Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of abdominal ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy(ERAT)with laparoscopic appendectomy(LA)for acute uncomplicated appendicitis using propensity score matching.Methods The clinical data of 441 patients with acute uncomplicated appendicitis admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from March 2020 to April 2023 were collected.The cases were classified based on the differences in surgical method and divided into the ERAT group(n = 30)and LA group(n = 411).The clinical efficacy of patients was compared between the two groups after reducing confounding bias by propensity score matching(PSM).Results After PSM,a total of 30 pairs of patients in the two groups were successfully matched,and the baseline data of the two groups met the requirements for comparability.At 24 hours after the operation,the ERAT group exhibited lower white blood cells,neutrophil counts,and C-reactive protein levels compared to the LA group,and these differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the operation time and total effective rate between the ERAT group and the LA group(P>0.05).However,the ERAT group had lower intraoperative blood loss and shorter pain relief time compared to the LA group,and these differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Abdominal ultrasound-guided endoscopic retrograde appendicitis treatment is an effective,safe,and feasible technique with good prospects for the treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis.

Objective:To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine combined with chloroprocaine on epidural anesthesia for cesarean section.Methods:A total of 133 women who underwent epidural anesthesia for cesarean section at the Department of Anesthesiology, Jinhua People's Hospital between January 2020 and December 2022 were included in this prospective case-control study. These women were divided into a ropivacaine group ( n = 66) and a chloroprocaine group ( n = 67) using a random number table method. The ropivacaine group received epidural anesthesia with dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine, while the chloroprocaine group received epidural anesthesia with dexmedetomidine combined with chloroprocaine. The anesthesia effect (anesthesia onset time, anesthesia duration, peak effect time), changes in blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure), adverse reactions (shivering, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, skin itching, numbness of lower limbs), and satisfaction with muscle relaxation were observed in the two groups. Results:The anesthesia onset time, anesthesia duration, and peak effect time in the chloroprocaine group were (6.91 ± 1.54) minutes, (61.54 ± 5.31) minutes, and (11.79 ± 4.12) minutes, respectively, which were significantly shorter than those in the ropivacaine group [(9.65 ± 1.92) minutes, (83.57 ± 6.69) minutes, (18.32 ± 4.81) minutes, t = 9.08, 21.05, 8.41, all P < 0.001). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased in both groups after 10 minutes of anesthesia and at the end of the procedure; however, the increments observed in the chloroprocaine group were relatively smaller. There were significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, measured at 10 minutes of anesthesia and at the end of the procedure, between the two groups ( F = 7.36, P < 0.001; F = 5.12, P = 0.001). There were significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between different time points ( F = 10.03, P < 0.001; F = 6.72, P < 0.001). The group-by-time interaction effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure was also highly significant ( F = 9.83, P < 0.001; F = 8.01, P < 0.001). The chloroprocaine group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions compared with the ropivacaine group [4.48% (3/67) vs. 15.15% (10/66), χ2 = 4.29, P < 0.05). Additionally, the chloroprocaine group had a significantly higher satisfaction rate with muscle relaxation compared with the ropivacaine group [94.03% (63/66) vs. 81.82% (54/66), Z = 5.73, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:The combination of dexmedetomidine and chloroprocaine offers remarkable benefits in epidural anesthesia for cesarean sections. This combined approach not only enhances epidural anesthesia but also stabilizes the blood pressure of puerperants, reduces adverse reactions, and provides exceptional muscle relaxation. It deserves consideration for clinical application.

Objective:To investigate the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes of gastric fundus and duodenum after bariatric embolization of left gastric artery and gastroduodenal artery in obesity New Zealand rabbit models.Methods:Twenty obesity New Zealand rabbit models were successfully established and divided into two groups using stratified randomization. Left gastric artery and gastroduodenal artery were embolized with gelatin sponge (350-560 μm) in experimental group, left gastric artery and gastroduodenal artery were perfused with normal saline in control group. All animals were sacrificed for pathological, immunohistochemical examination and Western Blot analysis 4 weeks post embolization, the density of ghrelin producing cells and the gray ratio of ghrelin protein band were measured and compared by the independent sample t test. Results:Macropathological examination showed ulceration in the anterior wall of the gastric body in one rabbit, histopathological examination showed mucosa ulceration in the gastric body in 3 rabbits in experimental group. Immunohistochemical examination showed that the ghrelin producing cells of gastric fundus and duodenum in the experimental group were significantly less than those in the control group (10.0±5.1 vs.27.7±3.4, t=12.35, P<0.05;5.6±2.6 vs. 12.3±2.1, t=4.73, P<0.05). Western Blot analysis showed that the gray ratio of ghrelin bands of gastric fundus and duodenum in the experimental group were significantly lower than that in the control group (0.65±0.05 vs.1.12±0.09, t=9.62, P<0.05;0.55±0.03 vs. 0.94±0.08, t=7.98, P<0.05). Conclusions:Immunohistochemical and Western Blot analysis showed that the ghrelin-producing cells of gastric fundus and duodenum in the experimental group were significantly less than those in the control group after bariatric embolization, histopathologic analysis indicated that bariatric embolization was a safe technique.

