Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and prognosis of mechanical lithotripsy, laser lithotripsy under direct peroral cholangioscopy, and their combination in the treatment of difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones.Methods:Clinical data of 345 patients with difficult CBD stones treated at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, between January 2020 and December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed, including 176 males and 169 females, aged (71.2±14.2) years. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the lithotripsy technique used: mechanical lithotripsy group ( n=275), laser lithotripsy group under direct peroral cholangioscopy ( n=34), and combined lithotripsy group ( n=35). Operative time, hospitalization costs, stone clearance rate, and postoperative complications were recorded. Follow-ups were conducted through outpatient visits and telephone reviews to monitor stone recurrence. Propensity score matching (PSM) at a 1: 3 nearest-neighbor ratio with a caliper of 0.02 was performed, using lithotripsy method as the dependent variable, and age, sex, stone size, and bile duct diameter as independent variables, resulting in well-balanced mechanical and laser lithotripsy groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess recurrence-free survival, with comparisons performed using the log-rank test. Results:Before PSM, there were significant differences in age, sex, stone length, and bile duct diameter between the groups (all P<0.05). After PSM, 40 patients were included in the mechanical lithotripsy group, 34 in the laser group, and 35 in the combined group, with no significant differences in baseline or preoperative clinical characteristics (all P>0.05). The combined group had a significantly longer operative time compared to the mechanical group [71.0 (66.0, 92.0) min vs. 50.5 (40.4, 56.5) min, Z=-5.02, P<0.001] and the laser group [71.0 (66.0, 92.0) min vs. 53.0 (26.5, 73.5) min, Z=-2.61, P=0.001]. The laser group also had a longer operative time than the mechanical group [53.0 (26.5, 73.5) min vs. 50.5 (40.4, 56.5) min, Z=-2.27, P=0.023]. Hospitalization costs were significantly higher in the combined group compared to the mechanical group [43 000(33 000, 50 000) yuan vs. 30 000(26 000, 37 000) yuan; Z=-3.43, P<0.001]. The single-session stone clearance rates were 80.0% (32/40) for the mechanical group, 85.3% (29/34) for the laser group, and 62.9% (22/35) for the combined group. Postoperative complication rates were 20.0% (8/40), 11.7% (4/34), and 11.4% (4/35), respectively, with no statistically significant differences among the three groups (all P>0.05). There were also no significant differences in cumulative recurrence-free survival among the groups ( χ2=0.06, P=0.970). Conclusions:For endoscopic management of difficult CBD stones, combined lithotripsy is associated with longer operative time and higher hospitalization costs compared to mechanical and laser lithotripsy alone. Laser lithotripsy also requires more operative time than mechanical lithotripsy. However, the three lithotripsy strategies show no significant differences in postoperative complications or cumulative recurrence-free survival.

OBJECTIVE The emergence of evolving variants of Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has fostered the need for change of newer and adaptive treatments for these infections.During the COVID-19 pandemic and persists,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)herbs exhibit significant bioactivity and therapeutic effect.This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of four TCM preparations on 28-day mortality risk of patients and changes of the laboratory indicators.METHODS The retrospective cohort study included patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from December 15,2022 to January 15,2023,and those died within 48 hours of admission or cannot be tracked for outcomes were excluded.The pri-mary outcome was survival status in 28 days(death or survival)starting from the day of admission.The second outcomes were labora-tory indicators,including absolute lymphocyte count,lactate dehydrogenase,creatinine,and blood urea nitrogen.Binary logistic re-gressions were used to estimate the effect of TCM preparations on the primary and secondary outcomes in main analysis.Meanwhile,heterogeneity and robustness of results from main analysis were assessed by subgroup analyses and multiple sensitivity analyses.RESULTS 1 816 eligible patients were included in analysis dataset,including 573 patients received standard care(control group)and 1 243 patients received TCM preparations(hospital preparation group).The 28-day mortality rate of hospital preparation group was lower than that of control group(4.75%vs.14.83%),and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=54.666,P<0.001).The risk of 28-day mortality was 0.535 times lower in the hospital preparation group as compared with the control group(OR=0.46,95%CI:0.305-0.708,P<0.001)showed by multivariable binary logistic regressions.Subgroup analyses showed that taking TCM preparations reduced the 28-day mortality risk.Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the results of the main analysis for primary outcomes were robust.For secondary outcomes,the risk of abnormal absolute lymphocyte counts at discharge in the hospital prepara-tion group decreased by 0.284 times(OR=0.703,95%CI:0.515-0.961,P=0.027).CONCLUSION Compared with standard of care,taking four hospital preparations including Kanggan Heji,Feining Heji,Qishen Gubiao Keli,and Qianghuo Qushi Qingwen Heji decreased risk of 28-day mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.TCM therapy achieves adequate therapeutic effects in COVID-19.

