Purpose: Metastatic rectal cancer (mRC) is a highly lethal and complex disease that demands a multidisciplinary treatment approach. However, the clinical effectiveness of radiotherapy (RT) for de novo mRC remains controversial and uncertain. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined medical records from Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for patients with histologically confirmed de novo mRC diagnosed between January 2015 and December 2020. All patients received standard systemic therapy and radical surgery when feasible. The primary outcome, overall survival (OS), was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable analysis was performed using a Cox regression model. Results: Among 271 patients included in the analysis, 117 received RT and 154 did not. The median OS was significantly longer in the RT group compared with the non-RT group (27.8 months vs. 21.9 months; P=0.046). Multivariate analysis identified several independent predictors of OS: age ≥65 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–2.27; P=0.001), primary tumor resection (HR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.90–3.61; P<0.001), M1b or M1c disease (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.44–2.69; P<0.001), and receipt of RT (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02–1.94; P=0.036). Conclusion RT significantly improves OS in patients with mRC, underscoring its role in treatment strategies. These findings support its inclusion in therapeutic protocols and highlight the need for larger, multicenter trials to confirm and extend these results.

Objective To explore the effects of different serum potassium levels on the 28-day prognosis of elderly patients with sepsis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and laboratory indicators within 24 hours after the diagnosis in 204 elderly patients with sepsis admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2018 to January 2022. According to the potassium concentrations in the blood of the patients within 24 hours after admission to intensive care unit (ICU), the patients were divided into the hyperkalemia group (K^＋≥5.3 mmol/L), normokalemia group (K^＋ 3.5–＜5.3 mmol/L), and hypokalemia group (K^＋＜3.5 mmol/L). According to 28-day outcomes, the patients were divided into the death group and survival group. The acute physiological and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and laboratory indicators were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with sepsis. Results Compared with the normokalemia group (n＝99), patients in both the hyperkalemia (n＝61) and hypokalemia (n＝44) groups had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), longer duration of mechanical ventilation, longer length of hospital stay and ICU stay, and higher mortality (P ＜ 0.05). The death group (n＝49) had significantly higher APACHE Ⅱ score, SOFA score, white blood cell (WBC) counts, CRP level, and PCT level than the survival group (n＝155, P＜0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased or decreased serum potassium level, higher SOFA score, and increased WBC counts were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with sepsis (P＜0.05). Quadratic fitted curve showed a U-shaped association between serum potassium levels and 28-day mortality risk in elderly patients with sepsis, with the lowest mortality risk observed within the intermediate (normal) range, and both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were associated with an increased mortality risk (P＝0.182). Conclusion Both increased and decreased serum potassium levels are independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with sepsis, which should be given particular attention in clinical management.

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound in treating pulmonary nodules, providing evidence-based medical evidence for TCM intervention in pulmonary nodules. Methods Computer search of PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed was conducted to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM compound intervention in pulmonary nodules, with the retrieval time from the inception to November 29, 2023. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and Review Manager 5.4 was used for Meta-analysis. Results A total of 18 RCTs were included, covering 8 provinces across the country, with a total sample size of 1301 patients. The TCM compounds used in the included studies all incorporated the method of dissolving phlegm and dissipating nodules. There was a high risk of bias uncertainty in the included studies. Meta-analysis results suggested that TCM compound could significantly reduce the diameter of pulmonary nodules [MD=−1.41, 95%CI (−1.70, −1.13), P<0.001], decrease the number of nodules [MD=−0.37, 95%CI (−0.73, −0.01), P=0.05], alleviate clinical symptoms [MD=−4.84, 95%CI (−6.04, −3.64), P<0.001], and improve lung function [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), MD=0.55, 95%CI (0.09, 1.01), P=0.02; FEV1/forced vital capacity, MD=6.12, 95%CI (4.47, 7.78), P<0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the probability of malignancy between the experimental group and the control group [MD=−0.01, 95%CI (−0.01, 0.00), P=0.09]. Conclusion TCM compound can significantly reduce the diameter of pulmonary nodules, decrease the number of nodules, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve lung function, but future multicenter, large-sample, high-quality RCTs are still needed to further explore and verify this conclusion.

