ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological features and influencing factors of rabies in Shanxi Province，and to provide evidence to further promote the elimination of rabies in Shanxi Province. MethodsThe incidence data of rabies in Shanxi from 2011 to 2022 were collected and subjected to descriptive analysis. ResultsFrom 2011 to 2022， a total of 348 rabies cases were reported in Shanxi Province， with an average annual incidence of 0.080 3/10⁵. The incidence of rabies showed a downward trend overall. The highest incidence was in August. The cases were mainly farmers， mostly males， and most cases were reported between 50 and 69 years old. The data of cases showed that dogs were the main animals attacking human （93.96%）. The incubation period of most cases was 1‒3 months （37.37%）.The main exposure site was hand（51.33%）. Only 2.66% cases with grade Ⅲ exposure were injected with passive immune agents. ConclusionThe incidence of rabies in Shanxi Province continues to decrease， but there are still loopholes in prevention and control measures. It is necessary to strengthen the management and immunization of dogs，health education， and standardized procedures after exposure to maintain the achievements in the prevention and control of rabies.

Objective:To investigate the effect of five-element music therapy combined with meridian-based acupoint massage timed according to qi circulationon on negative emotions and sleep quality in older adults with chronic heart failure. Methods:A total of 112 older adult patients with chronic heart failure who received treatment at The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University between January 2022 and June 2023 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group ( n = 56) and a study group ( n = 56) using the random number table method. Based on conventional treatment, the control group received five-element music therapy, while the intervention group underwent a combination of five-element music therapy and meridian-based acupoint massage timed according to qi circulation. Before and after the intervention, a comparison was made between the two groups in terms of the scores of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and various dimensions of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Additionally, the sleep outcome and patient satisfaction were also compared between the two groups. Results:After intervention, the scores of the HAMA and HAMD in the study group were (11.29 ± 2.48) points and (12.48 ± 3.36) points, respectively. In contrast, the control group had scores of (15.93 ± 3.35) points and (16.50 ± 4.32) points, respectively. After intervention, the scores of the HAMA and HAMD scales in both the study and control groups demonstrated a significant reduction in comparison with their respective pre-intervention scores [study group: (20.13 ± 5.18) points, (23.95 ± 8.97) points, control group: (19.36 ± 5.45) points, (23.79 ± 7.61) points, t = 15.35, 10.24, 5.65, 8.93, all P < 0.001). After intervention, the scores of the HAMA and HAMD scales in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = -8.34, -5.49, both P < 0.001). After intervention, the scores of the PSQI in the study and control groups were (7.05 ± 0.96) points and (9.91 ± 1.28) points, respectively. After intervention, the scores of PSQI in both the study and control groups demonstrated a significant reduction compared with their respective pre-intervention scores [study group: (12.98 ± 2.21) points, control group: (12.50 ± 2.48) points, t = 24.68, 9.79, both P < 0.05]. After intervention, the score of the PSQI in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( t = 13.34, P < 0.05). Based on the scores across various dimensions of the MLHFQ, it was observed that after intervention, the scores of emotional, physical, and other domains in both the study and control groups [study group: (9.36 ± 2.29) points, (16.95 ± 3.80) points, (18.50 ± 2.33) points; control group: (12.93 ± 2.00) points, (19.98 ± 3.98) points, (20.04 ± 2.24) points] decreased significantly compared with their pre-intervention scores [study group: (15.57 ± 1.55) points, (26.23 ± 4.63) points, (21.18 ± 2.50) points, control group: (16.09 ± 1.87) points, (25.32 ± 4.40) points, (21.57 ± 2.69) points, t = 21.66, 18.55, 8.44, 11.29, 11.73, 4.61, all P < 0.001]. After intervention, the scores of emotional, physical, and other domains in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = -8.79, -4.13, -3.56, all P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction in the study group was superior to that that in the control group [98.21% (55/56) vs. 87.50% (49/56), χ2 = -3.09, P < 0.05]. Total effective rate of intervention on sleep in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group [92.86% (52/56) vs. 78.57% (44/56), χ2 = -2.09, P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Five-element music therapy combined with meridian-based acupoint massage timed according to qi circulationon in the treatment of chronic heart failure in older adults can effectively alleviate negative emotions, improve the quality of life and sleep, and increase patient satisfaction with nursing care.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.