Objectives:This study aims to explore the value of the baseline extracellular volume(ECV)measured by cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)in predicting cardiac response in patients with light chain cardiac amyloidosis(AL-CA)after treatment.Methods:This single-center retrospective cohort study included AL-CA patients diagnosed between May 2020 and March 2023.Baseline ECV measurement and other relevant parameters were derived from CMR.Therapeutic cardiac response was assessed through serial measurements of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP).Complete recovery was defined as achieving NT-proBNP≤350 pg/ml post-treatment.Patients demonstrating>60%reduction from baseline NT-proBNP without attaining complete response criteria were classified as very good partial recovery.Those showing 31%-60%decreases from baseline NT-proBNP without meeting the threshold for very good partial recovery were qualified as partial recovery,while≤30%reductions from baseline were considered as non-recovery.The study evaluated two endpoints:the initial emergence of any cardiac recovery(encompassing partial recovery,very good partial recovery,or complete recovery)and the subsequent attainment of optimal cardiac recovery(encompassing partial recovery,very good partial recovery,or complete recovery).The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they experienced cardiac recovery at the end of follow-up:the recovery group(n=24,comprising 7 with partial recovery,14 with very good partial recovery,and 3 with complete recovery)and the non-recovery group(n=16).Cox Proportional hazards regression models were used to analyse the impact of baseline ECV on the cardiac recovery.The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to assess and compare the probability and timing of cardiac recovery between different baseline ECV groups.Results:Among the 40 patients,28(70%)were male,with a mean age of(58?±?8)years.32 patients(80%)had the λ subtype of AL-CA.During a median follow-up of 568(155,1 049)days,15 patients showed partial cardiac recovery at 60 days post-treatment,and 3 patients achieved very good partial cardiac recovery;by 720 days of treatment and until the end of follow-up,3 patients achieved complete cardiac recovery.Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that baseline ECV(HR=0.937,95%CI:0.879-0.999,P=0.045)and daratumumab-based regimens(HR=3.279,95%CI:1.098-9.796,P=0.033)were significant predictors of the initial cardiac recovery.Similarly,baseline ECV(HR=0.931,95%CI:0.867-1.000,P=0.048)and daratumumab-based regimens(HR=3.132,95%CI:1.052-9.319,P=0.040)were also independent predictors for the best cardiac recovery.Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients with baseline ECV<54%achieved an earlier first cardiac recovery than those with baseline ECV≥54%(log-rank P=0.014)and the group with baseline ECV<55%were more likely to achieve the best cardiac recovery compared to those with baseline ECV≥55%(log-rank P=0.006).Conclusions:Baseline ECV measured by CMR can serve as an independent predictor of cardiac recovery in AL-CA patients after treatment.Lower baseline ECV levels are associated with a faster and more favorable cardiac recovery.The daratumumab-based regimens demonstrated superior cardiac recovery outcomes.

BACKGROUND:Currently,the treatment methods for colorectal cancer include surgical resection and chemotherapy.However,the subsequent quality of life of patients cannot be improved due to the multiple surgical complications and drug resistance in the later stage of chemotherapy.OBJECTIVE:To review the mechanism of action,latest progress and existing problems of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of colorectal cancer.METHODS:PubMed,CNKI and WanFang databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"mesenchymal stem cells exosomes,colorectal cancer,chemotherapy,treatment"in Chinese and English,respectively.Finally,96 articles were included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes play different roles in the treatment of colorectal cancer mainly through the microRNAs and long-chain non-coding RNAs carried by themselves to mediate different signaling pathways.(2)Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes are highly stable and biocompatible,which makes them excellent carriers of therapeutic drugs.(3)Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes have different effects on resistance to different types of chemotherapeutic agents.