Gastric cancer remains a highly prevalent malignancy worldwide, with surgical resection currently constituting the cornerstone of treatment aimed at improving long-term patient survival. Owing to their notable advantages, including reduced surgical trauma and accelerated postoperative recovery, minimally invasive procedures are progressively supplanting conventional open surgery and have become the mainstream approach in gastric cancer management. Concurrently, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has enabled real-time intraoperative monitoring of surgical scenes, thereby furnishing novel technical support for adjunctive decision-making, surgical navigation, and skill assessment during gastrectomy. This article provides a systematic review of the current status of AI applications in minimally invasive gastric cancer surgery, with a particular focus on research progress pertaining to instrument recognition, surgical phase identification, delineation of normal anatomical structures, detection of metastatic foci, and early warning of intraoperative adverse events. Furthermore, we discuss the potential value of AI in enhancing surgical efficiency, ensuring patient safety, and optimizing surgical education. On this basis, we further analyze the principal challenges and inherent risks confronting current AI systems, with the aim of informing future technological innovation and facilitating clinical translation.

This paper summarizes professor YANG Chunbo's clinical experience in treating refractory constipation （RC） complicated with melanosis coli （MC） from the perspective of damp-heat theory. Internal accumulation of damp-heat is considered as the core pathogenesis of this condition， and the therapeutic principles should focus on clearing， transforming， tonifying， and resolving. Self-formulated Qinghua Beverage （清化饮） is developed to clear and transform damp-heat， regulate qi， and soothe collaterals. In clinical practice， RC complicated with MC is classified into damp-heat with qi stagnation syndrome and damp-heat with stasis obstruction syndrome. Qinghua Beverage is used as the base prescription with modifications according to syndrome differentiation. For damp-heat with qi stagnation syndrome， medicinals that promote qi movement and unblock the bowels， activate blood and clear collaterals are added， while for damp-heat with stasis obstruction syndrome， herbs that resolve stasis and unblock collaterals are incorporated， with simultaneous consideration of nourishing blood and supporting collaterals.

Based on the close structural and functional associations of the Shaoyang （少阳） channel and related zang-fu （脏腑） organs with the brain and the pharynx， this paper proposes that the pathogenesis of post-stroke dysphagia involves constraint and stagnation of the pivot mechanism， binding of phlegm and stasis， frenetic stirring of ministerial fire， and incoordination of the spirit mechanism， ultimately leading to loss of pharyngeal function. An acupuncture therapy centered on regulating the pivot and unblocking the orifice is established. Acupoints of the Shaoyang channel， including Fengchi （GB 20）， Wangu （GB 12）， Yifeng （SJ 17）， and Waiguan （SJ 5）， are selected to regulate the pivot and treat the root； acupoints of the Du （督） and Ren （任） channels， including Fengfu （GV 16）， Lianquan （CV 23）， and Tiantu （CV 22）， are used to unblock the orifice and treat the branch. In addition， staged treatment can be applied according to syndrome differentiation. In the acute stage with predominant phlegm turbidity， Fenglong （ST 40）， Yinlingquan （SP 9）， Jinjin （EX-HN 12）， and Yuye （EX-HN 13） are added to resolve phlegm and facilitate orifice function. During the recovery stage with excess ministerial fire scorching the pharynx， Zulinqi （GB 41） and Zhaohai （KI 6） are added to drain fire and nourish yin； when ministerial fire disturbs the spirit， Tongli （HT 5） and Neiguan （PC 6） are added to calm the spirit and the heart. During the chronic stage with blood deficiency and collateral stasis， Zusanli （ST 36） and Sanyinjiao （SP 6） are added to nourish blood and unblock collaterals. In clinical practice， the angle and depth of needling are adjusted based on the stage of dysphagia， with the combination of elongated needles and medicinal moxibustion are used to enhance the therapeutic effect.