Stem cell transplantation holds a promising future for central nervous system repair. Current challenges, however, include spatially and temporally defined cell differentiation and maturation, plus the integration of transplanted neural cells into host circuits. Here we discuss the potential advantages of neuromodulation-based stem cell therapy, which can improve the viability and proliferation of stem cells, guide migration to the repair site, orchestrate the differentiation process, and promote the integration of neural circuitry for functional rehabilitation. All these advantages of neuromodulation make it one potentially valuable tool for further improving the efficiency of stem cell transplantation.

Objective:To investigate the phenotype, genotype and clinical course of centronuclear myopathy(CNM) in children.Methods:Clinical data of patients with CNM in the Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital from October 2008 to December 2018 were collected.The clinical, pathological and genetic data of 9 children with CNM were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were followed up from 8 months to 8.6 years [(4.4±3.1) years].Results:(1)Clinical phenotype: there were 6 males and 3 females with onset age ranging from 1 d to 10 years.Generalized muscle weakness or motor retardation was the main complaint in 8 cases, while elevated muscle enzymes presented in 1 case.Varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness were noted on examination in all patients, with facial muscle involvement in 4 cases.Six patients were followed up.No deterioration in motor function was noted, while 2 patients had improvement.There was no significant cardiac involvement in all 6 patients.Scoliosis occurred in 4 patients.Restrictive ventilator disorder developed in 2 out of the 5 patients who underwent pulmonary function tests.(2)Genotype: 8 out of 9 patients underwent gene test, confirmed gene diagnosis in 4 patients including: DNM2 gene (c.1856C>T, c.1893+ 1G>A was novel) de novo heterozygous mutation in 2 cases, RYR1 gene (c.2044C>G, c.6823G>A, both were novel) compound heterozygous mutation in 1 case, and TTN gene (c.107377+ 1G>A, c.2106_2107 insAAGCTGTA was novel) compound heterozygous mutation in 1 case. Conclusions:The course of centronuclear myopathy is relatively static, with more frequent involvement of facial muscles than myocardium.This study enriched the gene mutation spectrum of centronuclear myopathy (4 novel mutations).

Objective To investigate the value of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) combined with serum calcitonin in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).Methods Retrospective analysis of the serum calcitonin and FANC results in 17 cases of MTC confirmed by pathological examination.The diagnostic value of the two methods alone and in combination for MTC were compared.Results 13 of the 17 MTC patients (13/17,76.5％) underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy before surgery,11 cases (11/13,84.6％) diagnosed as thyroid malignant tumor,7 of whom were diagnosed or suspected of MTC (7/13,53.8％).Serum calcitonin levels increased in different degrees in 16 patients.The sensitivity of the two methods combined in the diagnosis of MTC was 92.3％ (12/13).Conclusions FNAC is an important diagnostic method for the evaluation of thyroid nodules,but it is not sensitive to the diagnosis of MTC.Serum calcitonin is highly sensitive but not universally available.Compared with FNAC alone,FNAC combined with the serum calcitonin examination may significantly improve the detection rate of MTC preoperative and reduce missed diagnosis.

