ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Buyang Huanwutang regulates the glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 （ACSL4） axis to inhibit ferroptosis and promote neurological functional recovery after spinal cord injury （SCI）. MethodsNinety rats were randomly divided into five groups： sham operation group， model group， low-dose Buyang Huanwutang group （12.5 g·kg^-1）， high-dose Buyang Huanwutang group （25 g·kg^-1）， and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group （25 g·kg^-1 + 5 g·kg^-1 RSL3）. The SCI model was established by using the allen method. Tissue was collected on the 7th and 28th days after operation. Motor function was assessed by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan （BBB） scale. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， Nissl， and Luxol fast blue （LFB） staining were performed to observe spinal cord histopathology. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein （MBP）， GPX4， and ACSL4. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to analyze the mRNA expression of GPX4 and ACSL4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione （GSH）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD）. Colorimetric assays were used to determine the iron content in spinal cord tissue. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group， the model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB scores （P<0.01）， severe pathological damage in spinal cord tissue， and marked mitochondrial ultrastructural disruption. In addition， the model group showed a decrease in the number of NeuN-positive cells （P<0.01）， reduced fluorescence intensity of MBP and GPX4 （P<0.01）， lower levels of GSH and SOD （P<0.01）， and downregulated mRNA expression of GPX4 （P<0.01）. Moreover， compared to the sham operation group， the model group had elevated levels of ROS， MDA， and tissue iron content （P<0.01）， along with increased fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group， the Buyang Huanwutang group showed significantly improved BBB scores （P<0.05， P<0.01） and exhibited less severe spinal cord tissue damage， reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration， increased neuronal survival， and more intact myelin structures. Additionally， mitochondrial ultrastructure was significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwutang group. Compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group， the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly increased the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of MBP （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， Buyang Huanwutang significantly increased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of GPX4 （P<0.01） and decreased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 （P<0.01） compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. Finally， the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly decreased ROS， MDA， and tissue iron content （P<0.01） and significantly increased GSH and SOD levels （P<0.01） compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang inhibits ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4 axis， reduces secondary neuronal and myelin injury and oxidative stress， and ultimately promotes the recovery of neurological function.

Objective: To explore the effects of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) on vascular neogenesis and hemorheological parameters following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: An acute cervical SCI model was established using 84 female Sprague–Dawley rats. Functional recovery of the rats was evaluated using the forelimb locomotor scale score, forelimb grip strength test, and Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score. The animals were subsequently euthanized at days 7 and 28 postoperatively. The gross morphology, neuronal survival, and myelin sheath in the injured area were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Nissl, and luxol fast blue (LFB) staining, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe CD31 expression 7 days post-injury. Furthermore, the expression of CD31, neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN), and myelin basic protein (MBP) were evaluated 28 days post-injury. Additionally, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) expression was evaluated using western blotting. Whole-blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and red blood cell aggregation were measured using a hemorheometer. Results: From postoperative days 3–28, motor function in the BYHWD group began to recover considerably compared to the SCI group. BYHWD effectively restored spinal cord histopathology. In addition, the number of NeuN-positive cells, and fluorescence intensity of CD31at 7 and 28 days and MBP significantly increased in the BYHWD group compared with the SCI group (all P < .05). Moreover, this decoction significantly upregulated the expression of VEGFA and VEGFR-2 (all P < .05). BYHWD improved the hemorheology results (i.e., except erythrocyte aggregation index in the low-dose group), revealing statistically significant differences compared with the SCI group (all P < .05). Conclusion BYHWD effectively promoted angiogenesis, improved hemorheological parameters, and protected neurons and myelin sheaths, ultimately promoting the recovery of neurological function after cervical SCI in rats. These findings suggest that BYHWD promotes vascular neogenesis through the VEGFA/VEGFR-2 pathway.