Objective To investigate the role of hydrogen therapy in reducing radiation-induced lung injury and the specific mechanism. Methods Forty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, model group, hydrogen therapy group I, and hydrogen therapy group II. A mouse model of radiation-induced lung injury was established. The pathological changes in the lung tissue of the mice were examined with HE staining. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of surface markers of M1 and M2 macrophages to observe macrophage polarization. The expression of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-10 in the lung tissue was measured by immunohistochemistry. The expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB (P-NF-κB) p65 was measured by Western blot. Results HE staining showed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited alveolar septal swelling and thickening, vascular dilatation and congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissue; the hydrogen groups had significantly reduced pathological damage and inflammatory response than the model group, with more improvements in hydrogen group II than in hydrogen group I. Immunohistochemical results showed that compared with those in the control group, the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased in the model group; the hydrogen groups showed significantly decreased IL-6 and TNF-α levels and a significantly increased level of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 than the model group, which were more marked in hydrogen group II than in hydrogen group I. Immunofluorescence results showed that compared with the control group, the expression of the surface marker of M1 macrophages in the model group was significantly upregulated; the hydrogen groups showed significantly downregulated M1 marker and significantly upregulated M2 marker, and hydrogen group II showed significantly increased M2 marker compared with hydrogen group I. Western blot results showed that compared with that in the control group, the ratio of P-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the model group was significantly increased; the P-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 ratio was significantly reduced in the hydrogen groups than in the model group, and was significantly lower in hydrogen group II than in hydrogen group I. Conclusion Hydrogen inhalation therapy may reduce the inflammatory response of radiation-induced lung injury by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway to promote the polarization of the macrophage M1 subtype to the M2 subtype.

BACKGROUND:The traditional view is that proximal fibular fractures do not require fixation.Others and our research suggest that the proximal fibular structure plays an important role in the stability of the posterolateral structure of the knee joint,and its mechanism of action is worth studying. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical effects of proximal fibular fractures on various structures of the knee joint in an extended state. METHODS:Finite element method was used to conduct simulated biomechanical experiments.A healthy young male volunteer was selected to establish a finite element model of the knee joint in an extended state using MRI and CT image data,and four proximal fibular shapes were simulated(Model A:intact,Model B:1 cm fracture below the fibular head,Model C:1 cm tip defect fracture from the proximal end of the fibula to the distal end,and Model D:2 cm bone defect from the proximal end of the fibula).A longitudinal concentrated load of 1 500 N was applied to the femoral shaft to compare and analyze the distribution and changing trend of the maximum equivalent stress and maximum first principal stress of each structure of the knee joint in an extended state under four working conditions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In Model A,the maximum equivalent stress in the tibial cartilage and lateral compartment of the meniscus was greater than that in the medial compartment,while the maximum first principal stress in the tibial plateau and medial compartment of the meniscus was greater than that in the lateral compartment.The maximum equivalent stress of the medial condyle of the femoral cartilage was greater than that of the lateral condyle,and the maximum first principal stress of the medial condyle of the femoral cartilage was greater than that of the medial condyle.(2)Compared to Model A,there was no significant difference in the magnitude and distribution of the maximum equivalent stress and maximum first principal stress in the cartilage and meniscus of Model C.(3)Compared to Model A,the maximum equivalent stress increase amplitude of Model B was in the order of medial tibial cartilage(14.9％),medial condyle of femoral cartilage(13.6％),and medial meniscus(6.6％).The maximum first principal stress increase amplitude was the medial meniscus(11.06％),the medial tibial cartilage(8.65％),and the medial condyle of the femoral cartilage(7.46％).The maximum equivalent stress increase amplitude of the ligament was as follows:popliteal arch ligament(33.2％)>anterior cruciate ligament(21.3％)>fibular collateral ligament(17％)>posterior cruciate ligament(14.3％)>anterior lateral collateral ligament(13.2％)>medial collateral ligament(10.1％).