OBJECTIVE: To explore decompression strategies for lateral lumbar spinal stenosis under unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) assistance. METHODS: A clinical data of 86 patients with lateral lumbar stenosis treated with UBE-assisted intervertebral decompression between September 2022 and December 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 42 males and 44 females with an average age of 63.6 years (range, 45-79 years). The disease duration ranged from 6 to 14 months (mean, 8.5 months). Surgical levels included L _{2, 3} in 3 cases, L _{3, 4} in 26 cases, L _{4, 5} in 42 cases, and L ₅, S ₁ in 15 cases. According to Lee's grading system, there were 21 cases of grade 1, 37 cases of grade 2, and 28 cases of grade 3 for lumbar spinal stenosis. Based on the location of stenosis and clinical symptoms, the 33 cases underwent interlaminar approach, 7 cases underwent interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision, 26 cases underwent contralateral inclinatory approach, and 20 cases underwent paraspinal approach; then, the corresponding decompression procedures were performed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate lower back/leg pain before operation and at 1 and 3 months after operation, while Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate spinal function. At 3 months after operation, the effectiveness was evaluated using the modified MacNab evaluation criteria. The spinal stenosis and decompression were evaluated based on Lee's grading system using lumbar MRI before operation and at 3 months after operation. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed with mean operation time of 95.1 minutes (range, 57-166 minutes). Dural tears occurred in 2 cases treated with interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 3-10 months (mean, 5.9 months). The clinical symptoms of the patients relieved to varying degrees. The VAS scores and ODI of lower back and leg pain at 1 and 3 months after operation significantly improved compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05), and the indicators at 3 months significantly improved than that at 1 month ( P<0.05). According to the modified MacNab evaluation criteria, the effectiveness at 3 months after operation was rated as excellent in 52 cases, good in 21 cases, and poor in 13 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 84.9%. No lumbar instability was detected on flexion-extension X-ray films during follow-up. The Lee's grading of lateral lumbar stenosis at 2 days after operation showed significant improvement compared to preoperative grading ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION For lateral lumbar spinal stenosis, UBE-assisted decompression of the spinal canal requires the selection of interlaminar approach, interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision, contralateral inclinatory approach, and paraspinal approach based on preoperative imaging findings and clinical symptoms to achieve better effectiveness.
Humans ; Spinal Stenosis/diagnostic imaging* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Decompression, Surgical/methods* ; Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Gene therapy, harnessing the power of CRISPR-Cas9 and/or DNAzyme systems, stands as a pivotal approach in cancer therapy, enabling the meticulous manipulation of genes pivotal to tumorigenesis and immunity. However, the pursuit of precise gene therapy encounters formidable hurdles. Herein, a near-infrared upconversion theranostic nanomachine is devised and tailors for CRISPR-Cas9/DNAzyme systems mediate precise gene therapy. An ingenious logic DNAzyme system consists of Chain 1 (C1)/Chain 2 (C2) and endogenous lncRNA is designed. We employ manganese modified upconversion nanoparticles for carrying ultraviolet-responsive C1-PC linker-C2 (C₂P) chain and Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP), with outermost coats with hyaluronic acid. Upon reaching tumor microenvironment (TME), the released Mn²⁺ ions orchestrate a trifecta: facilitating endosomal escape, activating cGAS-STING signaling, and enabling T1-magnetic resonance imaging. Under near-infrared irradiation, Cas9 RNP/C₂P complex dissociates, releasing Cas9 RNP into the nucleus to perform gene editing of Ptpn2, while C1/C2 chains self-assemble with endogenous lncRNA to form a functional DNAzyme system, targeting PD-L1 mRNA for gene silencing. This strategy remodels the TME by activating cGAS-STING signaling and dual immune checkpoints blockade, thus realizing tumor elimination. Our theranostic nanomachine armed with the CRISPR-Cas9/DNAzyme logic systems, represents a resourceful and promising strategy for advancing cancer systemic immunotherapy and precise gene therapy.

A high-altitude environment is characterized by low oxygen levels,low pressure,and low temperatures.Exposure to the plateau environment often causes damage to the body,leading to the occurrence of acute mountain sickness/chronic mountain sickness(AMS/CMS).Research indicates that acute or chronic exposure to the special environment can result in overall organ dysfunctions,such as those in the heart and gastrointestinal tract.The damage to the body caused by exposure to the plateau environment is closely related to acute and chronic hypoxia.Physiological maladjustment or disease is usually accompanied by changes in the structure of the gut microbiota.There have been reports on the correlations between the gut microbiota and bodily harm caused by high-altitude exposure.However,the specific types of bacteria involved and the mechanisms of action are still under investigation.This article reviews the intestinal tissue damage caused by low oxygen levels,immune activation,changes in microbial community structure,and differential metabolic products.The association and underlying mechanisms between bodily harm due to high-altitude exposure and the intestinal microbiota are also explored in hopes of stimulating new lines of thought related to the prevention and treatment of bodily harm caused by exposure to the plateau environment.

