Varicocele is a common disease of the male reproductive system, and the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord manifests abnormal dilatation, extension, and circuity, which is a vasculopathy. In this article, we believe that the relevance of the essence chamber collaterals to the spermatic vein in terms of anatomical morphology and physiological function is high and that when pathogenic qi invades the essence chamber, the qi and collaterals of the essence chamber are out of harmony, the fluid collaterals are impassable, and the blood collaterals are obstrcuted, and the essence chamber collaterals are blockaded with several pathological products, and even intermingled phlegm and blood stasis in the blood collaterals and form vascular clusters, resulting in the formation and development of varicocele. Based on this, this article proposes the core treatment principle of healing, harmonizing, activating, and dredging the collaterals, with the basic treatment method of nourishing qi and harmonizing collaterals, activating blood collaterals, and dredging blood stasis to, respectively treat degree Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ varicocele, aiming to prevent the change of the varicocele, dredge the curvature of the varicocele, and dissipate the knots of the varicocele. The proposal of essence chamber collaterals is of great significance to understanding the common law and pathological aspects of the occurrence and development of essence collateral and vascular lesions from the perspective of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Synthetic CT (sCT) generated from CBCT has proven effective in artifact reduction and CT number correction, facilitating precise radiation dose calculation. However, the quality of different regions in sCT images is severely imbalanced, with soft tissue region exhibiting notably inferior quality compared to others. To address this imbalance, we proposed a Multi-Task Attention Network (MuTA-Net) based on VGG-16, specifically focusing the enhancement of image quality in soft tissue region of sCT. First, we introduced a multi-task learning strategy that divides the sCT generation task into three sub-tasks: global image generation, soft tissue region generation and bone region segmentation. This approach ensured the quality of overall sCT image while enhancing the network's focus on feature extraction and generation for soft tissues region. The result of bone region segmentation task guided the fusion of sub-tasks results. Then, we designed an attention module to further optimize feature extraction capabilities of the network. Finally, by employing a results fusion module, the results of three sub-tasks were integrated, generating a high-quality sCT image. Experimental results on head and neck CBCT demonstrated that the sCT images generated by the proposed MuTA-Net exhibited a 12.52% reduction in mean absolute error in soft tissue region, compared to the best performance among the three comparative methods, including ResNet, U-Net, and U-Net++. It can be seen that MuTA-Net is suitable for high-quality sCT image generation and has potential application value in the field of CBCT guided adaptive radiation therapy.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography/methods* ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Artifacts ; Algorithms ; Bone and Bones/diagnostic imaging* ; Neural Networks, Computer

The theory of "brain-heart-kidney-semen chamber" axis is proposed based on the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine， the modern physiological characteristics of men's diseases， and clinical practice. According to this theory， dysfunctions of the brain， heart， kidney， and semen chamber are the core mechanisms for the occurrence of premature ejaculation， and the loss of control of the opening and closing of the seminal orifices due to the dysfunction of the semen chamber is the final link in the occurrence of premature ejaculation. The treatment of premature ejaculation based on the theory of "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis highlights the overall regulation of the Zang-fu organs involved in the disease， while focusing on the simultaneous treatment of the mind and body. By exploring the biological basis of the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis and premature ejaculation， we propose that the biological basis of premature ejaculation and the axis is mainly related to the function decline of the local brain area， neuromodulation malfunction， central neurotransmitter imbalance， endocrine disorders， and enhanced sensory afferents of the penis. This study aims at providing a new approach for the prevention and treatment of premature ejaculation by traditional Chinese medicine and a scientific basis for the development of more effective therapeutic methods.

