BACKGROUND:Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is associated with a higher rate of graft rejection and therefore often requires a higher CD34+ cell dose,but the findings reported in existing studies regarding the relationship between CD34+ cell dose and study endpoints after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are controversial. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of CD34+ cell dose on clinical outcomes of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for malignant hematological diseases. METHODS:135 patients who underwent haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center,Department of Hematology,First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2019 and December 2021 were included.Combining the results of previous studies and our center's experience,the cohort was divided into two groups using a CD34+ cell count of 5.0×106/kg as the cut-off point.Clinical outcomes related to graft implantation,relapse incidence,non-relapse mortality,overall survival and progression-free survival were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CD34+ cell dose correlated with platelet engraftment,with platelets implanted earlier in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group(14 days vs.16 days,P=0.013).(2)There was no significant difference in 3-year overall survival between the two groups(67.5%vs.53.8%,P=0.257);nor was there a significant difference in progression-free survival between the two groups(65.6%vs.44.2%,P=0.106),but stratified analysis based on disease risk index revealed an association with elevated 3-year progression-free survival in the high-dose group among low-risk patients(72.0%vs.49.3%,P=0.036).(3)The cumulative 3-year relapse incidence was smaller in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group(16.0%vs.33.5%,P=0.05).(4)The rate of non-relapse mortality within 100 days was greater in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group,but there was no significant difference(17.3%vs.6.7%,P=0.070);stratified analysis revealed that non-relapse mortality within 100 days was significantly higher in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group(20.0%vs.3.3%,P=0.046).(5)In conclusion,CD34+ cell doses>5.0×106/kg promote early platelet implantation,improve 3-year progression-free survival in low-risk patients at transplantation and reduce the cumulative relapse incidence.However,in high-risk patients,high-dose CD34+ cells result in increased non-relapse mortality within 100 days after transplantation,which is considered to be possibly associated with an increased occurrence of severe acute graft versus host disease in the early post-transplantation period.Therefore,it is considered that graft versus host disease monitoring should be enhanced in patients who transfused high-dose CD34+ cells.

BACKGROUND:Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective and even the only way to cure various hematological diseases,but the short-term mortality rate is relatively high after transplantation. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the risk factors affecting the overall survival of patients with hematological diseases in the short term(within 100 days)after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation,so as to reduce mortality and effectively prevent related risks in the short term(within 100 days)after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS:Clinical data of 585 patients with hematological diseases who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1,2018 to June 30,2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The risk factors that affected overall survival within 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were explored. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 585 patients with hematologic diseases underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.92 patients died within 100 days after transplantation,with a mortality rate of 15.7%(92/585).The median age of death cases was 26.5 years old(1-56 years),and the median survival time of death cases was 48 days(0-97 days).Univariate analysis exhibited that age≥14 years old,acute graft-versus-host disease,grade IV acute graft-versus-host disease,bacterial bloodstream infection,as well as carbapenem-resistant organism bloodstream infection,were risk factors for overall survival within 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that age≥14 years old,grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ acute graft-versus-host disease,bacterial bloodstream infection,and carbapenem-resistant organism bloodstream infections were independent risk factors for overall survival(within 100 days)in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Hazard ratios were 1.77(95%CI 1.047-2.991),7.926(95%CI 3.763-16.695),2.039(95%CI 1.117-3.722),and 3.389(95%CI 1.563-7.347),respectively.In conclusion,all-cause mortality rate after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is relatively high in the short term.A timely diagnosis and effective treatment of bacterial bloodstream infection and acute graft-versus-host disease are essential to improving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes.

Endodontic diseases are a kind of chronic infectious oral disease.Common endodontic treatment concepts are based on the removal of inflamed or necrotic pulp tissue and the replacement by gutta-percha.However,it is very essential for endodontic treatment to debride the root canal system and prevent the root canal system from bacterial reinfection after root canal therapy(RCT).Recent research,encompassing bacterial etiology and advanced imaging techniques,contributes to our understanding of the root canal system's anatomy intricacies and the technique sensitivity of RCT.Success in RCT hinges on factors like patients,infection severity,root canal anatomy,and treatment techniques.Therefore,improving disease management is a key issue to combat endodontic diseases and cure periapical lesions.The clinical difficulty assessment system of RCT is established based on patient conditions,tooth conditions,root canal configuration,and root canal needing retreatment,and emphasizes pre-treatment risk assessment for optimal outcomes.The findings suggest that the presence of risk factors may correlate with the challenge of achieving the high standard required for RCT.These insights contribute not only to improve education but also aid practitioners in treatment planning and referral decision-making within the field of endodontics.

