Objective To study the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution and pathogenic factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS).Methods One hundred patients of AS and their family members who had medical consultation in the Fifth Hospital of Xi'an(i.e.,Shaanxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine)in August 2019 and September 2020 were selected as the study subjects.The guidelines of Classification and Determination of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution issued by the China Association of Chinese Medicine were adopted to determine the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution types of the study subjects.The sociodemographic information,living habits,clinical symptoms,and TCM constitution types of the AS patients and their family members were collected by means of questionnaires and clinical investigations,and then the pathogenic factors of the patients with AS were investigated.The binomial Logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between TCM constitution types and pathogenic factors in patients with AS.Results(1)Among the 100 AS patients,the majority of them had the biased constitutions,and the biased constitutions with the occurrence frequency in descending order were yang deficiency constitution,qi deficiency constitution,and damp-heat constitution,which accounted for 33.00%,14.00%,and 18.00%,respectively.(2)The prevalence rates of AS in the first-,second-,and third-degree relatives of AS patients were 56.25%,40.00%and 25.00%,respectively.For the positive rates of human leukocyte antigen B27(HLA-B27)in AS patients and their family members,HLA-B27 in AS patients was all positive,while the positive rates of HLA-B27 in the first-,second-,and third-degree relatives of AS patients were 44.31%,30.67%and 15.63%,respectively.(3)The results of regression analysis showed that the disease duration of AS patients was significantly correlated with qi deficiency constitution,the grading of sacroiliac arthritis was correlated with qi stagnation constitution,and age was correlated with blood stasis constitution(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The results indicated that disease duration and age were the important factors affecting the constitution types of AS patients,and disease duration was closely related to qi deficiency while age was closely related to blood stasis.Conclusion AS is a highly hereditary autoimmune disease,and its onset is associated with HLA-B27.Yang deficiency is the basic constitution type of AS,and damp-heat constitution is the main constitution type in the progression of AS(especially in the active stage of the disease).The prolongation of the disease will exacerbate the illness condition of AS and then the manifestations of qi deficiency will be more obvious.