Purpose To explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in the differential diagnosis of gallbladder polypoid lesions(GPLs)(diameter≥10 mm).Materials and Methods A prospective enrollment of 229 patients with GPLs who underwent cholecystectomy in 17 hospitals from December 1 2021 to June 30 2024 was conducted to analyze the relationship between general data,conventional ultrasound,CEUS characteristics and the nature of GPLs.Multivariate Logistic regression was employed to identify independent risk factors for neoplastic polyps,the differential diagnostic value of different indicators was compared.Results Among 229 patients with GPLs,there were 108 cases of cholesterol polyps,102 cases of adenoma and 19 cases of gallbladder cancer.Age(Z=-4.476,P<0.001),polyp number(χ2=15.561,P<0.001),diameter(Z=-8.149,P<0.001),echogenicity(χ2=9.241,P=0.010),vascularity(χ2=23.107,P<0.001),enhancement intensity(χ2=47.610,P<0.001),enhancement pattern(χ2=6.468,P=0.011),vascular type(χ2=84.470,P<0.001),integrity of gallbladder wall(χ2=7.662,P=0.006)and stalk width(Z=-9.831,P<0.001)between cholesterol polyps and neoplastic polyps were statistically significant.Age,location,diameter,echogenicity,enhancement pattern,vascular type and stalk width between adenoma and gallbladder cancer were statistically significant(Z=-4.333,-3.902,-5.042,all P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hyper-enhancement,branched vascular type and stalk width were independent risk factors for neoplastic polyps(OR=4.563,5.770,3.075,all P<0.001).The combination of independent risk factors was better than single factor and diameter in the differential diagnosis of cholesterol polyps and neoplastic polyps(all P<0.01).Conclusion CEUS can effectively identify the nature of GPLs and provide a valuable imaging reference for the selection of treatment methods.

To investigate the therapeutic effect of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) on supination external rotation (SER) ankle fractures (AF) and its impact on ankle joint function and range of motion in patients.Methods:The observation group patients were treated with ORIF, while the control group patients were treated with manual reduction combined with plaster external fixation. Both groups of patients were followed up after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Compare the ankle joint function levels of two groups of patients before treatment and after 3 and 6 months of treatment (Kofood score, AOFAS score, Olerud Molander subjective ankle score (OMAS)). Compare the joint range of motion (relative peak force, torque acceleration energy, endurance) between two groups of patients after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Compare the clinical indicators and incidence of adverse events between two groups of patients after 6 months of treatment. T-test was used for comparison between two groups. Multiple group comparisons were conducted using analysis of variance, while pairwise comparisons were conducted using Dunnett-t test. Comparison of count data between groups using χ2 inspections or Fisher exact test. Results:Before treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the Kofoed score, AOFAS score, and OMAS score between the two groups of patients (all P>0.05). The Kofoed scores of patients in the observation group before treatment and at 3 and 6 months of treatment were (53.78±6.40), (76.73±4.12), and (89.07±5.78) points, respectively. The control group was (52.22±7.08), (71.68±4.82), and (84.05±5.45) points, respectively. The Kofoed scores of patients in both groups were higher than before treatment at 3 and 6 months of treatment (all P<0.05), and the observation group was higher than the control group (all P<0.01).The AOFAS scores of patients in the observation group before treatment and at 3 and 6 months of treatment were (70.13±5.39), (81.62±4.25), and (92.05±4.15) points, respectively. The control group was (69.85±5.41), (79.08±4.60), and (88.92±4.43) points, respectively. The AOFAS scores of patients in both groups were higher than before treatment at 3 and 6 months of treatment (all P<0.05), and the observation group was significantly higher than the control group (all P<0.01).The OMAS scores of the observation group patients before treatment and at 3 and 6 months of treatment were (53.43±5.07), (76.14±4.52), and (85.68±4.14) points, respectively. The control group was (54.42±4.86), (71.39±3.94), and (81.78±4.15) points, respectively. The OMAS scores of the two groups of patients at 3 and 6 months of treatment were higher than before treatment (all P<0.05), and the observation group was higher than the control group (all P<0.01). The fracture healing time (38.85±4.50) days and complete weight-bearing time (66.62±7.14) days of the observation group patients were shorter than those of the control group patients (49.42±5.43) days and (74.39±6.75) days, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (t-values were 12.89 and 6.80, respectively, all P<0.01); There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups of patients (5.41% (4/74) and 9.46% (7/74)), χ2=0.88, P=0.347). Conclusion:ORIF has a good therapeutic effect on SER-AF patients, promotes ankle joint function recovery, and has a low incidence of adverse events, indicating good safety.

