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.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

Objective: Previous studies have discovered a correlation between cigarette smoking and cortical thickness and surface area, but the causal relationship remains unclear. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the causal association between them. Methods: To derive summary statistics from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on cortical thickness, surface area, and four smoking behaviors: 1) age of initiation of regular smoking (AgeSmk); 2) smoking initiation (SmkInit); 3) smoking cessation (SmkCes); 4) cigarettes per day (CigDay). Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was employed to examine genetic association analysis. Furthermore, for traits with significant genetic associations, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted. Results: The LDSC analysis revealed nominal genetic correlations between AgeSmk and right precentral surface area, left caudal anterior cingulate surface area, left cuneus surface area, left inferior parietal surface area, and right caudal anterior cingulate thickness, as well as between CigDay and left caudal middle frontal surface area, between SmkCes and left entorhinal thickness, and between SmkInit and left rostral anterior cingulate surface area, right rostral anterior cingulate thickness, and right superior frontal thickness (rg=-0.36–0.29, p<0.05). MR analysis showed a unidirectional causal association between left caudal middle frontal surface area and CigDay (βIVW=0.056, pBonferroni=2×10-4). Conclusion Left caudal middle frontal surface area has the potential to serve as a significant predictor of smoking behavior.

Purpose: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma that is characterized by terminal B-cell differ‑ entiation. In the West, PBL usually occurs in patients with immunodeficiencies, particularly those induced by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We investigated the clinicopathological features of PBL at a single institute in Taiwan, where HIV infection is rare. Methods: This retrospective chart review identified PBL cases that were treated at a single institute in southern Tai‑ wan between 2008 and 2024. Results: We identified nine patients (four males and five females; median age 71 years). Of the eight patients tested for HIV, only one tested positive. Pathologically, the tumors showed plasmablastic morphology and immunopheno‑ type, and three (33%) cases tested positive for Epstein–Barr virus. Six (67%) patients presented with Stage IV disease, including five (56%) with malignant effusion. Six patients were treated with chemotherapy and the remaining three received only supportive care. During a median follow-up of 10 months, five patients died of progressive disease, two died of unrelated diseases, and two were alive with PBL relapse. Conclusion In Taiwan, PBL constitutes a rare and aggressive clinical condition and is frequently associated with malignant effusion. In contrast to Western patients, the PBL in most patients from Taiwan was unrelated to HIV infection.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Objectives:To explore the predictive value of residual Murray's law-based quantitative flow ratio(μQFR)on long-term vessel-oriented composite endpoints(VoCE).Methods:This retrospective study included 3 510 patients from the FAVOR Ⅲ China trial.Offline residual μQFR analysis was performed on all vessels(diameter≥2.5 mm)with 50%-90%stenotic lesions.Patients were stratified into high-,intermediate-,and low-risk groups based on residual μQFR tertiles.The primary endpoint was 3-year VoCE,defined as a composite of cardiac death related to the target vessel,target vessel-related spontaneous myocardial infarction,and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization.Results:Offline analysis was performed on 5 256 vessels from 3 510 patients.The mean residual μQFR was 0.92±0.75.The high-risk group(residual μQFR≤0.91)with 1 554 patients(1 958 vessels);the intermediate-risk group(residual μQFR 0.92-0.96)with 1 211 patients(1 906 vessels);and the low-risk group(residual μQFR>0.96)with 745 patients(1 392 vessels).Over 3-year follow-up,VoCE occurred in 227 vessels(4.3%).The 3-year VoCE incidence was significantly higher in the high-risk group compared to the intermediate-and low-risk groups(6.2%vs.4.1%vs.2.5%,log-rank P<0.001),primarily driven by ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization(5.0%vs.3.0%vs.1.6%,log-rank P<0.001).Hypertension(OR=0.83,95%CI:0.72-0.96),hypercholesterolemia(OR=0.84,95%CI:0.73-0.97),bifurcation lesions(OR=0.72,95%CI:0.63-0.83),moderate/severe calcification(OR=0.70,95%CI:0.57-0.84),and tandem lesions(OR=0.59,95%CI:0.47-0.75)were independent predictors of lower residual μQFR values.Conclusions:Lower residual μQFR is significantly associated with increased VoCE risk during the 3-year follow up period.