(4)Compared to Model A,the maximum equivalent stress increasing trend of Model D followed the medial tibial cartilage(19.5％),femoral cartilage medial condyle(17.9％),and medial meniscus(9.9％).The maximum first principal stress in sequence was the medial meniscus(14.04％),the medial tibial cartilage(13.03％),and the medial condyle of the femoral cartilage(11.37％).The increasing trend of maximum equivalent stress in ligaments was as follows:anterior cruciate ligament(25.2％)>posterior cruciate ligament(18.9％)>medial collateral ligament(18.5％)>anterior lateral collateral ligament(12.7％).(5)It is suggested that when the knee joint is extended,a 1 cm fracture below the fibular head and a 2 cm fibular tip bone defect have a significant impact on the structure of the medial ventricular cartilage,anterior cruciate ligament,and posterior lateral ligament complex.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Bushen Huoxue prescription on the cardiac function， inflammation， and quality of life of the patients with chronic heart failure resistant to diuretics. MethodA total of 78 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into observation and control groups （39 cases）. Both groups received standardized treatment for diuretic resistance in accordance with the guidelines. In addition， the observation group received Bushen Huoxue prescription. The cardiac function indicators， total response rate regarding symptom alleviation， exercise endurance， urine volume， body mass， quality of life， and levels of inflammatory cytokines were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. ResultBefore treatment， the two groups of patients showed no significant differences in terms of 24 h urine volume， body mass， 6 minute walk test （6MWT）， Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire （MLHFQ） score， N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） level， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， stroke volume （SV）， and serum levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）. After treatment， the observation group outperformed the control group in terms of the response rates regarding traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores and New York Heart Association （NYHA） grading of cardiac function （P<0.05）. After treatment， the body mass， MLHFQ score， and IL-6， TNF-α， and NT-proBNP levels decreased in both groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the observation group showed more significant decreases than the control group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Both groups showed increases in 24-h urine volume， 6MWT， LVEF， SV， and IL-4 after treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the observation group showed more significant increases than the control group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe combination of Bushen Huoxue prescription with standardized treatment is effective in ameliorating the clinical symptoms of the patients with chronic heart failure resistant to diuretics. Moreover， it alleviates diuretic resistance and improves the cardiac function without causing obvious adverse reactions.

Objective:To explore the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on SAE in rats through the modulation of the gut microbiome.Methods:Total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided(random number) into sham surgery, SAE, SAE+FMT, SAE+FMT+ NF-κB agonist, and SAE+FMT+NLRP3 agonist groups. The gut microbiome, neurological function, and inflammatory responses in rats were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, neurological behavioral scoring, water maze testing, Nissl staining, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and western blot assays. Univariate analysis of variance for multiple samples among groups was conducted using SPSS software, with further pairwise comparisons using Tukey's test.Results:(1) Compared with the sham surgery group, a reduction in α-diversity was observed in the SAE rats ( P<0.01), whereas an increase in α-diversity was noted in the SAE rats after FMT treatment ( P<0.05). A decrease in beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidete and Clostridiales was seen in the SAE group compared to the sham group, which increased after FMT. (2) A decrease in mNSS, learning and memory abilities, and the number of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region was noted in SAE rats compared with the sham group ( P<0.01), whereas an improvement in mNSS scores, learning and memory abilities, and neuron count was observed in SAE rats treated with FMT ( P<0.05). (3) Compared with the sham group, increased liver and kidney function indicators, inflammatory factors, blood-brain barrier proteins, NLRP3 pathway proteins, and NF-κB pathway proteins were observed in the SAE group ( P<0.05), which were reduced by FMT ( P<0.05). (4) The effects of FMT were negated after the intervention with NF-κB and NLRP3 agonists ( P<0.05). Conclusions:FMT regulate the gut microbiome and inhibit the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in the brain. This provides new insights into the treatment of SAE, emphasizing the importance of considering the gut microbiota in clinical therapy.