Objective To analyze the clinicopathological features and prognosis of polyomavirus nephropathy (PyVN) after kidney transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 44 patients who were diagnosed with PyVN after kidney transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. The causes of puncture and the time of pathological diagnosis were analyzed. Histological grading was carried out according to Banff 2018 classification. Clinical data and pathological characteristics of patients at all grades were statistically compared. BK viral DNA loads in the blood and urine were measured and renal allograft function were assessed. Clinical prognosis of all patients was compared among different groups and the risk factors affecting clinical prognosis were also analyzed. Results The time interval between pathological diagnosis of PyVN and kidney transplantation was 16(8, 29) months, and the increase of serum creatinine level was the main cause for puncture. Among 44 patients, 19 cases were classified as grade ⅠPyVN, 21 cases of grade Ⅱ PyVN and 4 cases of grade Ⅲ PyVN, respectively. Under optical microscope, there was no significant difference in the positive rate of virus inclusion bodies among different groups (P=0.148). Inflammatory cell infiltration, interstitial fibrosis and polyomavirus load in grade Ⅱ PyVN patients were all more or higher than those in grade Ⅰ counterparts. Inflammatory cell infiltration and polyomavirus load in grade Ⅲ patients were more or higher than those in grade Ⅰ counterparts. Polyomavirus load in grade Ⅲ patients was more or higher than that in grade Ⅱ counterparts. The differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05/3). Upon diagnosis, BK viral DNA load was detected in the blood and urine of 39 patients. Among them, 38 patients were positive for BK virus in the urine and 30 patients were positive for BK virus in the blood. The serum creatinine level upon diagnosis was higher compared with that at postoperative 1 month. The serum creatinine level at the final follow-up was significantly higher than that upon diagnosis. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001, P=0.049). There was no significant difference in the serum creatinine level among patients with different grades of PyVN at postoperative 1 month (P=0.554). The serum creatinine level of patients with grade Ⅱ PyVN upon diagnosis was significantly higher than that of those with grade Ⅰ PyVN (P=0.007). The 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates of renal allografts were 95%, 69% and 62%, respectively. The survival rates of renal allografts significantly differed among patients with different grades of PyVN. The higher the grade, the lower the survival rate (P=0.014). Univariate and multivariate Cox's regression analyses prompted that intrarenal polyomavirus load and serum creatinine level upon diagnosis were the independent risk factors for renal allograft dysfunction (all P < 0.05). Conclusions PyVN mainly occurs within 2 years after kidney transplantation. Clinical manifestations mainly consist of increased serum creatinine level, BK viremia and BK viruria. Postoperative routine monitoring of BK virus contributes to early diagnosis and protection of renal allografts. Banff 2018 classification may effectively predict the prognosis of renal allografts.

Objective:To compare the long-term outcomes after focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS) versus myomectomy for uterine fibroids.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on women who were treated by FUAS or myomectomy for uterine fibroids at First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2007 to January 2015. Regular follow-up was conducted to evaluate the symptoms relief, symptoms recurrence, the need for re-interventions and complications of the two groups.Results:The effective rates were 95.7% (730/763) and 95.5% (1 151/1 205) in women who were treated by FUAS and myomectomy, no statistical difference was seen between the two groups ( χ2 =0.027, P=0.869). The cumulative rates of symptoms recurrence at 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 8 years and 10 years of follow-up in FUAS group were 1.8%, 6.8%, 11.9%, 15.2% and 15.9%, respectively; and the cumulative re-intervention rates were 0.7%, 4.1%, 6.8%, 9.9% and 11.0%, respectively. The cumulative rates of symptoms recurrence at 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 8 years and 10 years of follow-up in myomectomy group were 1.8%, 5.9%, 10.6%, 14.2% and 14.9%, respectively; and the cumulative re-intervention rates were 0.9%, 4.5%, 7.8%, 10.3% and 11.4%, respectively. No statistical differences were seen between the two groups (all P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the effective rate, symptoms recurrence rate and re-intervention rate between the two groups in patients with intermural fibroids; but the effective rate of FUAS (95.9%, 235/245) was higher than that of myomectomy (89.1%, 115/129), the symptoms recurrence rate (11.9%, 28/235) was lower than that of myomectomy (27.8%, 32/115), and the re-intervention rate (7.7%, 18/235) was lower than that of myomectomy (17.4%, 20/115) in patients with submucosal fibroids, there were significant different (all P<0.05). The effective rate of FUAS (91.0%, 132/145) was lower than that of myomectomy (97.0%, 322/332), the symptoms recurrence rate (32.6%, 43/132) was higher than that of myomectomy (9.9%, 32/322), and the re-intervention rate (22.0%, 29/132) was higher than that of myomectomy group (6.2%, 20/132) in patients with subserosal fibroids, there were significant different (all P<0.01). The incidences of total [1.8% (14/763) vs 21.9% (264/1 205)], minor and moderate adverse events were lower in FUAS group than myomectomy group (all P<0.001). Conclusion:Satisfaction with long-term outcomes after FUAS treatment or myomectomy for uterine fibroids is comparable.

