ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Cangxi Tongbi capsules （CXTB） in regulating the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK）/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/cysteine protease-1 （Caspase-1） signaling pathway to inhibit pyroptosis of cartilage cells in knee osteoarthritis （KOA）. MethodSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group， a model group， low， medium， and high dose CXTB groups， and a positive control group， with 10 rats per group. The modified Hulth method was employed to establish a rat model of KOA. According to their respective assignments， rats were administered CXTB （0.25， 0.5， 1.0 g·kg^-1） and Celecoxib （24 mg·kg^-1） by gavage. The sham operation and model groups were given an equivalent volume of physiological saline. Treatment was performed once daily for 28 days. Micro-computed tomography （Micro-CT） was used to assess bone volume/total volume （BV/TV） and trabecular separation （Tb.Sp）. Joint degeneration was evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， safranin-fast green （SO） staining， and Osteoarthritis Research Society International （OARSI） scoring. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the expression levels of p38 MAPK， phosphorylated p38 MAPK （p-p38 MAPK）， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and gasdermin D （GSDMD） proteins. Real-time PCR was used to assess mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， interleukin-1 beta （IL-1β）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18）. After knee replacement surgery， cartilage tissue was analyzed using Western blot to assess the protein expression levels of p38 MAPK， p-p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD， and Real-time PCR was used to evaluate gene expression levels of p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD. ResultMicro-CT analysis revealed significant narrowing of the joint space and increased bone spur formation in KOA rats compared with the sham operation group， with a decrease in BV/TV ratio and an increase in Tb.Sp value （P<0.01）. Serum levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-18 were elevated （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in cartilage were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were also enhanced （P<0.01）. Significant differences in protein expression of p-p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were observed between normal and diseased cartilage tissues after knee replacement surgery （P<0.05）， and the gene expression of p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were also significantly different （P<0.01）. HE and SO staining showed roughened joint surfaces， reduced cartilage thickness， and disordered cellular arrangement in KOA rats. OARSI scores were significantly higher （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， treatment with low， medium， and high concentrations of CXTB resulted in increased BV/TV ratios and decreased Tb.Sp values in the knee joints of rats （P<0.01）. HE and SO staining indicated a trend towards smoother joint surfaces and reduced OARSI scores （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were notably decreased （P<0.05）， as were the mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD （P<0.01）. Additionally， serum concentrations of TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-18 were significantly reduced （P<0.01）. ConclusionCXTB intervention may alleviate knee joint degeneration in KOA rats and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and pyroptosis of cartilage cells， thereby protecting cartilage. The underlying mechanism may involve modulation of the p38 MAPK/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the actual experience and needs of family caregivers for cardiac arrest patients.Methods:Qualitative research on the real experience and needs of family caregivers in patients with cardiac arrest was electronically searched in databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase. Two researchers independently screened the literature, evaluated its quality, and integrated the research results. The search period was from database establishment to May 1, 2023.Results:A total of 15 articles were included, and 51 research results were extracted. The similar results were summarized into nine categories and integrated into three results, including sudden changes in life and substantial impacts; challenges in controlling complex emotions, and multiple psychological experiences; multidimensional needs.Conclusions:Family caregivers' actual experiences and requirements for cardiac arrest patients are diverse. Medical and nursing staff need to pay attention to the emotional experiences of family caregivers and meet their multidimensional needs.

[Objective] To analyze factors influencing the postoperative progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), construct a nomogram model for predicting PFS, and compare it with other predictive models. [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on the general and clinical data of 263 RCC patients who underwent surgery at the Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, during Apr.2014 and Nov.2021.Patients were divided into the progression group (n=34) and non-progression group (n=229). The data of the two groups were analyzed to identify prognostic variables associated with PFS, and a nomogram model was constructed.The performance of this model was compared with that of the University of California, Los Angeles Integrated Staging System (UISS) score, tumor staging, tumor size, tumor pathological grade, and tumor necrosis scoring system (SSIGN score), and Leibovich score by plotting receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calculating the area under the curve (AUC). Calibration curve of the nomogram was used to validate the model's performance, and K-fold cross-validation was employed to assess its external validity. [Results] Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age (HR=2.255, 95%CI: 1.032-4.926), T stage (HR=5.766, 95%CI: 2.351-14.142), pathological grade (HR=3.100, 95%CI: 1.445-6.651), and pathological necrosis (HR=2.656, 95%CI: 1.253-5.629) were independent risk factors of PFS (P<0.05). The nomogram model based on these four independent variables had AUCs (95%CI) of 0.750 (0.630-0.870), 0.803 (0.705-0.902), and 0.847 (0.757-0.937) for 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, which were higher than those of UISS score, SSIGN score, and Leibovich score.The calibration curve of the nomogram showed good consistency between predicted and actual probabilities.In K-fold cross-validation, the average AUCs of the nomogram at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.761, 0.808, and 0.842, indicating good external validity of the nomogram. [Conclusion] The nomogram based on age, T stage, pathological grade and pathological necrosis can accurately predict the risk of postoperative PFS in RCC patients at 1, 3, and 5 years, which can aid clinicians in the early identification of high-risk progression.

