Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

Objective To establish and validate a method for simultaneous determination of 9 sedative-hypnotics in human plasma,and to explore the preliminary clinical application.Methods Plasma samples were precipitated with acetonitrile and determined by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.The column was Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18(2.1 mm × 50.0 mm,2.7μm)and eluted with acetonitrile water containing 0.1％formic acid in an equal degree program at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min-1.The column temperature was 20 ℃ and injection volume was 5 μL.The deprotonated ions of analytes were ionized by positive ion,electron spray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring mode.The specificity,standard curve and lower limit of quantification,precision and recovery,matrix effect,stability and dilution effect of the method were investigated.Results Excellent linear relationship with correlation coefficient of r2 ≥ 0.997 7 was obtained.The linear of esazolam,alprazolam,oxazepam,clonazepam,lorazepam,triazolam,midazolam,diazepam and zolpidem were 18-1 800,4.5-450,25-2 500,3.5-350,25-2 500,1.5-150,5.5-550,35-3 500,4-400 ng·mL-1,respectively.The lower limit of quantification were 18,4.5,25,3.5,25,1.5,5.5,35,4 ng·mL-1.The method was accurate and precise with acceptable intra-day and inter-day precisions(relative standard deviations were less than 20％for a lower limit of quantification and less than 15％for other quality control samples)and an accuracy of 86.21％-112.38％.The extraction recovery rate were 93.07％-110.50％.The matrix factors normalized by internal standard were 86.61％-108.41％,relative standard deviations were less than 15％.Plasma samples remained stable under various storage conditions.The precision and accuracy of plasma samples were acceptable after dilution.Conclusion The method is simple,rapid,sensitive and specific,and it can be used for simultaneous detection of the 9 sedative-hypnotics in human plasma.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture with manipulation for lumbar disc herniation in remission period. MethodsOne hundred and four patients with lumbar disc herniation in remission were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group， with 52 cases in each group. Treatment group applied acupuncture with manipulation of pointing， pulling， and shaking. Acupoints were selected as lumbar Jiaji （EX-B2， bilateral）， Ashi point， Shenshu （BL 23， bilateral）， Huantiao （GB 30， bilateral）， Weizhong （BL 40， opposite side of the affected area）， Chengshan （BL 57， opposite side of the affected area）. The control group applied lumbar traction plus acupoint ultrasonic pulse penetration therapy （acupoints selection same as the treatment group）； 20 minutes each time， 3 times a week， a total of 3 weeks for both groups. The primary outcome was the improvement rate of lumbar disc herniation symptoms and signs， which was calculated at 1 week of treatment， 3 weeks of treatment， 1 month follow-up， and 3 months follow-up， respectively； the secondary outcome were the Japanese Orthopaedic Association （JOA） scores， Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） scores， and Oswestry Disability Index （ODI） scores （including ODI total scores， sitting scores and standing scores）， which were evaluated before treatment， 1 week of treatment， 3 weeks of treatment， 1 month follow-up， and 3 months follow-up； clinical effectiveness was assessed at 3 months follow-up； and the occurrence of adverse events in the participants， as well as blood routine， urine routine， stool routine， and electrocardiograms before and after the treatment were recorded to evaluate safety. ResultsTwo patients from each group fell out， and 50 patients of each group were included in the outcome analysis ultimately. The scores of lumbar disc herniation symptoms and signs improved more in the treatment group than in the control group at 1 week of treatment， 3 weeks of treatment， 1 month follow-up and 3 months follow-up （P＜0.01）. The JOA scores of participants in both groups at 1 week of treatment， 3 weeks of treatment， 1 month follow-up and 3 months follow-up were higher than those before treatment in the same group， and the VAS scores， ODI total scores， ODI sitting scores and standing scores were significantly lower than those before treatment in the same group （P＜0.05）， and the JOA scores of patients in the treatment group were higher than those of the control group at all time points， and the VAS scores， ODI total scores， ODI sitting scores and standing score were lower than those of the control group （P＜0.05）. At the 3 months follow-up， the excellent rate of the treatment group was 70.00% （35/50） better than that of the control group， which was 50.00% （25/50） （P＜0.05）. There were no abnormalities in blood， urine， stool routines and electrocardiograms before and after treatment in both groups， and no adverse events occurred. ConclusionAcupuncture with manipulation of pointing， pulling， and shaking for treating patients with lumbar disc herniation in remission has a better safety on pain relief and improving quality of life， and the effectiveness is better than lumbar traction plus acupoint ultrasonic pulse penetration therapy.

ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effects of Qishao Huoxue prescription on patients with lumbar disc herniation due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis and the effects of this prescription on hemorheological parameters and serum levels of inflammatory mediators. MethodA total of 86 patients with lumbar disc herniation due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis treated in the Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2023 to February 2024 were selected and assigned according to the random number table into observation and control groups （n=43）. Patients in both groups received lumbar traction treatment. In addition， the observation group was orally treated with Qishao Huoxue prescription and the control group with celebrex for 3 weeks. The visual analogue scale （VAS） score， Oswestry disabilitiy index （ODI） score， 12-item Short-Form Survey （SF-12） score， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptom score， hemorheological parameters ［whole blood high shear viscosity， middle shear viscosity， low shear viscosity， plasma viscosity （PV）， and fibrinogen （FIB）］， and the serum levels of inflammatory mediators ［tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁）］ were determined before and after treatment. In addition， the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were observed and compared between the two groups. ResultAfter treatment， both groups showed declined VAS， ODI， and TCM symptom scores （P<0.05）， increased SF-12 physical component summary （PCS） and mental component summary （MCS） scores （P<0.05）. After treatment， the whole blood high shear viscosity， middle shear viscosity， low shear viscosity， PV， and FIB decreased in the observation group （P<0.05）， while they did not show significant variations in the control group. After treatment， both groups of patients showed reductions in TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β levels and an elevation in the TGF-β₁ level （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the observation group showed decreases in VAS， ODI， TCM symptom scores and main symptom scores （P<0.05）， no significant differences in the secondary symptom scores， increased PCS and MCS scores （P<0.05）. The observation group outperformed the control group in terms of recovering whole blood high shear viscosity， middle shear viscosity， low shear viscosity， PV， FIB， TNF-α， IL-6， IL-1β， and TGF-β₁ （P<0.05）. The total response rate in the observation group was 97.5% （40/41）， which was higher than that （88.1%， 37/42） in the control group （P<0.05）. No serious adverse reaction was observed in the two groups during the observation period. One case in the observation group showed subcutaneous bruising on the lower limbs， which gradually disappeared after withdrawal. ConclusionQishao Huoxue prescription demonstrated definite effect in treating lumbar disc herniation due to qi stagnation and blood stasis by recovering hemorheological parameters and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory mediators in the serum without inducing adverse reactions. It is worth applying in clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the distribution of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution types in the patients with nonspecific low back pain(NLBP)and to explore the correlation of the thickness of ligamentum flavum with the age,body mass index(BMI),gender,the presence of diabetes mellitus,and the grading of hypertension.Methods Sixty patients with NLBP admitted to Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2023 to June 2023 were selected as the study subjects.The TCM constitution types of the patients were identified,the thickness of the ligamentum flavum at lumbar vertebrae 4/5 segment(L4/5)disc level was measured by computerized tomography(CT)scanning,and the patients'age,genders,TCM constitution types,BMI,the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus,and hypertension grading were recorded.Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used for the exploration of the relevant influencing factors for the thickness of the ligamentum flavum of patients with NLBP.Results(1)The average thickness of ligamentum flavum in the 60 patients with NLBP was(2.60±0.72)mm.(2)The TCM constitutions of NLBP patients were classified into four types,of which blood stasis constitution was the most common,accounting for 21 cases(35.0%),followed by 19 cases(31.7%)of damp-heat constitution,12 cases(20.0%)of phlegm-damp constitution,and 8 cases(13.3%)of qi deficiency constitution.(3)The results of correlation analysis showed that BMI,gender,TCM constitution type and the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus had no influence on the thickness of ligamentum flavum in NLBP patients(P＞0.05),while the age and hypertension grading had an influence on the thickness of ligamentum flavum(P＜0.01).(4)The results of linear regression analysis showed that the age had an influence on the thickness of the ligamentum flavum(b = 0.034,t = 6.282,P＜0.01),while the influence of the hypertension grading had no influence on the thickness of the ligamentum flavum(P＞0.05).Conclusion The TCM constitution type of NLBP patients is predominated by blood stasis constitution,the thickness of ligamentum flavum is significantly affected by the age,and hypertension may be a potential factor affecting the thickness of ligamentum flavum.