitivity as imported Cpn-McAb, so the self-made Cpn-McAb may replace imported Cpn-McAb to detect Cpn specific antigen and be helpful to diagnosing and treating the clinical diseases associated with Cpn infection.
Animals ; Antibodies, Bacterial ; immunology ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Antibody Specificity ; Chlamydia Infections ; diagnosis ; microbiology ; Chlamydophila pneumoniae ; immunology ; Hybridomas ; secretion ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C