Dural arteriovenous fistula(DAVF)refers to an abnormal direct communication between arteries and veins located within the dura mater and surrounding structures.DAVF with deep cerebral venous drainage may lead to bilateral thalamic and basal ganglia edema,resulting in symptoms such as cognitive impairment,memory loss,parkinsonism,and altered consciousness etc.This paper summarized the clinical characteristics,treatment strategies,and prognosis of DAVF presenting with cognitive impairment,aiming to enhance clinicians'understanding of this DAVF subtype.By providing valuable insights into the diagnosis of this condition,the article seeks to advance diagnostic and therapeutic standards for patients with this type of DAVF.

Objective:To explore the core competency of doctors in tertiary public hospitals in regions of different income levels in China, and provide reference for promoting such competency and related policy formulation.Methods:Using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method, 195 tertiary public hospitals in 16 provinces of China were selected from November 2021 to March 2022. 200 doctors were sampled from each hospital. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the status of doctors′ core competencies, as well as the status of their postgraduate medical education and continuing medical education. According to the per capita gross regional product of each province in China Statistical Yearbook 2022, each province was divided into high, middle and low income regions, and the questionnaire data were descriptively analyzed, while χ2 test was used to compare the differences between groups. Results:A total of 32 673 valid questionnaires were collected. There were 12 135 doctors (37.14%) in China who had received comprehensive education and training of core competency in all dimensions. Among the dimensions of self-rated core competency of the surveyed doctors, there were 10 019 doctors (30.66%) with insufficient teaching ability and 438 (1.34%) with insufficient professional quality, and there was no significant difference between regions ( P>0.05). There were 2 385 (27.08%), 2 528 (27.55%) and 3 646 (24.82%) doctors in high-, middle- and low-income regions with insufficient lifelong learning ability, respectively. The proportion of doctors in middle- and high-income regions was higher than that in low-income ones ( P<0.05). There were 1 317 (15.57%), 1 290 (14.06%) and 2 719 (18.51%) doctors with insufficient knowledge and skills in high-, middle- and low-income areas, respectively. The proportion of doctors in low-income regions was higher than that in middle- and high-income regions ( P<0.05). The proportion of doctors who did not receive any kind of postgraduate medical education or continuing medical education in low-income regions was 7.33% (1 077 people), higher than that in high-income and middle- income ones ( P<0.05); 50.44% (4 442 people) of surveyed doctors in high-income regions believed that for standardized training of resident physicians (hereinafter referred to as residential training), the clinical teachers were " overworked to take this job", which was higher than that in middle- and low-income regions ( P<0.001); In middle-income regions, 46.16% (4 235 people) and 43.46% (3 987 people) believed that the salary residents and specialized physicians in standardized training (hereinafter referred to as specialized training) was too low, while 42.47% (3 897 people) and 30.44% (2 793 people) believed that the clinical practice opportunities of students were limited, both of which were higher than those in high-income and low-income regions ( P<0.001); 34.91% (5 128 people) of surveyed doctors in low-income regions believed that the investment was insufficient for training bases of residential training, 27.81% (4 085 people) of those held that training bases for specialized training were unevenly distributed, and 33.19% (4 876 people) of those held that continuing medical education was plagued by " insufficient promotion coverage, and insufficient opportunities for primary doctors", all of which being higher than those in high- and middle-income regions ( P<0.001). Conclusions:There is an obvious need to improve the core competence of doctors in the teaching ability dimension of tertiary public hospitals in China, especially in middle- and high-income regions for lifelong learning, and in low-income regions for knowledge and skills; There are differences between postgraduate medical education and continuing medical education systems in regions of different income levels in China. It is necessary to improve the competency oriented postgraduate medical education and continuing medical education systems.

Objective To investigate the relationship between occupational noise exposure and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, as well as prediabetes diagnosed by HbA1c. Methods A total of 1 181 workers from a cigarette factory were selected as the research subjects using a judgment sampling method. Workers were divided into control, low-level noise exposure and high-level noise exposure groups, consisting of 236, 359, and 586 individuals, respectively. The blood sample was collected for HbA1c test and occupation noise exposure intensity in workplace was detected by an area-sampling method. Results There were no statistical significant differences in HbA1c levels and prediabetes prevalence among the three groups of workers (all P>0.05). After adjusting for potential confounding factors such as years of service, gender, smoking, pack-years of smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index, multiple linear regression analysis showed that the high-level noise exposure group had higher HbA1c level than the control group (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis results showed that the high-level noise exposure group had higher risk of prediabetes compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Occupational noise exposure could be a risk factor for the increased HbA1c levels and prediabetes incidence among the occupational population. More attention should be paid to the effects of occupational noise exposure on the HbA1c level in occupational health surveillance.