Objective To investigate the changes in serum levels of claudin-5 and Apelin-13 in patients with depression and their relationship with disease progression and sleep disorders.Methods A total of 128 patients with depression admitted to our hospital from June 2021 to July 2023 were selected as the study group,and another 128 patients who underwent physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group.The correlation between the expression levels of serum claudin-5 and Apelin-13 in patients with depression and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD)score,as well as the diagnostic value of serum claudin-5 and Apelin-13 for the severity of depression in patients were analyzed.Results The expression level of claudin-5 in the serum of patients in study group was higher than that of the control group,which increased with the severity of the disease(P<0.05)and was positively correlated with the HAMD score(r=0.713,P<0.05).In addition,the expression level of claudin-5 in the serum of patients with sleep disorders was higher than that of those without sleep disorders(P<0.05),and the trend of changes in the expression level of Apelin-13 was opposite;Age,age at onset of depression,and claudin-5 were factors for sleep disorders in patients with depression,while Apelin-13 was a protec-tive factor(P<0.05);The combined detection of serum claudin-5 and Apelin-13 is superior to their individual detection(Z combined detection-claudin-5=2.393,Z combined detection-Apelin-13=1.964,P=0.016,0.044).Conclusion The expression levels of claudin-5 and Apelin-13 in serum of patients with depression were related to the progression of disease and the sleep disorders and the combined detection has high diagnostic value for severe depression.

Objective:To investigate the impact of the deep-learning-based CT fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) on clinical decision-making and long-term prognosis in patients with obstructive coronary heart disease.Methods:In this single-center retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients with obstructive coronary heart disease (with at least one stenosis≥50%) on their first coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from February 2017 to July 2018 were included. Baseline clinical and CT characteristics were collected. Deep-learning-based CT-FFR and Leiden CCTA risk score were calculated. All patients enrolled were followed up for at least 5 years. The study endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as the composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring hospitalization, and unplanned revascularization. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to define the optimal cut-off point of the Leiden score in predicting the 5-year MACE, and survival analysis and Cox regression were performed to explore the related factors of MACE.Results:A total of 622 patients, aged 61 (54, 66) years, with 407 (65.4%) males were included. Diagnostic coronary angiography was performed in 78 patients after their baseline CCTA, with 34 (43.6%) patients had CT-FFR>0.80. During a follow-up time of 2 181 (2 093, 2 355) days, 155 patients (24.9%) suffered from MACE. ROC derived optimal cut-off point of Leiden score for predicting MACE was 15.48. Survival analysis found that male patients, Leiden risk score>15 and CT-FFR≤0.80 had worse prognosis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified CT-FFR≤0.80 as an robust and independent predictor of MACE ( HR=4.98, 95% CI 3.15-7.86, P<0.001). Conclusion:Deep-learning-based CT-FFR aids in clinical decision-making and the evaluation of long-term prognosis in patients with obstructive coronary heart disease.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that affect the temporomandibular joint, chewing muscle system, dental occlusion, and even various structures throughout the body, with significant characteristics of biological-psychological-social pattern. TMD related chronic pain, as the most important clinical symptom, can result in negative emotions seriously affecting patients′ quality of life and physical and mental health. Although a variety of therapies have been previously reported to treat TMD related chronic pain, there is a lack of widely recognized therapies. Professor Jason W Busse (from Michael G DeGroote National Pain Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton ON, Canada) took the lead and collaborated with multiple internationally renowned schools/hospitals of stomatology to develop an international consensus on the management of chronic pain associated with TMD, a clinical practice guideline, which took two years and was published in December 15th, 2023 in a global top journal of clinical research The British Medical Journal. This clinical practice guideline explored the comparative effectiveness of available therapies for chronic pain associated with TMD, conditionally recommended the specific intervention for different treatment or pain relief, proposed a comprehensive, agreed, and standardized clinical practice guideline. This present article describes the methodology and key elements of the clinical practice guideline to help clinicians fully understand and appropriately apply this guidance, which could provide the references for clinical practice of TMD associated chronic pain in China.