SPF chickens were immunized with HN-mRNA vaccine by intramuscular injection.He-magglutination inhibition(HI)test,lymphocyte proliferation test,RT-qPCR and pathological sec-tions were used to evaluate the humoral and cellular immunity and protection against challenge in-duced by the candidate HN-mRNA vaccine.The results showed that 2.5,5.0,and 7.5 μg HN-mR-NA induced HI antibody antibodies in a dose-dependent manner.Among them,the Hi antibody in-duced by 7.5 μg HN-mRNA was slightly higher than that of the weak toxic vaccine(La Sota strain).In addition,in response to the stimulation of inactivated NDV virus,the proliferation and activation of lymphocytes in 2.5,5.0 and 7.5 μg HN-mRNA immunization groups and commercial vaccine group were observed.To further evaluate the antiviral protection provided by HN mRNA immunization,the 105 ELD50 NDV strong strain NA-1 was used to attack the 7.5 μg HN-mRNA immunised group and the commercial weakened vaccine(La Sota strain)and PBS groups using na-sal and ocular drops.The results showed that the survival rate of 7.5 μg HN-mRNA immunization group and commercial vaccine group was 100％,and these vaccines could protect tissues and or-gans from the damage caused by virus infection.At the same time,7.5 μg HN-mRNA and commer-cial vaccine could shorten the time of virus shedding in vitro and the viral load in vivo.This study provides a foundational framework for the clinical application of NDV HN mRNA candidate vac-cines and offers insights for the development of novel mRNA vaccines for poultry.

Objective: To investigate the current status of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection among blood donors in Jiangxi Province, thereby providing scientific evidence for ensuring blood transfusion safety. Methods: Serum samples from 1 529 blood donors were tested for T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive samples were further analyzed by B1 gene PCR testing and Giemsa staining microscopy. Risk factor data were collected via telephone follow-up. Infection rate differences were analyzed using χ tests. Results: The overall T. gondii infection rate among blood donors was 3.92% (60/1 529), with IgG positivity being predominant (3.86%) and IgM positivity at 0.20%. All antibody-positive samples tested negative for T. gondii DNA. Blood group AB donors had the highest infection rate (7.00%), whereas group O donors had the lowest rate (2.47%), with a statistically significant difference (χ =8.27, P<0.05). The infection rate in the 46-55 age group was higher than that in the 18-25 age group, χ =4 237.75, P<0.05. No significant differences were observed across subgroups stratified by sex, occupation, or education level. Multivariate analysis identified cat/dog ownership (χ =28.23, P<0.05), and frequent consumption of cold dishes (χ =4.09, P<0.05) as key risk factors. Conclusion: In Jiangxi province, T. gondii infection among blood donors is predominantly characterized by past infection, with higher infection rates observed in blood type AB donors and those aged 46-55. The main risk factors include contact with cats/dogs as pets and frequent consumption of cold dishes. It is recommended to disseminate health knowledge on toxoplasmosis prevention in communities and schools to reduce the transfusion transmission risk.

Sarin(GB)is a typical representative of nerve agents with high toxicity,and very low amount can cause death.GB can cause water and atmospheric environment poisoning,so the detection of GB in water and air is of great significance.In this work,a colorimetric sensor array(CSA)based on GB inhibition of cholinesterase activity was constructed to detect GB with high selectivity.A 4×4 colorimetric array was constructed using acetylcholinesterase(AChE),butyryl cholinesterase(BuChE)and the corresponding substrate acetylthiocholine iodide(S-ACh),butyryl thiocholine iodide(S-BCh),acetylcholine chloride(ACh),butyryl choline chloride(BCh)and 2,6-dichloroindophenol ethyl ester(DCIE).The linear curve of the sensor was Y=131.3×lgC+271.6(R2=0.997),where Y was the array response Euclidean distance,C was the concentration of GB(mg/L),the linear range was 0.03?0.32 mg/L,and the detection limit was 27.6 μg/L.The method could effectively distinguish chemical warfare agents(CWA)such as VX,Soman(GD),mustard gas(HD),Louie reagent(L),and had high anti-interference ability,sensitivity and good repeatability.It was successfully applied to the detection of GB in simulated water and simulated air samples,and the sample recovery rate was 97.2% ?100.9%.This method would be potentially applied to the field rapid detection of nerve agents.