Objective To analyze the differential expressed genes(DEGs)in the lung tissues of rat model of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE)by using microarray analysis in order to provide new clues for molecular mechanism of HAPE.Methods Healthy male SD rats(8 weeks old,weighing 200±20 g)were randomized into normoxia control(NC)group,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)group,hypoxia group and hypoxia+low-dose LPS(HL)group.The rats of the LPS group and HL group were injected with 0.1 mL 0.05％LPS per 100 g body weight,and those of the NC group and the hypoxia group were administered with an equivalent volume of normal saline.The rats of the hypoxia group and the HL group were housed in a hypobaric chamber simulating an altitude of 5 000 m,and those of the NC group and the LPS group were raised simultaneously outside of the chamber.The wet/dry mass ratio(WDR)of lung tissue and total protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were measured,and the histopathological changes of lung tissue was observed using HE staining.The total RNA was extracted from the lung tissues,and the mRNA expression profile was obtained with Affymetrix microarray followed by Gene Ontology(GO)analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis with Metascape(http://metascape.org).Results The rats of the HL group showed significant congestion,edema,and widened alveolar septa.Compared with the NC group,the HL group had significantly increased lung WDR(P＜0.01)and total protein content in BALF(P＜0.05).Gene expression analysis revealed that there were 79 genes up-regulated and 59 genes down-regulated in the hypoxia group,473 genes up-regulated and 695 genes down-regulated in the LPS group,and especially,669 genes up-regulated and 1 253 genes down-regulated in the HL group.GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the upregulated genes in the HL group were mainly enriched in biological processes,such as cytokine mediated signaling pathways,response to IL-1,regulation of inflammatory response,as well as signaling pathways,including cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions,TNF,NF-κB,IL-17,complement and coagulation cascades,etc.The down-regulated genes were mainly enriched in biological processes,such as extracellular matrix organization,regulation of endothelial cell migration,cell substrate adhesion,as well as signaling pathways,such as focal adhesion,Wnt,cGMP-PKG,PI3K-Akt,Rap1,etc.The mRNA expression of NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6 was significantly up-regulated in the lung tissue of the HL group(P＜0.01).Conclusion Hypoxia+low-dose LPS is an effective procedure to establish a reliable model for HAPE in rats.Hypoxia can significantly aggravate LPS-induced inflammation and immune response,enhance the expression of inflammatory mediators,and thus promote the pathogenesis of HAPE.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of single-incision plus one-port three dimensional (3D) laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (SILPD+1).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 40 patients who underwent 3D laparos-copic pancreaticoduodenectomy in Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January to October 2023 were collected. There were 24 males and 16 females, aged (63±10)years. Of the 40 patients, 18 cases undergoing SILPD+1 were divided into the SILPD+1 group, and 22 cases under-going conventional five-trocar 3D laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (CLPD) were divided into the CLPD group. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) postoperative situations and complications. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the Mann-Whitney rank sum test. Results:(1) Surgical situa-tions. Seventeen patients of the SILPD+1 group completed surgery successfully, and the rest of one patient with an inflammatory mass of the pancreatic head was converted to open surgery due to unclear boundary with mesenteric blood vessels and severe adhesion of surrounding tissues. All patients of the CLPD group completed surgery successfully, without conversion to open surgery. There was no significant difference in conversion to open surgery between the two groups ( P>0.05), and there was no significant difference in the volume of intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion or operation time ( P>0.05). (2) Postoperative situations and complications. There was no significant difference in tumor diameter, the number of lymph node dissected, the number of positive lymph node, R 0 resection, tumor type, time to postoperative first flatus, time to postopera-tive first intake liquid food, tome to first out-of-bed activity, time to postoperative drainage tube removal, duration of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative bleeding, pancreatic fistula, chylous leakage, delayed gastric emptying, abdominal fluid collection, incision infection, classification of com-plications between the two groups ( P>0.05). Postoperative pain score of the SILPD+1 group and the CLPD group was 5.0(4.5,6.0) and 6.5(6.0,7.0), respectively, showing a significant difference ( Z=-3.61, P<0.05). Both groups of patients had no occurrence of biliary fistula or abdominal infection after surgery, and there was no readmission within 30 days after surgery or no death within 90 days after surgery. Conclusions:Compared with CLPD, SILPD+1 is safe and feasible, with less postoperative pain. While ensuring oncological outcomes, SILPD+1 does not increase surgical time, postoperative hospital stay, or incidence of postoperative complications.

COVID-19 has been prevalent for three years. The virulence of SARS-CoV-2 is weaken as it mutates continuously. However, elderly patients, especially those with underlying diseases, are still at high risk of developing severe infections. With the continuous study of the molecular structure and pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2, antiviral drugs for COVID-19 have been successively marketed, and these anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs can effectively reduce the severe rate and mortality of elderly patients. This article reviews the mechanism, clinical medication regimens, drug interactions and adverse reactions of five small molecule antiviral drugs currently approved for marketing in China, so as to provide advice for the clinical rational use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in the elderly.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Objective:To evaluate the role of ferroptosis in lung injury in a rat model of autologous orthotopic liver transplantation.Methods:Twenty-four healthy adult SPF-grade male rats, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 230-270 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=8 each) using the random number table method: sham operation group (S group), autologous in situ liver transplantation group (LT group) and ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostain-1 group (LT+ Fer-1 group). In LT group and LT+ Fer-1 group, an autologous in situ liver transplantation model was developed in anesthetized animals, and Ferrostain-1 5 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before surgery in LT+ Fer-1 group. The inferior vena cava blood samples were obtained at 6 h of reperfusion, then animals were sacrificed, and lung tissues were obtained. The morphology of lung tissues was examined, and the lung injury was scored. The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and contents of MDA, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase4 (GPX4), and Fe 2+ in lung tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 recombinant protein (SLC7A11) was determined by Western blot. Results:Compared with S group, the lung injury, serum MDA concentration, and contents of MDA and Fe 2+ were significantly increased, the contents of GSH and GPX4 were decreased, and the expression of FTH1 and SLC7A11 was down-regulated in LT group ( P<0.05). Compared with LT group, the lung injury, serum MDA concentration, and contents of MDA and Fe 2+ were significantly decreased, the contents of GSH and GPX4 were increased, and the expression of FTH1 and SLC7A11 was up-regulated in LT+ Fer-1 group ( P< 0.05). Conclusions:Ferroptosis is involved in the pathophysiology of lung injury in a rat model of autologous orthotopic liver transplantation.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes and satisfaction in periprosthetic knee infection patients after above-the-knee amputation （AKA）. MethodsA review was performed in 13 patients who underwent AKA due to periprosthetic knee infection from October 2010 to August 2022， there were 7 females and 6 males with the median age of 69 （45~ 73） years. The mean number of surgical procedures between primary total knee arthroplasty and AKA was 2.9 times （range： 1 ~ 6）. Patients were segregated into non-elderly group （including patients <65 years old） and elderly group （involving patients ≥65 years old）. Functional outcomes were evaluated by SF-12 and Barthel activities daily living index （Barthel ADL index）. Patient satisfaction was accomplished through a questionnaire. ResultsFour patients died within 6 months after the amputation. Three patients received surgical procedures for recurrent infections after AKA. In the remaining 9 patients，the median time from AKA to the final follow-up was 4.2 （1.9~8.2） years， three patients received surgical procedures for recurrent infections after AKA. Patients in non-elderly group showed better functional outcomes than elderly patients after AKA （both P<0.05）. All patients in non-elderly group were fitted with a prosthesis. Whereas， elderly patients reported a better satisfaction after AKA than young patients. ConclusionYoung PJI patients seemed to have better function and ambulatory ability with high expectation and demand， which made them feel less satisfied about AKA. Meanwhile，despite poor function outcomes due to the less healthy physical condition， the alleviation of financial and psychological burdens resulting from reinfections and multiple surgeries and the less demand in function and daily activities made elderly patients have a good satisfaction after AKA.