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of letermovir in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) .Method:From September 2022 to September 2023, retrospective analysis was conducted for the relevant clinical data of 50 recipients of allo-HSCT at First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Hospital. Letermovir prophylaxis was offered for preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation post-transplantation. They were historically compared with previous patients at the same center without letermovir prophylaxis. The incidence of CMV reactivation, overall survival rate, engraftment status and other adverse events within 100 days post-transplant were compared between two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized for controlling confounding factors. Univariate analyses were performed with t and chi-square tests while survival analysis conducted with Kaplan-Meier method.Result:In letermovir group, CMV reactivation was detected in 3 cases (6%) versus 23 cases (46%) in control group. Letermovir significantly reduced the incidence of post-transplant CMV reactivation ( P<0.01). Within Day 100 post-transplant, there was one death in letermovir group with an overall survival rate of 98%. In control group, three deaths occurred with an overall survival rate of 94%. The median survival time of deceased cases was 64 (58-81) day. No statistically significant inter-group difference existed in overall survival rate ( P=0.617). In letermovir group, secondary implantation failure was observed in 3 cases (6%) and it was lower than 12 cases (24%) in control group. Statistically significant inter-group difference existed in secondary implantation failure rate ( P=0.023). However, regarding timing of neutrophil engraftment ( P=0.054) and platelet engraftment ( P=0.649), there were no significant inter-group statistical differences. Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) occurred in letermovir group (17 cses, 34%) and control group (27cases, 54%). The incidence of HC was significantly lower in letermovir group than that in control group ( P=0.044). However, no statistically significant inter-group difference existed in the incidence of post-transplant EBV infection or acute graft-versus-host disease. Conclusion:Letermovir may significantly lower the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation after allo-HSCT. It is both effective and safe for preventing CMV disease and improving early outcomes.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the efficacy and safety of polymyxin B in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae （CRKP）-bloodstream infection （BSI） in patients with hematologic malignancies. METHODS The medical records of patients with hematologic malignancies with CRKP-BSI who received polymyxin B for at least 3 days in our hospital from September 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were initially treated with a triple therapy namely polymyxin B+tigecycline+carbapenems for anti-infection therapy. RESULTS A total of 10 patients were enrolled as the study subjects. Eleven strains of CRKP were cultured in blood， including 10 strains of CRKP produced Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase（KPC） and 1 strain of CRKP produced both KPC and metal-beta-lactamase； 9 strains were sensitive to colistin， 7 strains were sensitive to tigecycline， 5 strains were sensitive to amikacin and 2 strains were sensitive to compound sulfamethoxazole. All patients were accompanied by neutropenia， with an average duration of （14.1±6.4） days. They were all characterized by fever， chills and fatigue. After treatment， 6 patients were cured and discharged， 4 patients died of ineffective treatment of septic shock. No serious adverse events related to polymyxin B occurred in all patients. CONCLUSIONS Polymyxin B can be used as a therapeutic drug for CRKP-BSI in patients with hematological malignancies. No serious adverse event related to polymyxin B occurs during the treatment.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of warm acupuncture combined with external application of Tibetan medicine Baimai Ointment in the treatment of low-back pain with cold-dampness type.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. Totally 60 outpatients in Tibetan Medicine Hospital of Cuona County from May to July of 2021 were selected as the observation objects, and they were divided into two groups by random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The control group was treated with Baimai Ointment, and the treatment group was treated with warm acupuncture and Baimai Ointment. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks and followed up for 3 months. VAS scale and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate the low-back pain and dysfunction, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The VAS scores of the treatment group were lower than those in the control group immediately after treatment and at the last follow-up ( t=-18.17, -6.05, P<0.01). The ODI score of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group at the last follow-up ( t=-15.86, P<0.01). The total effective rate was 96.7% (29/30) in the treatment group and 93.3% (28/30) in the control group, without statistical significance ( χ2=0.001, P=1.000). Conclusion:Warm acupuncture combined with Tibetan medicine Baimai Ointment can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of low-back pain with cold-dampness type, improve the quality of life of patients, and the clinical effect is satisfactory.

Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) is a biologic-based treatment modality for immature permanent teeth diagnosed with pulp necrosis. The ultimate objective of REPs is to regenerate the pulp-dentin complex, extend the tooth longevity and restore the normal function. Scientific evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of REPs in promotion of root development through case reports, case series, cohort studies, and randomized controlled studies. However, variations in clinical protocols for REPs exist due to the empirical nature of the original protocols and rapid advancements in the research field of regenerative endodontics. The heterogeneity in protocols may cause confusion among dental practitioners, thus guidelines and considerations of REPs should be explicated. This expert consensus mainly discusses the biological foundation, the available clinical protocols and current status of REPs in treating immature teeth with pulp necrosis, as well as the main complications of this treatment, aiming at refining the clinical management of REPs in accordance with the progress of basic researches and clinical studies, suggesting REPs may become a more consistently evidence-based option in dental treatment.
Humans ; Consensus ; Regenerative Endodontics ; Dental Pulp Necrosis/therapy* ; Dentists ; Professional Role ; Dental Care

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in combination with Methylprednisolone as a bridge to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for relapsed/refractory Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (EBV-AHS) in pediatric patients.Methods:The clinical data of 4 patients with relapsed/refractory EBV-AHS treated with Ruxolitinib in combination with Methylprednisolone as a bridge to allo-HSCT at the Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2018 to February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and the disease characteristics, diagnosis and treatment process, clinical experience and related research progress were analyzed and summarized.Results:Among 4 patients with relapsed/refractory EBV-AHS, 2 patients were treated with low-dose Ruxolitinb in combination with Methylprednisolone for 6-10 weeks after partial remission.The disease did not progress, and they survived after being bridged to allo-HSCT.One patient was treated with large-dose Ruxolitinib in combination with Methylprednisolone due to the intolerance to chemotherapy, with the biochemical indicators of hemophagocytic syndrome significantly improved, and then the bridging to allo-HSCT was performed 2 months ago and this patient survived.One patient with EBV-AHS relapsed was relieved by chemotherapy again, then was given maintenance therapy with Ruxolitinib and Methylprednisolone, but the condition still progressed and the treatment was ineffective.This patient underwent allo-HSCT for salvage treatment more than 1 year ago and survived.Except that 1 patient developed mild anemia, the other 3 patients had no significant Ruxolitinib-related toxicities.Conclusions:Ruxolitinib in combination with Methylprednisolone can be safely employed as a salvage treatment for pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory EBV-AHS and a bridge to allo-HSCT, which has favorable safety, efficacy and tolerance in clinical practice.

Objective: This study aims to compare the incidence of dentinal microcracks produced by ProTaper Universal (PTU) and ProTaper Gold (PTG) file systems during root canal procedures in different curved canals using a dyeing technique. Methods: Sixty extracted human molars were divided into 3 groups of 20 samples each in terms of root curvature (mild bending group, 10 °-19 °; moderate bending group, 20 °-29 °; severe bending group, 30 °-39 °). Ten samples of each group were then randomly allocated to the PTU and PTG file systems. After preparation, all roots were stained using a dyeing method and sectioned at the most curved plane and 2 mm below and above the most curved plane with a low-speed saw under cold water. A stereomicroscope was used to inspect dentinal microcracks at 60 × magnification, and differences between these three instrument groups were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results : The PTG file system induced significantly fewer dentinal microcracks for total, incomplete and complete cracks (P < 0.05), and the effect was more obvious with increasing canal curvature. Conclusion With the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that ProTaper Gold can result in fewer dentinal microcracks than ProTaper Universal.

Once pulp necrosis or apical periodontitis occurs on immature teeth, the weak root and open root apex are challenging to clinicians. Berberine (BBR) is a potential medicine for bone disorders, therefore, we proposed to apply BBR in root canals to enhance root repair in immature teeth. An in vivo model of immature teeth with apical periodontitis was established in rats, and root canals were filled with BBR, calcium hydroxide or sterilized saline for 3 weeks. The shape of the roots was analyzed by micro-computed tomography and histological staining. In vitro, BBR was introduced into stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs). Osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla was investigated by alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization ability, and gene expression of osteogenic makers. The signaling pathway, which regulated the osteogenesis of SCAPs was evaluated by quantitative real time PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence. In rats treated with BBR, more tissue was formed, with longer roots, thicker root walls, and smaller apex diameters. In addition, we found that BBR promoted SCAPs osteogenesis in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner. BBR induced the expression of β-catenin and enhanced β-catenin entering into the nucleus, to up-regulate more runt-related nuclear factor 2 downstream. BBR enhanced root repair in immature teeth with apical periodontitis by activating the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway in SCAPs.
Animals ; Berberine ; pharmacology ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Dental Papilla ; Male ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; Periapical Periodontitis ; therapy ; Rats ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; drug effects ; Wnt3A Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; X-Ray Microtomography