Objective:To study the mid- and long-term outcomes of the cryopreserved homograft conduits used in the Rastelli operation and to identify the risk factors for the homograft conduit degeneration and reintervention.Methods:52 patients were followed up from 7 to 18 years, who accepted the Rastelli operation with cryopreserved homograft conduits between April 2002 and December 2013. There were 36 male and 16 female with age ranged 3 to 14 years old(median age 4 years old)and weight ranged 10 to 36 kg(median weight 14 kg). The homografts included aortic homografts implanted in 30 cases and pulmonary homografts implanted in 22 cases.The homograft conduits were divided into three groups by conduit diameter: groupⅠ(16 mm)22 cases, groupⅡ(16-20 mm)22 cases and group Ⅲ(≥20 mm)8 cases. The pathological characteristics of homografts were studied in the period of follow-up.Results:52 patinets were followed up from 7 to 18 years( median time 12 years). Over the follow up period, all homograft conduits had structural valve degeneration.The predominant pathological characteristics was stenosis of conduits. 37 patinets had received the reoperation because of the homograft degeneration. The interval between the first and reoperation is ranged 9 to 18 years( median time 12 years). Univariate analysis demonstrated young operation age(<5 years old)( P<0.001), diameter of the homograft conduit( P<0.001), high right ventricular pressure(RV/Ao P>0.5) after Rastelli operation( P=0.002)were independent risk factors for the homograft conduit degeneration. Univariate analysis demonstrated only young operation age(<5 years old)( P=0.03)was independent risk factor for the reoperation. Conclusion:In young patients, oversize homograft conduit and enlarge incision with Gore-Tex conduit may improve durability and decay the time of reintervention.

Objective:To study the efficacy of endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) in the treatment of non-dilated small choledocholithiasis.Methods:Clinical data of 142 patients with non-dilated small choledocholithiasis admitted to Zhanjiang Central People's Hospital from April 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 63 males and 79 females, aged (55.1±15.4) years old. Patients were divided into the EPBD group ( n=63) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) group ( n=79). Blood amylase, liver enzymology, liver metabolism, and blood routine were monitored before and 48 hours after treatment. The occurrences of intraoperative bleeding, perforation, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), and cholangitis were compared between the groups. Patients were followed up and screened for stone recurrence by outpatient review 3 to 12 months from discharge. Results:Compared to preoperative data, the white blood cell count, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bili-rubin, and direct bilirubin decreased 48 hours after treatment (all P<0.05). The operation time in EPBD group was slightly longer than that in EST group [(43.1±5.9) min vs. (38.5±4.5) min, P=0.064] without statistical significance. There were no case of perforation in both groups. The incidences of intraopera-tive bleeding [3.17%(2/63) vs. 6.33%(5/79)], PEP [17.46%(11/63) vs. 10.53%(8/79)], and postoperative cholangitis [4.76%(3/63) vs. 1.27%(1/79)] were comparable between the groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion:EPBD could be feasible for non-dilated small choledocholithiasis, which does not increase the operation time and incidence of adverse events compared to EST.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the effects of preoperative resistance training on postoperative pain, knee function, and quadriceps muscle strength in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.Methods:Randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of preoperative resistance training in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were conducted by computer retrieval on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, and China Biomedical Literature Database. The search period was from the establishment of the database to December 1, 2022. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software.Results:A total of 8 articles were included. Meta-analysis showed that preoperative resistance training could improve postoperative pain [ SMD=-0.97, 95% CI (-1.26, -0.68), P<0.01], promote postoperative knee function [ MD=-13.31, 95% CI (-16.97, -9.65), P<0.01], and quadriceps muscle strength [ MD=0.74, 95% CI (0.22, 1.25), P<0.01]in patients with total knee arthroplasty in the short term (<6 weeks), with statistically significant differences. Conclusions:Preoperative resistance training can alleviate the postoperative pain, promote knee joint function, and restore quadriceps muscle strength of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

Objective    To introduce a new type thoracic vest designed according to the incision characteristics of female patients undergoing totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery. Methods    Sixty-one female patients undergoing totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery from February 2019 to May 2020 in our department were enrolled. All female patients had hypermastia and (or) mastoptosis which covered the incision. They were randomly divided into a research group (group A, n=32) and a control group (group B, n=29). The group A used the new type thoracic vest, while the group B used the traditional single shoulder belt. The degree of satisfaction, visual analogue scale (VAS) score 24 hours after the thoracic drainage tube removed, the average time-consuming of dressing change, dressing frequency and the incision infection rate were compared between two groups. Results    The degree of satisfaction in the group A was higher than that of the group B (P<0.001). The VAS scores of pain, average time-consuming of dressing change and dressing frequency in the group A were less or lower than those of the group B (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the incision infection rate between the two groups (P=0.214), but incision infection rate of the group A was lower than that of the group B. Conclusion    The new type thoracic vest seems to be more beneficial for patients than traditional single shoulder belt. It is easy to use, increases the psychological satisfaction of patients, reduces the pain and the incision infection and improves work efficiency, which is worthy of clinical application.