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS)with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Methods Sixty patients with LSS of qi deficiency and blood stasis type were randomly divided into trial group and control group,with 30 cases in each group.The trial group was treated with"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation(a chiropractic manipulation performed under the positive cooperation of the patients at three postures)combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula,while the control group was treated with"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with conventional western medicine.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 4 weeks.Before and after treatment,the patients of the two groups were observed in the changes of pain visual analogue scale(VAS)score,Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)score of lumbar function,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)score,straight-leg raising test results and serum interleukin 6(IL-6)and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the trial group was 96.67％(29/30)and that of the control group was 63.33％(19/30).The intergroup comparison(tested by Fisher's exact test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the lumbar function indicators of pain VAS scores and ODI scores in the trial group were significantly lower(P＜0.05),and the JOA scores were significantly higher than those before treatment(P＜0.05),while in the control group,only the ODI scores were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of VAS and ODI scores and the increase of JOA scores in the trial group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the Laseque s sign of the trial group was significantly improved compared with that before treatment(P＜0.05),while no significant improvement was presented in the control group(P＞0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the improvement of Laseque's sign in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the levels of serum inflammatory factors of IL-6 and CRP in the two groups were lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of serum IL-6 level in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05),but CRP level in the two groups after treatment did not differ from that before treatment,no statistically significant difference was shown between the two groups after treatment,either(P＞0.05).(5)The incidence of adverse reactions in the trial group was 6.67％(2/30)and that in the control group was 13.33％(4/30),and the intergroup comparison(by Fisher's exact test)showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The therapeutic effect of"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula exert certain effect for the treatment of LSS patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,and it has more obvious advantages in improving the lumbar function,promoting the rehabilitation of the patients,and lowering the level of serum inflammatory factors than"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with conventional western medication.

Objective To investigate the effect of varying blood pressure stratification on renal function in the diabetic population.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted,enrolling 9 489 diabetic patients from a total of 101 510 Kailuan Group employees who underwent health examinations between July 2006 and October 2007.The follow-up period was(8.6±4.0)years.Participants were categorized into four groups based on their baseline blood pressure levels:normal blood pressure(systolic blood pressure<120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure<80 mmHg),elevated blood pressure(systolic blood pressure 120-130 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure<80 mmHg),stage 1 hypertension(systolic blood pressure 130-140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 80-90 mmHg),and stage 2 hypertension(systolic blood pressure≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure≥90 mmHg).The incidence density of chronic kidney disease(CKD)was compared among these groups.A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to assess the effects of different blood pressure levels on renal function in diabetic patients,with the stability of the results confirmed using a multivariate time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model.Sensitivity analysis was conducted after excluding cases of cardiovascular disease(CVD)during follow-up,and cases using antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications at baseline.Results(1)At baseline,stage 1 hypertension patients demonstrated statistically significant higher differences with age and body mass index(BMI)compared to normal blood pressure group(P<0.05).(2)By the end of the follow-up,2 294 cases of CKD were identified,including 1 117 cases of estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)decline and 1 575 cases of urinary protein.The incidences density of CKD,eGFR decline and urinary protein for stage 1 hypertension group were 39.4,16.3 and 25.5 per thousand person-years,respectively,all of which were statistically significant different from normal blood pressure group(log-rank test,P<0.01).(3)Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that,compared to the normal blood pressure group,stage 1 hypertension was associated with a 29%increased risk of CKD(HR=1.29,95%CI 1.09-1.52)and a 40%increased risk of eGFR decline(HR=1.40,95%CI 1.08-1.80)in diabetic individuals.Conclusion Stage 1 hypertension significantly increases the risk of CKD and eGFR decline in diabetic individuals,with a particularly notable effect on the risk of eGFR decline.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]