Objective:To study the use of perfluorobutane contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in preoperative detection of microvascular invasion (MVI), and postoperative short-term recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:Patients who underwent hepatectomy with curative intent at the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2021 to April 2021 were prospectively enrolled into this study. Of 42 patients in this study, there were 36 males and 6 females, with age of (56.51±11.95) years old. All patients underwent preoperative perfluorobutane CEUS, and the characteristics of ultrasound, the vascular phase and Kupffer phase of perfluorobutane CEUS were recorded. Based on the pathological results, these patients were divided into the MVI and non-MVI groups. These patients underwent liver MRI once every 3 months postoperatively to diagnose tumor recurrence. According to the recurrence of HCC 6 months after operation, these patients were divided into the non-recurrence and the recurrence groups. Independent risk factors for MVI and short-term recurrence were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses.Results:Two patients had two lesions, and the remaining 40 patients had a single lesion. The pathological diagnosis of all the lesions were HCC (14 patients in the MVI group and 28 patients in the non-MVI group). The median follow-up was 6 (3, 6) months, and there were 8 patients in the recurrence group and 34 patients in the non-recurrence group. On logistic analysis, independent risk factors for MVI included the number of vessels detected on color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) ( OR=5.762, 95% CI: 1.597-20.785, P=0.007), increased tumor size by more than 10% after CEUS arterial enhancement ( OR=10.186, 95% CI: 3.647-28.447, P=0.037), and thickness of corona enhancement at Kupffer phase of greater than 5 mm ( OR=17.340, 95% CI: 6.124-49.095, P=0.040). Cox regression showed the independent risk factors for short-term recurrence to include the number of vessels in CDFI ( RR=7.519, 95% CI: 1.086-52.051, P=0.041) and thickness of corona enhancement at Kupffer phase of greater than 5 mm ( RR=10.623, 95% CI: 1.265-89.218, P=0.030). Conclusion:Preoperative perfluorobutane CEUS had potential values in detecting MVI and in predicting postoperative short-term recurrence of HCC.

Objective To evaluate clinical application of measuring the sizes in different directions and stalk width of gallbladder polyp lesions (GPL) ≥1.0 cm for differentiation diagnosis between cholesterol polyp and adenoma by both gray scale ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods From January to September 2016, a total of 81 patients with GPL ≥ 1.0 cm received cholecystectomy in our hospital were enrolled in this study. All participations underwent US and CEUS scanning before cholecystecomy. Patient′s clinical data, sizes in different directions, stalk width and features of US images were recorded. According to pathological findings, patients were divided into cholesterol polyp group and adenoma group. All of the clinical data, sizes, stalk width and features of US images were statistically analyzed. Patient′s age, size in vertical and parallel sizes, stalk width of GPL, ratio of vertical size to stalk width, ratio of parallel size to stalk width and ratio of vertical size to parallel size were compared with t-test. Genda, number and location of GPL, echoic level and blood flow signal were compared with the χ2test.Bivariate was used for relation analysis.Results There were difference in patient′s age,vasularity of GPL, size in vertical direction, size in parallel direction, stalk width, ratio of vertical size to stalk width, ratio of parallel size to stalk width[9(15.8%)vs 9(37.5%),(37.02±10.14)years old vs(52.25±13.85)years old, (0.94±0.33)cm vs(1.27±0.79)cm,1.10±0.37 vs 1.71±0.50,(0.26±0.10)cm vs(0.58±0.51)cm,3.82±1.87 vs 2.92±1.61],the differences were statistically significant(χ2=2.675,t=5.303,2.675,5.855,4.566,-2.536, all P<0.05), but no difference in ration of vertical size to parallel size between two groups (all P>0.05). Bivariate realtion analysis proved that size in vertical direction, size in parallel direction, stalk width and ratio of vertical size to stalk width were related with the nature of GPL≥1.0 cm (r=0.375, 0.571, 0.586, -0.342, all P<0.05). Conclusion Sizes in different directions and stalk width were important factors for predicting the nature of GPL ≥1.0 cm.