Objective To compare the effectiveness and safety of two different treatment methods for patients with polycystic liver disease using super selective hepatic arterial embolization. Methods This retrospective study enrolled 41 patients with polycystic liver disease treated from June 2008 to June 2016 in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital. The patients underwent transcatheter super-selective hepatic arterial embdization (TAE). There were 5 men and 36 women. The age ranged from 36 to 68 years. The patients were divided into the observation group (n=14) and the control group ( n=27). The observation group underwent treatment using an emulsion of iodized oil and bleomycin and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. The control group underwent iodized oil and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. The clinical symptoms, operative complications, volumes of intrahepatic cysts, hepatic parenchyma volumes of pre-TAE and post-TAE at 3, 6 months and every 6 monthly were compared. Results TAE was technically successful in all the patients. The follow-up periods ranged from 24 to 72 months. The clinical symptoms improved re-markably in the observation group at 3 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, being 92. 9% (13/14), 92. 9% (13/14), 92. 9% (13/14), 92. 3% (12/13), respectively. One patient was lost to follow-up 24 months after operation. The clinical symptoms improved remarkably in the control group at 3 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, being 88. 9% ( 24/27 ), 85. 2% (23/27), 84. 6% ( 22/26 ), 81. 8% (18/22), respectively. One patient was lost to follow-up 12 months after operation and five patients were lost to follow-up 24 months after operation. Compared with preoperative, the abdominal circumference of two groups had decreased, the total volume of intrahepatic cyst and liver decreased at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery (P＜0. 05). Conclusions TAE was a safe and effective treatment for polycystic liver disease. Patients in the observation group had more effective treatment outcomes on follow-up.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prostatic arterial embolization as a primary treatment for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms as a result of large benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods This was a prospective,single-center study enrolling 64 patients with prostates>80 ml from January 2010 to December 2013.Prostatic arterial embolization was carried out using a combination of 50 μm and 100 μm particles.Clinical follow up was carried out using the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, peak urinary flow, postvoid residual volume, International Index of Erectile Function Short Form, prostate-specific antigen, and prostatic volume at 1, 3, 6 month following embolization, the parameters were compared by using t test. Results Prostatic arterial embolization was technically successful in 60 of 64 patients (93.8%). Follow-up data were available for 60 patients with a mean of 18 months,a total of 42 patients had completed the follow up at 24 months after prostatic arterial embolization. A clinical improvement,defined as reduction of International Prostate Symptom Score and increase of peak urinary flow, at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months, was achieved in 95.0%(57/60), 95.0%(57/60),93.3%(56/60),92.6%(50/54) and 90.5%(38/42), respectively. There was an improvement in terms of mean International Prostate Symptom Score, mean quality of life, mean peak urinary flow, mean post-void residual volume and prostatic volume were significantly different with respect to baseline(all P<0.05).No serious complications occurred.Conclusion Prostatic arterial embolization appears to be a safe and effective treatment method for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms as a result of large benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Objective To investigate weight, ghrelin changes following transcatheter left gastric artery embolization in rabbit model of obesity, and evaluate its safety. Methods Thirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups, ten New Zealand rabbits in each group, group A:left gastric artery embolization using gelatin sponge, group B:left gastric artery and gastroduodenal artery embolization using gelatin sponge, group C (control group): left gastric artery and gastroduodenal artery perfusion using normal saline. Ghrelin, weight and liver and kidney function were measured at preoperative and postoperative 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks. T test was used to compare the differences in the levels of preoperative and postoperative average ghrelin, weight, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine and urea in each group. The ANOVA of repeated measurement was used to compare the difference of preoperative and postoperative each time points between the three groups. Results The preoperative and postoperative ghrelin levels in group A were (4057±61)and (3708±141) pg/ml with statistically significant differences (t=4.5, P<0.05). The preoperative and postoperative ghrelin levels in group B were (4137 ± 89) and (3608 ± 239) pg/ml with statistically significant differences (t=6.8, P<0.05). The preoperative and postoperative ghrelin levels in the control group were (3986 ± 82)and (4044 ± 72) pg/ml with no statistically significant differences (t=0.7, P>0.05). The level of ghrelin in group B decreased significantly compared with group A and the difference was statistically significant (t=3.8, P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative ghrelin levels between the three groups (F=15.6, P<0.05). The preoperative and postoperative weight in group A were (6.12±0.38)and (5.66±0.39) kg with statistically significant differences (t=2.7, P<0.05). The preoperative and postoperative weight in group B were (5.99 ± 0.57)and (5.24 ± 0.61) kg with statistically significant differences (t=3.1, P<0.05). The preoperative and postoperative weight in the control group were (5.94 ± 0.45)and (6.24 ± 0.42) kg with no statistically significant differences (t=1.2, P>0.05). The weight loss of group B was significantly greater than that of group A and the difference was statistically significant (t=5.2, P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative weight between the three groups (F=5.1, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in ALT, AST, creatinine and urea levels at preoperative and postoperative each time points in each group (P>0.05). Conclusion Left gastric artery embolization can become a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for obesity and left gastric artery and gastroduodenal artery embolization at the same time could achieve more weight loss.

Objective To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of super-selective hepatic artery embolization (TAE) and bleomycin hydrochloride in treatment of liver hemangioma.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 132 patients treated for liver hemangioma from January 2011 to December 2014.The patients underwent super-selective TAE.There were 26 men and 106 women.The age ranged from 29.0 to 65.0 (46.0±8.0) years.An emulsion of iodized oil and bleomycin and polyvinyl alcohol particle (PVA) was used for the TAE.Routine follow-up visits on post-treatment Days 3 and 7 were carried out to detect complications and changes in liver function.The diameters of the lesions pre-TAE and at 6,12 and every 12 months thereafter were monitored.Results TAE was technically successful in all these patients.The range of follow-up was 3～6 years.The successful rates of treatment at 6 month,12 months,24 months,and 36 months,were 100％,100％,96.9％ and 90.6％,respectively.Conclusion TAE with an emulsion of iodized oil and bleomycin and PVA was a safe and efficacious treatment for liver hemangioma on long-term follow-up.