Japan is one of the main trading partners for the import and export of experimental animals in China,and its quarantine and supervision policies for the import and export of experimental animals are very detailed and strict.This article takes experimental dogs,cats,and monkeys as examples to provide an in-depth analysis of the quarantine and supervision policies for the main experimental animals exported to Japan.At the same time,it reflects on the current laws and regulations,import and export management method,standards,biosafety,breeding and management status,as well as the import and export business status of experimental animals in China.Suggestions are provided in improving the laws and regulations,import and export management method,ensuring national biosafety,improving the management level of experimental animal breeding,and promoting the import and export trade of experimental animals,in order to provide reference for comprehensively improving the production,use,and breeding management level of experimental animals in China and strengthening the trade between China and Japan.

Objective:To evaluate the safety of double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy.Methods:This prospective, multi-center, single-arm study was initiated by the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University in June 2021 (CRAFT Study, NCT05282563). Participating institutions included Nanyang Central Hospital, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Luoyang Central Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Luohe Central Hospital, the People's Hospital of Hebi, First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Anyang Tumor Hospital, First People's Hospital of Pingdingshan, and Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) gastric adenocarcinoma confirmed by preoperative gastroscopy;(2) preoperative imaging assessment indicated that R0 resection was feasible; (3) preoperative assessment showed no contraindications to surgery;(4) esophagojejunostomy planned during the procedure; (5) patients volunteered to participate in this study and gave their written informed consent; (6) ECOG score 0–1; and (7) ASA score I–III. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) history of upper abdominal surgery (except laparoscopic cholecystectomy);(2) history of gastric surgery (except endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection); (3) pregnancy or lactation;(4) emergency surgery for gastric cancer-related complications (perforation, hemorrhage, obstruction); (5) other malignant tumors within 5 years or coexisting malignant tumors;(6) arterial embolism within 6 months, such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accident; and (7) comorbidities or mental health abnormalities that could affect patients' participation in the study. Patients were eliminated from the study if: (1) radical gastrectomy could not be completed; (2) end-to-side esophagojejunal anastomosis was not performed during the procedure; or (3) esophagojejunal anastomosis reinforcement was not possible. Double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis was performed as follows: (1) Open surgery: the full thickness of the anastomosis is continuously sutured, followed by embedding the seromuscular layer with barbed or 3-0 absorbable sutures. The anastomosis is sutured with an average of six to eight stitches. (2) Laparoscopic surgery: the anastomosis is strengthened by counterclockwise full-layer sutures. Once the anastomosis has been sutured to the right posterior aspect of the anastomosis, the jejunum stump is pulled to the right and the anastomosis turned over to continue to complete reinforcement of the posterior wall. The suture interval is approximately 5 mm. After completing the full-thickness suture, the anastomosis is embedded in the seromuscular layer. Relevant data of patients who had undergone radical gastrectomy in the above 12 centers from June 2021 were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome was safety (e.g., postoperative complications, and treatment). Other studied variables included details of surgery (e.g., surgery time, intraoperative bleeding), postoperative recovery (postoperative time to passing flatus and oral intake, length of hospital stay), and follow-up conditions (quality of life as assessed by Visick scores).Result:[1] From June 2021 to September 2022,457 patients were enrolled, including 355 men and 102 women of median age 60.8±10.1 years and BMI 23.7±3.2 kg/m2. The tumors were located in the upper stomach in 294 patients, mid stomach in 139; and lower stomach in 24. The surgical procedures comprised 48 proximal gastrectomies and 409 total gastrectomies. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 85 patients. Other organs were resected in 85 patients. The maximum tumor diameter was 4.3±2.2 cm, number of excised lymph nodes 28.3±15.2, and number of positive lymph nodes five (range one to four. As to pathological stage,83 patients had Stage I disease, 128 Stage II, 237 Stage III, and nine Stage IV. [2] The studied surgery-related variables were as follows: The operation was successfully completed in all patients, 352 via a transabdominal approach, 25 via a transhiatus approach, and 80 via a transthoracoabdominal approach. The whole procedure was performed laparoscopically in 53 patients (11.6%), 189 (41.4%) underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery, and 215 (47.0%) underwent open surgery. The median intraoperative blood loss was 200 (range, 10–1 350) mL, and the operating time 215.6±66.7 minutes. The anastomotic reinforcement time was 2 (7.3±3.9) minutes for laparoscopic-assisted surgery, 