This paper makes an interpretation of the collection Acupuncture: how to improve the evidence base published by BMJ & BMJ Open. Studies show that the quality of randomized controlled trial (RCT) of acupuncture is low, and multivariable Meta-regression analysis fails to confirm most factors commonly believed to influence the effect of acupuncture. The methodological challenges in design and conduct of RCT in acupuncture were analyzed, and a consensus on how to design high-quality acupuncture RCT was developed. The number of acupuncture systematic reviews was huge but the evidence was underused in clinical practice and health policy, and a large number of western clinical practice guidelines recommended acupuncture therapy, but the usefulness of recommendations needed to be improved. In view of the problems in clinical research on acupuncture mentioned in this collection, combined with the analysis of the purpose of clinical research on acupuncture, perspectives, study types, as well as the relationship between evidence and clinical decision-making, a five-stage study paradigm of clinical research on acupuncture is proposed.
Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture ; Research Design ; Consensus

Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Feasibility Studies ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects* ; Dexamethasone/therapeutic use* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols

Objective: To evaluate the secondary attack rates of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and the associated factors. Methods: A total of 328 primary cases and 40 146 close contacts of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant routinely detected in local areas of Jiangsu Province from February to April 2022 were selected in this study, and those with positive nucleic acid test results during 7 days of centralized isolation medical observation were defined as secondary cases. The demographic information and clinical characteristics were collected, and the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the associated factors were analyzed by using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 1 285 secondary cases of close contacts were reported from 328 primary cases, with a SAR of 3.2% (95%CI: 3.0%-3.4%). Among the 328 primary cases, males accounted for 61.9% (203 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 38.5 (27, 51) years old. Among the 1 285 secondary cases, males accounted for 59.1% (759 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 34 (17, 52) years old. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the higher SAR was observed in the primary male cases (OR=1.632, 95%CI: 1.418-1.877), younger than 20 years old (OR=1.766, 95%CI: 1.506-2.072),≥60 years old (OR=1.869, 95%CI: 1.476-2.365), infected with the BA.2 strain branch (OR=2.906, 95%CI: 2.388-3.537), the confirmed common cases (OR=2.572, 95%CI: 2.036-3.249), and confirmed mild cases (OR=1.717, 95%CI: 1.486-1.985). Meanwhile, the higher SAR was observed in the close contacts younger than 20 years old (OR=2.604, 95%CI: 2.250-3.015),≥60 years old (OR=1.287, 95%CI: 1.052-1.573) and exposure for co-residence (OR=27.854, 95%CI: 23.470-33.057). Conclusion: The sex and age of the primary case of the Omicron variant, the branch of the infected strain, case severity of the primary case, as well as the age and contact mode of close contacts are the associated factors of SAR.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Adult ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Logistic Models