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of emergency coordination in the target hospital using an opti-mized SFIC model,identify key factors,and provide decision-making basis and recommendations.Methods A research frame-work was established through literature analysis.Experts were organized to score various factors via a questionnaire survey.The SFIC model and DEMATEL method were applied to analyze the relationships among the factors.Results An SFIC framework suitable for the target hospital was constructed,comprising 5 first-level indicators and 16 second-level indicators,with 10 core el-ements identified.Conclusion Establishing a coordinated emergency mechanism in the target hospital requires full consideration of its own characteristics and the 10 core elements.It is recommended that senior leadership be deeply involved,coordinate pa-tient triage,material storage,and personnel allocation mechanisms,and adopt a flat management concept to construct an emer-gency coordination management system for the target hospital.

Objective To survey the free influenza vaccination status and willingness among the elderly in Deqing County,Zhejiang Province,and analyze the influencing factors.Methods Based on population data and the electronic medical system of Deqing County,the influenza vaccine coverage from 2018 to 2022 after the implementation of the free influenza vaccination policy was calculated.A proportional stratified random sampling method was used to select elderly individuals aged 60 and above from six streets/towns in Deqing County.A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess influenza vaccination behaviors from 2020 to 2022 and vaccination willingness for the 2023 influenza season.The chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze potential factors associated with vaccination behavior and subsequent willingness among the elderly.Results An average of influenza vaccines for the elderly per year were 56.2 thousand,with influenza vaccination coverage rate of 46.16%in average over the five years.Among 729 subjects,the vaccination rate increased from 69.3%in 2020 to 75.3%in 2022,and 81.9%of them were willing to receive influenza vaccines in the next flu season.Logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals with agricultural household registration(OR=3.05,95%CI:1.82-8.99),lower education levels(OR=2.82,95%CI:1.15-6.93),awareness of the free vaccine policy(OR=4.65,95%CI:1.82-11.91),and belief in vaccine efficacy(OR=6.61,95%CI:3.20-13.61)had higher vaccination rates.Factors associated with a more positive vaccination willingness included an annual household income of<150 thousand CNY(OR=1.65,95%CI:1.04-2.60),awareness of the free vaccine policy(OR=3.07,95%CI:1.84-5.12),perceived vaccine efficacy(OR=4.39,95%CI:2.77-6.96),and perceived vaccine safety(OR=1.57,95%CI:1.01-2.43).The main reasons for non-vaccination were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine(37.9%),thoughts that they were in good health and did not need to be vaccinated(30.3%),and influenza vaccines were ineffective(21.2%).The main reasons for vaccination were to protect themselves(89.1%),vaccination was free(65.5%)and to protect their families(60.6%).Conclusion The elderly in Deqing County had a relatively high influenza vaccination rate and follow-up vaccination willingness rate,but there still existed a gap to reach at target rate recommended by WHO.The local government should strengthen health education related to influenza vaccine knowledge,and publicize free vaccination policy to improve the vaccination rate and willingness in next season.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of compound sabal berry tablets on overactive bladder symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia after transurethral laser enucleation of the prostate.Methods:This study was a prospective study. Eighty patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent laser enucleation at Tongliao People's Hospital from January 2024 to December 2024 were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into a study group and a control group using the random number table method, with 40 patients per group. The control group received 0.2 mg of tolterodine tartrate tablets twice a day after surgery. The study group was given compound sabal berry tablets (0.5 g orally three times a day) in addition to the treatment provided to the control group. Both groups of patients were treated for 4 weeks after surgery. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Maximum Postoperative Urinary Flow Rate (Qmax), Post-Void Residual (PVR), and the incidence of postoperative bladder irritative symptoms.Results:The differences in the preoperative indicators, including IPSS, OABSS, Qmax, and PVR, between the two groups were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). Preoperatively, in the control group, Qmax was (8.64 ± 2.83) mL/s, IPSS was (25.10 ± 4.37), OABSS was (10.52 ± 1.87), and PVR was (80.70 ± 6.34) mL; in the study group, the respective values were (9.12 ± 2.95) mL/s, (24.60 ± 4.53), (10.83 ± 1.73), and (80.10 ± 5.61) mL. Postoperatively, in the control group, Qmax was (20.30 ± 3.65) mL/s, IPSS was (8.50 ± 1.58), OABSS was (4.09 ± 0.52), and PVR was (9.70 ± 2.48) mL, while in the study group, the respective values were (21.40 ± 4.38) mL/s, (7.40 ± 1.76), (1.71 ± 0.36), and (9.00 ± 1.75) mL. Postoperatively, both groups showed a significant increase in Qmax, while IPSS, OABSS, and PVR all significantly decreased (all P < 0.05). Postoperatively, the IPSS and OABSS in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = -3.28, -25.89, both P < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in Qmax and PVR between the two groups (both P > 0.05). The incidence of bladder irritative symptoms in the study group [12.50% (5/40)] was significantly lower than that in the control group [35.00% (14/40), χ2 = 8.64, P < 0.05]. Conclusions:Compound sabal berry tablets can reduce postoperative prostate symptoms and overactive bladder symptoms in patients undergoing transurethral laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia, demonstrating a certain clinical efficacy.