Objective To explore the curative effect and influencing factors of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation(PRFA)for benign thyroid nodules in order to improve the effect of thyroid benign nodule ablation treatment.Methods The study included 482 benign thyroid nodules.The largest diameter of benign thyroid nodules ranges from 0.7 to 9.2 cm.Two hundred and fifty-eight nodules were solid nodules,224 nodules were cystic-solid nodules,and 96 thyroid nodules combined with the background of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.The patients of this study included 356 females and 126 males,the ages of the study population ranged from 14 to 82 years old.In order to observe the local pain,swelling,skin infection,hoarseness and other complications of the thyroid nodules with PRFA,we conducted conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound immediately and followed up in 1,3,6,12,18 and 24 months after the treatment.Besides,the nodule volume reduction ratio was calculated,and the effects of gender,age,nodule size,cystic proportion,and the background of Hashimoto's thyroiditis on the treatment were analyzed.Results The volume of benign thyroid nodules after the PRFA treatment was significantly reduced after 1,3,6,12,18,24 months,and their nodule volume reduction ratio(VRR)was(51.2±5.7)%(1 months),(69.7±4.3)%(3 months),(84.6±3.7)%(6 months),(89.3±2.9)%(12 months),(93.7±1.6)%(18 months)and(94.9±1.4)%(24 months),respectively.The thyroid nodules were divided into 3 groups according to the cystic portion,significant differences were found in the volume reduction rate at 1,3,6,12,18 and 24 months after PRFA(F=66.858,69.101,19.410,49.559,146.653 and 309.950 respectively,all P＜0.001),the more cystic portion was,the faster the lesion shrinked.The nodules with the cystic portion ＜ 20%were grouped according to the maximum diameter(≤3 cm/＞3 cm),and the background of Hashimoto's disease; and significant differences were found in the volume reduction rate at 1,3,6,12,18 and 24 months after PRFA(the t values for different size groups were 9.710,8.925,9.899,12.734,17.226 and 42.580,respectively,the t values for whether there is a background of Hashimoto's disease were 66.858,69.101,19.410,49.559,146.653,309.950,respectively,all P ＜ 0.001).The VRR of nodules of which the maximum diameter ≤ 3 cm,or without Hashimoto's thyroiditis was larger after radiofrequency ablation.The nodules of which the maximum diameter≤3 cm and with the cystic portion ＜20%were grouped according to different genders(male or female)and different ages(≤40 or＞40 years old),and the mean VRR of the nodules between different gender and age groups are not significantly different(P＞0.05).Conclusions Ultrasound guided PRFA is a safe and effective minimally invasive therapy for benign thyroid nodules.

Objective To compare the ultrasound features of papillary thyroid carcinoma with or without cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM). Methods Patients suspected of thyroid cancer underwent the conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations. Patients' age,sex,and ultrasound characteristics of lesions were recorded. With the surgical pathology as the golden standard,the ultrasound features were compared between the cervical LNM group and non-LNM group. Results Of 144 patients,51 had cervical LNM and 93 did not. Patients' ages,sex and number of lesions had no significant difference between two groups (all P>0.05). Tumor with LNM had maximum size greater than 0.85 cm,ill-defined margin (P=0.000),irregular shape (P=0.007),internal heterogeneous echogenicity (P=0.007),microcalcification (P=0.020),internal heterogeneous low-enhancement (P=0.002),peripheral non-enhancement ring (P=0.030),and extracapsular extension (P=0.000). Conclusion Conventional ultrasound and CEUS are helpful for predicting the cervical LNM of PTC. CEUS can obtain more accurate diagnostic results for the extracapsular extension,which contributes to the prediction of cervical LNM.