Objective To analyze the multi-target mechanism of Paeoniflorin in the intervention of oral submucosal fibrosis(OSF)systematically,based on molecular dynamics simulation and network pharmacology.Methods Identify potential targets of Paeoniflorin were predicted by using database.OSF-related disease targets and identified drug-disease intersecting targets were screened.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis were conducted to validate the molecular binding capabilities between Paeoniflorin and core targets.Finally,molecular dynamics simulations were performed to verify binding stability.Results A total of 20 overlapping targets were identified,including key genes such as transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,interleukin(IL)-6,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α.TGF-β1,IL-6,and TNF formed the core hub.The enrichment analysis revealed that the target molecules were significantly enriched in the TGF-β1,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinease-actin(PI3K-Akt),and nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)signaling pathways.Molecular docking confirmed high affinity binding of Paeoniflorin to targets including TGF-β1,while molecular dynamics simulations verified stable interactions between Paeoniflorin and both TGF-β1 and B-cell lymphoma-2 targets.Conclusion This study revealed that Paeoniflorin inhibits the inflammatory-fibrotic cascade of OSF through synergistic regulation of TGF-β1/Smad,PI3K-Akt and NF-κB pathways.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors influencing mortality in neonates undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).Methods:This retrospective study included 34 neonates with a corrected age of≤28 days who received CRRT at the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, from January 2019 to December 2023. The neonates were divided into a mortality group ( n=16) and a survival group ( n=18) based on whether they died during CRRT. Pre-CRRT blood biochemical indices, general condition, CRRT treatment modes, parameters, and related complications were analyzed using t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Chi-square tests. Logistic stepwise regression analysis was used to screen for risk factors associated with CRRT mortality. Results:The mortality rate among the 34 neonates was 48.6% (16/34), with a median CRRT age of 17 days (range: 2-33 days). Eleven neonates (32.3%) were preterm, with the youngest gestational age being 27 weeks and the lowest weight before CRRT initiation being 1 700 g. The mortality group had lower urine output 6-12 hours before CRRT initiation and lower critical illness scores compared to the survival group [0.05 (0.02-1.00) ml/(kg·h) vs. 0.50 (0.20-1.05) ml/(kg·h), (64.50±7.10) scores vs. (77.67±3.65) scores, Z or t values were 10.97 and 3.91, respectively]. However, the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS), proportion of coma, and levels of blood potassium, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood ammonia, blood lactic acid, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were higher in the mortality group compared to the survival group [ (86.88±15.80) scores vs. (55.56±24.31) scores, 11/16 vs. 1/18, (7.02±1.73) mmol/L vs. (5.88±1.53) mmol/L, 274.55(132.50-664.98) U/L vs. 31.10(19.03-110.70) U/L, 688.20 (449.73-3 618.13) U/L vs. 96.65 (44.15-439.00) U/L, 232.75 (70.33-1 310.85) μmol/L vs.77.70 (49.78-919.05) μmol/L, (11.17±3.36) U/L vs. (7.99±2.67) U/L, and (99.57±39.74) s vs. (60.97±31.25) s, with t, χ2, or Z values of－4.39, 14.81,－2.03,－2.72,－11.81,－3.89,－3.06, and－3.17, respectively] (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that pre-treatment VIS value ( OR=1.150, 95% CI: 1.035-1.278), and blood ammonia level ( OR=1.004, 95% CI: 1.002-1.009) were independent risk factors for mortality (both P<0.05). Conclusions:Neonatal CRRT mortality is associated with pre-treatment VIS scores and blood ammonia levels. Attention should be paid to a rapid decreases in urine output, the intensity of vasopressor support, and elevated levels of blood ammonia, blood lactic acid, transaminases, and APTT at the initiation of treatment.

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety profile of antaitasvir phosphate combined with yiqibuvir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) of various genotypes, without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis.Methods:394 cases with CHC from 22 centers were collected from October 2021 to April 2023. They were randomly assigned to receive either the experimental drugs (antaitasvir phosphate 100 mg+yiqibuvir 600 mg) or placebo treatment in a 3∶1 ratio. The patients were administered drugs once a day for 12 consecutive weeks, and then followed up for 24 weeks after treatment cessation. All subjects were unblinded at the four-week follow-up following drug discontinuation, with the experimental drug group continuing to complete subsequent post-discontinuation follow-up. The placebo group was switched to receive the experimental drugs for a repeated 12-week treatment period and followed up for another 24 weeks after discontinuation of the drug (placebo delayed treatment phase).The sustained virologic response rate (SVR12) was observed for subjects in the double-blind phase and the placebo delayed-treatment phase at 12 weeks after treatment cessation.Virological resistance analysis was performed on subjects who failed treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was SVR12. The number and percentage of subjects who achieved "HCV RNA