Male infertility,a common condition in andrology,falls under the category of"no son"in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Unhealthy eating habits and excessive sexual activity,prevalent due to improved living standards,have contributed to the increasing incidence of male infertility.YE Tianshi proposed the theory of"maintaining with the sweet and restoring the body fluids",which emphasizes the importance of ample body fluid for the nourishment of the male essence chamber.Sufficient body fluid is crucial for normal sperm generation.In TCM,the primary pathogenesis of male infertility involves the loss of body fluids and insufficiency of yin essence.Sweet Chinese herbal medicinal is recommended as it nourishes yin,enriches essence,and replenishes male reproductive essence without producing phlegm and dampness.Therefore,when treating male infertility,attention should be given to the use of sweet Chinese herbal medicinal,adhering to the principle of"abundant body fluids nourish kidney yin,and abundant kidney yin supports semen production".Therapies such as purging fire to preserve body fluids with Zengye Decoction,nourishing yin to enrich essence with Guilu Erxian Decoction,benefiting qi to promote fluid production with Buzhong Yiqi Decoction,and warming yang and transporting fluids with Xianfu Shezi Decoction should be considered.Medication and dosage adjustments should be made based on the specific etiology,pathology,and related symptoms to improve the quality of male sperm and enhance the chances of conception.

Following the principles of evidence-based medicine,in accordance with the structure and drafting rules of standardized documents,based on literature research,according to the characteristics of chronic cough in children and issues that need to form a consensus,the TCM Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Cough in Children was formulated based on the Delphi method,expert discussion meetings,and public solicitation of opinions.The guideline includes scope of application,terms and definitions,eti-ology and diagnosis,auxiliary examination,treatment,prevention and care.The aim is to clarify the optimal treatment plan of Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease,and to provide guidance for improving the clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough in children with Chinese medicine.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of different soft-tissue morphologies on the treatment of skeletal class Ⅰ malocclusion patients by analyzing measurement data before and after treatment. METHODS: Pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalograms of 55 adult female Angle class Ⅰ patients were collected in the Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University from January 2012 to December 2020. Chin soft-tissue morphologies in the lateral cranial radiographs were used to divide the patients into an abnormal chin morphology group (flat and retracted chins, n=27) and a normal chin morphology group (rounded and prominent chins, n=28). Relevant soft- and hard-tissue indexes were selected to study in-group varieties and intergroup differences in the varying chin morphologies before and after treatment. RESULTS: The chin-lip angle, mandibular chin angle, mandibular chin vertex angle, PP-MP, LL-E, UL-E, Po-Pos, and B-B' thickness in the abnormal chin morphology group were significantly higher than those in the normal chin morphology group (P<0.05). Furthermore, m∶BMe and n∶B'Mes in the abnormal chin morphology group were signi-ficantly lower than those in the normal chin morphology group (P<0.05). After treatment, the mandibular chin angle, mandibular chin vertex angle, U1-SN, L1-MP, LL-E, UL-E, SNA, SNB, and B-B' thickness of the abnormal chin morphology group significantly decreased (P<0.05), whereas the nasolabial angle, m∶BMe, n∶B' Mes, and Po-Pos significantly increased (P<0.05). In the normal chin morphology group, the U1-SN, L1-MP, LL-E, UL-E, and B-B' thicknesses decreased significantly (P<0.05), whereas the nasolabial angle significantly increased (P<0.05). Among them, m∶BMe and n∶B' Mes were positively correlated. CONCLUSIONS Chin morphology affects the formulation of treatment plans. Compared with the normal chin morphology group, the abnormal chin morphology group required a larger retraction of incisors. Although the chin of soft-tissue morphology is related to the morphology of bones, the changes in soft tissue chin after treatment cannot be directly predicted according to the bone changes. Soft-tissue chin morphology affects the aesthetic assessment of the soft-tissue lateral profile and the change in soft tissue before and after treatment. The method of predicting the change in soft-tissue chin after treatment should consider the morphology of the soft-tissue chin.