17.6±1.7 minutes for total laparoscopy, and 6.0±1.2 minutes for open surgery. [3] The studied postoperative variables were as follows: The median time to postoperative passage of flatus was 3.1±1.1 days and the postoperative gastrointestinal angiography time 6 (range, 4–13) days. The median time to postoperative oral intake was 7 (range, 2–14) days, and the postoperative hospitalization time 15.8±6.7 days. [4] The safety-related variables were as follows: In total, there were 184 (40.3%) postoperative complications. These comprised esophagojejunal anastomosis complications in 10 patients (2.2%), four (0.9%) being anastomotic leakage (including two cases of subclinical leakage and two of clinical leakage; all resolved with conservative treatment); and six patients (1.3%) with anastomotic stenosis (two who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation 21 and 46 days after surgery, the others improved after a change in diet). There was no anastomotic bleeding. Non-anastomotic complications occurred in 174 patients (38.1%). All patients attended for follow-up at least once, the median follow-up time being 10 (3–18) months. Visick grades were as follows: Class I, 89.1% (407/457); Class II, 7.9% (36/457); Class III, 2.6% (12/457); and Class IV 0.4% (2/457).Conclusion:Double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy is safe and feasible.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of ultrasound combined with endoscopy and ultrasound combined with X-ray guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL) in the treatment of complex renal calculi.Methods:The clinical data of 119 patients with complex kidney stones treated by ultrasound combined with endoscopy or ultrasound combined with X-ray guided PCNL in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from March 2019 to February 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. According to different guidance methods, they were divided into ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group and ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group.There was no significant difference in age [(53.9±14.2) years vs. (55.6±13.5) years], gender (male/female: 38/21 vs. 30/30), body mass index [(25.0±3.7) kg/m 2 vs. (24.8±3.8)kg/m 2], stone location (left/right: 34/25 vs. 31/29), maximum diameter of renal stones [(31.9±8.3)mm vs. (33.9±13.5)mm], kidney stones maximum cross-sectional area [(601.5±242.5)mm 2 vs. (632.6±278.9)mm 2], number of renal calices involved (3.5±0.9 vs. 3.6±1.3), S. T.O.N.E. scores (9.4±1.0 vs. 9.7±1.4), Guy's grade(Ⅲ/Ⅳ: 45/14 vs. 41/19), preoperative hemoglobin [(125.2±21.5)g/L vs. (125.6±18.4)g/L], serum creatinine[(89.1±33.8) μmol/L vs. (81.9±27.1) μmol/L], urinary tract infection (43/59 vs. 47/60)and positive urinary bacterial culture (12/59 vs.11/60) between the two groups(all P>0.05). The patients in the ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group were placed in the modified prone split-leg position. Flexible ureteroscope retrograde into the renal pelvis, combined with ultrasound to determine the best puncture calices. The channels were established and stones were removed under the guidance of ultrasound and endoscopy. In the ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group, the F5 ureteral catheter was placed retrogradely into the operative side ureter under the lithotomy position. Then the patient changed to prone position and the target calices were punctured under the guidance of ultrasound and X-ray. Through anterograde or retrograde injection of contrast medium, the puncture position was determined to enter in the center of the calicean dome, and the channel establishment process and stone removal are monitored. The operative results and postoperative data were recorded. Results:The average operation time in the ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group was significantly shorter than that in the ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group [(90.2 ± 34.5) min vs. (129.4 ± 43.0) min, P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in the success rates of initial channel establishment [94.0% (63/67) vs. 87.7% (107/122), P = 0.167], the time of single channel establishment [(7.7 ± 1.9) min vs. (7.7 ± 1.4) min, P =0.765], serum creatinine on the first day after operation[ (89.3±33.6) μmol/L vs. (82.9±27.0) μmol/L, P=0.257] and postoperative hospital stay[(5.3±1.6) d vs.(5.4±1.7) d, P=0.883]. In contrast, patients in ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group had higher stone free rate [93.3% (56/60) vs. 81.4% (48/59), P=0.049] and lower reoperation rate [3.3% (2/60) vs. 15.3% (9/59), P=0.025]. The mean hemoglobin decrease value of ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group was significantly lower than ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group on the first day after operation [(8.7±6.3) g/L vs. (16.8±6.9) g/L, P<0.001]. The complication rate of ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group was significantly lower than that of ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance group [5.1% (3/59) vs. 16.7% (10/60), P = 0.043]. Conclusions:Ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance PCNL does not need to change body position during operation and has fewer puncture channels, thus saving operation time and reducing complications. It is more suitable for patients with isolated kidney or easy bleeding. Ultrasound combined with X-ray guidance is conducive to the establishment of multi-channel, the stone clearance rate is high and the reoperation rate is low, which is suitable for patients with good health and more renal calices involved with stones.