Objectives:To explore the urban-rural differences in the association between the Life's Essential 8(LE8)scores and the risk of new-onset cardiometabolic diseases(CMD)among adult Chinese.Methods:A total of 4 719 adults aged 18 years or older without CMD from the China Health and Nutrition Survey(CHNS)cohort from 2009 to 2015 were enrolled,including 1 909 in urban areas and 2 810 in rural areas.CMD included myocardial infarction,stroke,and diabetes.The LE8 score included diet,physical activity,sleep,nicotine exposure,body mass index(BMI),non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(non-HDL-C),blood glucose,and blood pressure.The score of each LE8 factor ranged from 0 to 100 points,and the average of the sum of the eight scores was the final score.The final LE8 score was divided into a low group(<67.5 points),a medium group(67.5-77.5 points),and a high group(>77.5 points)according to the tertile of the final LE8 score.There were 780,564,and 565 cases in the low,medium,and high LE8 score groups in urban areas,respectively.There were 838,934,and 1 038 cases in the low,medium,and high LE8 score groups in rural areas.The primary outcome was the number of participants newly diagnosed with diabetes,stroke,and/or myocardial infarction during the follow-up period.The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the urban-rural difference in the association between LE8 and the risk of new-onset CMD.Results:The total cardiovascular health LE8 scores in rural areas was higher than that in urban residents(72.9 points vs.70.2 points,P<0.01).During the average follow-up period([5.86±0.74]years),there were 176 new cases of CMD,including 67 cases in urban areas and 109 cases in rural areas.Multivariate Cox analysis showed that in the fully adjusted model,compared with the urban-higher group,the rural-lower group(HR=1.65,95%CI:1.27-2.15,P=0.001)had the greatest increased risk of new CMD,followed by the urban-lower group(HR=1.49,95%CI:1.01-2.21,P=0.046),the rural-middle group(HR=1.42,95%CI:1.06-1.90,P=0.020),and the rural-higher group(HR=1.16,95%CI:1.01-1.33,P=0.032).Multivariable Cox regression results showed that in urban areas,compared with those with LE8 scores≥70 points,those with LE8 scores<70 points and with unfavorable BMI score(HR=2.70,95%CI:1.51～4.84,P<0.01),blood glucose scores(HR=2.09,95%CI:1.24-3.51,P<0.01),and blood pressure score(HR=3.73,95%CI:1.69-8.24,P<0.01)faced increased risk of CMD;in rural areas,compared with≥70 points group,<70 points group with unfavorable BMI score(HR=3.92,95%CI:2.43-6.30,P<0.01),non-HDL-C score(HR=2.96,95%CI:1.94-4.52,P<0.01),blood glucose score(HR=2.59,95%CI:1.71-3.94,P<0.01)and blood pressure score(HR=1.85,95%CI:1.18-2.92,P<0.01)faced increased risk of CMD.The risk of CMD associated with BMI,blood glucose,and non-HDL-C scores<70 points was higher in rural areas than in urban areas.Conclusions:Although rural residents have slightly higher LE8 scores than urban residents,the risk of CMD associated with lower LE8 scores is particularly significant in rural areas.Strengthening the monitoring and primary prevention of cardiovascular health among rural residents is of great significance to reduce the burden of CMD in China.