Adult ; Humans ; Female ; Chin ; Lip ; Cephalometry/methods* ; Esthetics, Dental ; Mandible

Enteric-soluble soft capsule is a kind of new preparation that does not disintegrate in the stomach ，but releases rapidly in the intestinal tract to play a pharmacodynamic role. It has the unique advantages of improving drug stability ，reducing drug irritation ，delivering drugs directionally to the intestinal tract ，and prolonging drug action time. In this paper ，the decomposition and release mechanism ，application advantages ，classification of enteric-soluble coating materials and preparation methods of enteric-soluble soft capsule are sorted and summarized ，in order to provide reference for further development of this type of preparation.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of multiple primary colorectal carcinoma.Methods:The clinical data of 42 cases of colorectal cancer admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2013 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinicopathological features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis were summarized.Results:There were 42 patients with multiple primary colorectal carcinoma, accounting for 1.20% (42/3 499) of all colorectal carcinoma patients in the same period. The main pathological type was adenocarcinoma. Among them, 32 cases were synchronous multiple primary carcinoma. And the age ranged 38-86 years old, and the median age was 66 years old. A total of 73 colorectal cancer lesions were detected, mostly located in the proximal colon, sigmoid colon and rectum. A total of 527 lymph nodes were detected, and the positive rate was 1.9% (10). Patients with positive lymph nodes accounted for 37.5% (12/32), including 27 cases of multiple primary carcinoma, 3 cases of triple primary carcinoma, 2 cases of five primary carcinoma. The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 83.75% and 74.38%, respectively. There were 10 cases of metachronous multiple primary carcinoma. Patients were aged 33-86 years old. The first cancer was mostly located in the rectum and sigmoid colon, and the second cancer was mostly located in the ascending colon area. A total of 276 lymph nodes were detected, and the positive rate was 12.3% (34). The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 100.00% and 66.67%, respectively.Conclusions:Multiple primary colorectal cancer is not rare clinically and its distribution shows a certain regularity. More attention should be paid to improve the early diagnosis rate. Early operation is needed to improve the survival rate of patients.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of ultrasound evaluation of fiberoptic bronchoscope (FB) guided tracheotomy, which can provide help for difficult tracheotomy and new operators.Methods:The operating protocol was standardized for ultrasound evaluation of FB guided tracheotomy. Ten patients with difficult tracheotomy admitted to the department of critical care medicine of Donge Hospital from October 2019 to January 2020 were enrolled. According to this protocol, FB guided tracheotomy was performed under the ultrasound evaluation, and the amount of blood loss, operation time and related complications during procedures were collected.Results:The preparation of supplies, personnel, patients and the operation, the process of FB guided tracheotomy under the ultrasound evaluation were standardized. When tracheotomy was preformed for patients with difficult tracheotomy, it was necessary to use ultrasound first to evaluate the neck condition and vascular disorientation of patients, and the tracheotomy plan (tracheotomy site, incision size, and incision depth) was designed, and then the tracheotomy process was monitored under the guidance of FB. Among the 10 patients with difficult tracheotomy, 6 were male and 4 were female; body mass index was (32.2±1.4) kg/m 2. Tracheotomy was successfully completed within 10 minutes in all the 10 patients, with less than 5 mL blood loss, and no complications occurred. Conclusion:Ultrasound evaluation of FB guided tracheotomy can improve the clinical operations and ensure patient safety.

Objective To investigate the application value of superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-oriented complete mesocolic excision (CME) in the treatment of right colon cancer.Methods The retrospective cohort study was conducted.The clinicopathological data of 955 patients with right colon cancer who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2013 to June 2018 were collected.There were 514 males and 441 females,aged from 18 to 96 years,with a median age of 65 years.Of the 955 patients,377 undergoing SMA-oriented CME of right colon with the lymph node dissection along the left boundary of SMA were allocated into SMA-oriented group,and 578 undergoing superior mesenteric vein (SMV)-oriented CME of right colon with the lymph node dissection along the left boundary of SMV were allocated into SMV-oriented group.Observation indicators:(1) intraoperative and postoperative conditions;(2) postoperative complications;(3) postoperative pathological examinations;(4) follow-up and survival situations.Follow-up was performed by telephone interview and outpatient examination once every 3-6 months within 2 years after surgery and once a year after 2 years up to January 2019,using tumor recurrence and metastasis or death as the end point.Follow-up included physical examination and tumor marker test,including carcino embryonic antigen,CA19-9,chest and abdomen CT examination and enteroscopy.Measurement data with skewed distribution were described as M (P25,P75),and comparison between groups was done using the Mann-Whitney U test.Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages,and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi square test.Ordinal data were analyzed using the rank sum test.Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival time and rate,and draw survival curve.Log-rank test was used for survival analysis.Patients with loss to follow-up were involved in survival analysis as censored data.Results (1) Intraoperative and postoperative conditions:the operation time,volume of intraoperative blood loss,duration of postoperative hospital stay were 100 minutes (90 minutes,110 minutes),50.0 mL (50.0 mL,70.0 mL),8 days (8 days,10 days) in the SMA-oriented group,and 110 minutes (90 minutes,135 minutes),50.0 mL (50.0 mL,122.5 mL),10 days (8 days,12 days) in the SMV-oriented group,showing significant differences between the two groups (Z=-5.400,-5.799,-7.461,P＜0.05).After the exclusion of 47 patients unsuitable for defecation analysis because of postoperative complications,365 in the SMA-oriented group and 543 in the SMV-oriented group were analyzed.The time to first defecation,the maximum number and the median number of daily defecation postoperatively were 5 days (3 days,5 days),2.0 (1.0,2.5),1.0 (1.0,1.0) in the SMA-oriented group,which showed no significant difference from 4 days (3 days,5 days),2.0 (1.0,3.0),1.0 (1.0,1.0) in the SMV-oriented group (Z=-1.622,-1.541,-1.024,P＞ 0.05).(2) Postoperative complications:cases with postoperative complications,cases with incisional liquefaction or infection,cases with anastomostic leakage,cases with delayed gastric emptying,cases with intra-abdominal bleeding,cases with complete or incomplete ileus,cases with anastomostic bleeding,cases with intra-abdominal infection,cases with disruption of wound,the number of death were 55,10,3,3,2,2,1,1,1,1 in the SMA-oriented group,which showed no significant difference from 83,30,13,4,3,8,3,6,2,3 in the SMV-oriented group,respectively (x2 =0.045,3.662,2.926,0.034,0.001,1.604,0.352,1.873,0.048,0.352,P＞0.05).There were 32 of 377 patients in the SMA-oriented group and 14 of 578 in the SMV-oriented group with chylous leakage,showing a significant difference between the two groups (x2 =18.312,P＜ 0.05).Patients with chylous leakage were improved after conservative treatment,without reoperation.Patients with other complications were improved after anti-infection,fluid infusion,and reoperation.Four of 955 patients died after surgery.(3) Postoperative pathological examinations:patients with stage Ⅰ,stage Ⅱ,and stage Ⅲ (pathological TNM staging),patients with high-differentiation,mid-differentiation,and low-differentiation (tumor differentiation degree),length of intestine specimen,number of positive lymph nodes,maximum tumor diameter,patients with cancer nodules,patients with vascular invasion,patients with perineural invasion were 57,174,146,30,174,173,23 cm (21 cm,26 cm),0 (0,2),5.0 cm (3.0 cm,6.0 cm),37,81,53 in the SMA-oriented group,which showed no difference from 66,280,232,33,303,242,23 cm (21 cm,25 cm),0 (0,2),5.0 cm (3.5 cm,6.0 cm),80,108,82 in the SMV-oriented group (Z=-1.020,-0.216,-0.243,-0.220,-0.814,x2=3.441,1.127,0.003,P＞0.05).The number of harvested lymph nodes was 22.0 (17.0,27.0) and 18.0 (15.0,22.0) in the SMA-oriented group and SMV-oriented group,respectively,with a significant difference between the two groups (Z=-7.800,P＜0.05).There were 202 patients extracted for further analysis.The number of harvested lymph nodes and harvested central lymph nodes was 25.0 (20.0,31.3),5.0 (3.0,8.0) of 166 patients in the SMA-oriented group,and 21.5 (18.0,28.8),1.5 (0,4.5) of 36 patients in the SMV-oriented group,respectively,showing significant differences between the two groups (Z =-1.995,-4.309,P＜0.05).(4) Follow-up and survival situations:840 of 955 patients including 346 in the SMA-oriented group and 494 in the SMV-oriented group were followed up for 1.0-73.2 months,with a median time of 31.5 months.SMA-oriented group had a higher 5-year overall survival rate than SMV-oriented group (91.8％ vs.84.9％,x2 =4.384,P＜0.05),but had no significant difference in the 5-year tumor-free survival rate compared with the SMV-oriented group (84.4％ vs.78.2％,x2=2.158,P＞0.05).Conclusion Compared with SMV-oriented CME of right colon,SMA-oriented CME of right colon is safe and feasible,with larger number of harvested lymph nodes,which can achieve complete lymph node dissection.