Objective To construct the machine learning models based on the radiomic features of non-contrast and enhanced CT and to evaluate the predictive value in the risk stratification of gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST).Methods A total of 182 patients with pathologically confirmed GIST were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7∶3.The volume of interest(VOI)was outlined in the non-contrast phase,arterial phase and venous phase,and its radiomic features were extracted.The most valuable radiomic features were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)algorithm.The logistic regression(LR)classifier was used to construct the prediction models based on single-phase or multi-phase images.The predictive efficacy of the different models was compared by using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results Four,three,and four radiomic features were selected in the non-contrast phase,arterial phase and venous phase,and 4 models were constructed in total.Among the single-phase models,the venous phase had better predictive efficacy,with the area under the curve(AUC)of 0.932[95％confidence interval(CI)0.873-0.969]and 0.924(95％CI 0.819-0.979)in the training and validation sets.The predictive efficacy of the combined model was improved,with the AUC of 0.946(95％CI 0.891-0.978)and 0.938(95％CI 0.838-0.986).Conclusion The venous phase model can predict the risk stratification of GIST accurately,and the prediction efficacy can be improved by combining the non-contrast and arterial phases.

Objective:To report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after adopting a Watch and Wait (W&W) strategy following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).Methods:This multicenter, cross-sectional study was based on real-world data. The study cohort comprised rectal cancer patients who had achieved complete or near complete clinical responses (cCRs, near-cCRs) after NAT and were thereafter managed by a W&W approach, as well as a few patients who had achieved good responses after NAT and had then undergone local excision for confirmation of pathological complete response. All participants had been followed up for ≥2 years. Patients with distant metastases at baseline or who opted for observation while living with the tumor were excluded. Data of eligible patients were retrospectively collected from the Chinese Wait-and-Watch Data Collaboration Group database. These included baseline characteristics, type of NAT, pre-treatment imaging results, evaluation of post-NAT efficacy, salvage measures, and treatment outcomes. We herein report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after NAT and W&W and the differences between the cCR and near-cCR groups.Results:Clinical data of 318 rectal cancer patients who had undergone W&W for over 2 years and been followed up were collected from eight medical centers (Peking University Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, the First Hospital of Jilin University, and Yunnan Cancer Hospital.) The participants comprised 221 men (69.4%) and 107 women (30.6%) of median age 60 (26-86) years. The median distance between tumor and anal verge was 3.4 (0-10.4) cm. Of these patients, 291 and 27 had achieved cCR or near-cCR, respectively, after NAT. The median duration of follow-up was 48.4 (10.2-110.3) months. The 5-year cumulative overall survival rate was 92.4% (95%CI: 86.8%-95.7%), 5-year cumulative disease-specific survival (CSS) rate 96.6% (95%CI: 92.2%-98.5%), 5-year cumulative organ-preserving disease-free survival rate 86.6% (95%CI: 81.0%-90.7%), and 5-year organ preservation rate 85.3% (95%CI: 80.3%-89.1%). The overall 5-year local recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 18.5% (95%CI: 14.9%-20.8%) and 8.2% (95%CI: 5.4%-12.5%), respectively. Most local recurrences (82.1%, 46/56) occurred within 2 years, and 91.0% (51/56) occurred within 3 years, the median time to recurrence being 11.7 (2.5-66.6) months. Most (91.1%, 51/56) local recurrences occurred within the intestinal lumen. Distant metastases developed in 23 patients; 60.9% (14/23) occurred within 2 years and 73.9% (17/23) within 3 years, the median time to distant metastasis being 21.9 (2.6-90.3) months. Common sites included lung (15/23, 65.2%), liver (6/23, 26.1%), and bone (7/23, 30.4%) The metastases involved single organs in 17 patients and multiple organs in six. There were no significant differences in overall, cumulative disease-specific, or organ-preserving disease-free survival or rate of metastases between the two groups (all P>0.05). The 5-year local recurrence rate was higher in the near-cCR than in the cCR group (41.6% vs. 16.4%, P<0.01), with a lower organ preservation rate (69.2% vs. 88.0%, P<0.001). The success rates of salvage after local recurrence and distant metastasis were 82.1% (46/56) and 13.0% (3/23), respectively. Conclusion:Rectal cancer patients who achieve cCR or near-cCR after NAT and undergo W&W have favorable oncological outcomes and a high rate of organ preservation. Local recurrence and distant metastasis during W&W follow certain patterns, with a relatively high salvage rate for local recurrence. Our findings highlight the importance of close follow-up and timely intervention during the W&W process.