Aim To examine the pathogenesis of disul-fide death gene in vascular dementia(VD)by bioin-formatics analysis of disulfide death differentially ex-pressed genes(DEGs)combined with experimental verification.Methods The death DEGs of disulfide were screened and their correlation was analyzed.The VD patients data in the data set were analyzed by clus-tering and typing and gene set variation.The clustering risk of DEGs was tested with a nomogram model,and the optimal learning model was predicted.After the es-tablishment of VD rat model,water maze test,HE stai-ning and RT-qPCR detection were performed to verify the results of health information.Results Four DEGs including SLC7A11 were obtained,which had antago-nistic or synergistic interaction with each other.The genetic data could be divided into two subtypes with significant differences.After typing,VD disulfide DEGs were mainly concentrated in GnRH signaling pathways.The accuracy of the nomogram prediction model was high.Generalized linear was the best ma-chine learning model.Compared with the sham opera-tion group,the escape latency of rats in the model group was prolonged,the number of crossing platforms decreased,the relative mRNA expression levels of Slc3a2 and Slc7a11 decreased,and LRPPRC in-creased.Conclusions SLC7A11 and other disulfide death DEGs and its related GnRH signaling pathway may be an important part of the pathogenesis of VD di-sulfide death.SLC3A2,LRPPRC and SLC7A11 can be used as characteristic genes in the regulation of VD by disulfide death,which may affect VD progression through the regulation of disulfide death.

Objective: To assess the effect of transarterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis (AC) by evaluating clinical outcomes and changes in inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: Patients who had undergone TAE between August 2020 and August 2023 for AC refractory to conservative treatments without any invasive procedures for more than 3 months, and had undergone baseline and 3-month post-AC follow-up contrast-enhanced MRI evaluations, were included. A suspension mixture of 500 mg imipenem/cilastatin in 10 mL of iodinated contrast agent was used for TAE. MRI results were analyzed to assess periarticular capsule/ligament inflammation. Clinical assessments included pain scores using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional scores using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire. Results: Twenty-five patients (female:male, 14:11; age, 54.9 ± 7.1 years) were included. Significant reductions in average NRS pain scores as well as improvements in Quick DASH scores and range of motion, including anterior flexion and abduction, were observed at 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE (all P < 0.001). MRI analyses revealed that TAE significantly decreased the grades of axillary recess capsule enhancement, rotator interval (RI) capsule T2 signal intensity, and RI capsule enhancement (all P ≤ 0.004). Conclusion TAE may be an effective and safe therapeutic approach for AC refractory to conservative treatments, alleviating pain and supporting functional recovery. The observed MRI findings suggest that the effectiveness of TAE for AC may be attributed to the reduction of inflammation and the elimination of angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is unclear. This study investigated the association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and postpartum LUTS. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in China from November 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. Participants were classified into infected and uninfected groups based on SARS-CoV-2 antigen results. LUTS prevalence and severity were assessed using self-reported symptoms and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured using electromyography following the Glazer protocol. Group comparisons were performed to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LUTS and electromyography parameters, with stratified analyses conducted using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Among 3,652 participants (681 infected, 2,971 uninfected), no significant differences in LUTS prevalence or IIQ-7 scores were observed. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent factor influencing the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (mean tonic contraction amplitudes), regardless of delivery mode ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum LUTS but independently altered pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity, suggesting potential neuromuscular effects.
Humans ; Female ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Pregnancy ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/virology* ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Electromyography ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Prevalence

Objective To examine the changing prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Burkholderia cepacia in 52 hospitals across China from 2015 to 2021.Methods A total of 9 261 strains of B.cepacia were collected from 52 hospitals between January 1,2015 and December 31,2021.Antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains was tested using Kirby-Bauer method or automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems according to a unified protocol.The results were interpreted according to the breakpoints released in the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)guidelines(2023 edition).Results A total of 9 261 strains of B.cepacia were isolated from all age groups,especially elderly patients.The proportion was 11.1％(1 032 strains)in children,significantly lower than the proportion in adults.About half(46.5％,4 310/9 261)of the strains were isolated from patients at least 60 years old and 42.3％(3 919/9 261)of the strains were isolated from young adults.Most isolates(71.1％)were isolated from sputum and respiratory secretions,followed by urine(10.7％)and blood samples(8.1％).B.cepacia isolates were highly susceptible to the five antimicrobial agents recommended in the CLSI M100 document(33rd edition,2023).B.cepacia isolates showed relatively higher resistance rates to meropenem and levofloxacin.However,the resistance rates to ceftazidime,trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,and minocycline remained below 8.1％.The percentage of B.cepacia strains resistant to levofloxacin was the highest compared to other antibiotics in any of the three age groups(from 12.4％in the patients＜18 years old to 20.6％in the patients aged 60 years or older).Conclusions B.cepacia is one of the clinically important non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria.Accurate and timely reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility test results and ongoing antimicrobial resistance surveillance are helpful for rational prescription of antimicrobial agents and proper prevention and control of nosocomial infections.