Objective:To investigate perspectives and changes in treatment selection by Chinese surgeons since introduction of the watch-and-wait approach after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire distributed through the "Wenjuanxing" online survey platform. The survey focused on the recognition and practices of Chinese surgeons regarding the strategy of watch-and-wait after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer and was disseminated within the China Watch-and-Wait Database (CWWD) WeChat group. This group targets surgeons of deputy chief physician level and above in surgical, radiotherapy, or internal medicine departments of nationally accredited tumor-specialist or comprehensive hospitals (at provincial or municipal levels) who are involved in colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment. From 13 to 16 December 2023, 321 questionnaires were sent with questionnaire links in the CWWD WeChat group. The questionnaires comprised 32 questions encompassing: (1) basic physician characteristics (including surgical volume); (2) assessment methods and criteria for clinical complete response (cCR); (3) patients eligible for watch-and-wait; (4) neoadjuvant therapies and other measures for achieving cCR; (5) willingness to implement watch-and-wait and factors influencing that willingness; (6) risks and monitoring of watch-and-wait; (7) subsequent treatment and follow-up post watch-and-wait; (8) suggestions for development of the CWWD. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis, with intergroup comparisons conducted using the χ 2 or Fisher's exact probability tests. Results:The response rate was 31.5%, comprising 101 responses from the 321 individuals in the WeChat group. Respondents comprised 101 physicians from 70 centers across 23 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions nationwide, 85.1% (86/101) of whom represented provincial tertiary hospitals. Among the respondents, 87.1% (88/101) had implemented the watch-and-wait strategy. The approval rate (65.6%, 21/32) and proportion of patients often informed (68.8%, 22/32) were both significantly higher for doctors in oncology hospitals than for those in general hospitals (27.7%, 18/65; 32.4%, 22/68) (χ 2=12.83, P<0.001; χ 2=11.70, P=0.001, respectively). The most used methods for diagnosing cCR were digital rectal examination (90.1%, 91/101), colonoscopy (91.1%, 92/101), and rectal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (86.1%, 87/101). Criteria used to identify cCR comprised absence of a palpable mass on digital rectal examination (87.1%, 88/101), flat white scars or new capillaries on colonoscopy (77.2%, 78/101), absence of evident tumor signals on rectal T2-weighted sequences or T2WI low signals or signals equivalent to the intestinal wall (83.2%, 84/101), and absence of tumor hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted imaging with no corresponding hypointensity on apparent diffusion coefficient maps (66.3%, 67/101). As for selection of neoadjuvant regimen and assessment of cCR, 57.4% (58/101) of physicians preferred a long course of radiotherapy with or without induction and/or consolidation capecitabine + oxaliplatin, whereas 25.7% (26/101) preferred immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy. Most (96.0%, 97/101) physicians believed that the primary lesion should be assessed ≤12 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. Patients were frequently informed about the possibility of achieving cCR after neoadjuvant therapy and the strategy of watch-and-wait by 43.6% (44/101) of the responding physicians and 38.6% (39/101) preferred watch-and-wait for patients who achieved cCR or near cCR after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. Capability for multiple follow-up evaluations (70.3%, 71/101) was a crucial factor influencing physicians' choice of watch-and-wait after cCR. The proportion who patients who did not achieve cCR and underwent surgical treatment was lower in provincial tertiary hospitals (74.2%, 23/31) than in provincial general hospitals (94.5%, 52/55) and municipal hospitals (12/15); these differences are statistically significant (χ 2=7.43, P=0.020). The difference between local recurrence and local regrowth was understood by 88.1% (89/101) of respondents and 87.2% (88/101) agreed with monitoring every 3 months for 5 years. An increase in local excision or puncture rates to reduce organ resections in patients with pCR was proposed by 64.4% (65/101) of respondents. Conclusion:Compared with the results of a previous survey, Chinese surgeons' awareness of the watch-and-wait concept has improved significantly. Oncologists in oncology hospitals are more aware of the concept of watch-and-wait.