Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of moderate-to-severe pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in occupational pneumoconiosis (hereinafter referred to as "pneumoconiosis") patients complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods A total of 136 male pneumoconiosis patients complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis suffering different degrees of pulmonary ventilation dysfunction were selected as the study subjects using the judgmental sampling method. Patients were divided into mild dysfunction and moderate-to-severe dysfunction groups based on the degrees of pulmonary ventilation dysfunction. Clinical data from patients of these two groups were collected, and influencing factors of pulmonary ventilation dysfunction were analyzed. Results The prevalence of mild dysfunction and moderate-to-severe dysfunction among the study subjects was 39.0% and 61.0%, respectively. The proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe pulmonary ventilation dysfunction increased with the progression of pneumoconiosis (P<0.05). Patients in moderate-to-severe dysfunction group had higher rates of dyspnea, elevated C-reactive protein, coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a history of lung infections within the past two years compared with those in the mild dysfunction group (all P<0.05). The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the degree of pneumoconiosis, complicated with COPD, and a history of lung infections within the past two years were risk factors for moderate-to-severe pulmonary ventilation dysfunction (all P<0.05). Specifically, higher degree of pneumoconiosis was associated with a greater proportion of moderate-to-severe dysfunction, and patients complicated with COPD or had a history of lung infections within the past two years were more likely to experience severe pulmonary ventilation dysfunction. Conclusion The degree of pneumoconiosis, complicated with COPD, and a history of lung infections within the past two years are influencing factors of moderate-to-severe pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in patients with pneumoconiosis combined with pulmonary tuberculosis. Early detection of pneumoconiosis progression, timely diagnosis of COPD and lung infections, and appropriate treatment such as antifibrotic agents, inhaled bronchodilators, and anti-infective therapies are recommended.

Objective:This study investigates the effect of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), frequency, and bandwidth on horizontal sound localization accuracy in normal-hearing young adults.Methods:From August 2022 to December 2022, a total of 20 normal-hearing young adults, including 7 males and 13 females, with an age range of 20 to 35 years and a mean age of 25.4 years, were selected to participate in horizontal azimuth recognition tests under both quiet and noisy conditions. Six narrowband filtered noise stimuli were used with central frequencies (CF) of 250, 2 000, and 4 000 Hz and bandwidths of 1/6 and 1 octave. Continuous broadband white noise was used as the background masker, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was 0, -3, and -12 dB. The root-mean-square error (RMS error) was used to measure sound localization accuracy, with smaller values indicating higher accuracy. Friedman test was used to compare the effects of SNR and CF on sound localization accuracy, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the impact of the two bandwidths on sound localization accuracy in noise.Results:In a quiet environment, the RMS error in horizontal azimuth in normal-hearing young adults ranged from 4.3 to 8.1 degrees. Sound localization accuracy decreased with decreasing SNR: at 0 dB SNR (range: 5.3-12.9 degrees), the difference from the quiet condition was not significant ( P>0.05); however, at -3 dB (range: 7.3-16.8 degrees) and -12 dB SNR (range: 9.4-41.2 degrees), sound localization accuracy significantly decreased compared to the quiet condition (all P<0.01). Under noisy conditions, there were differences in sound localization accuracy among stimuli with different frequencies and bandwidths, with higher frequencies performing the worst, followed by middle frequencies, and lower frequencies performing the best, with significant differences (all P<0.01). Sound localization accuracy for 1/6 octave stimuli was more susceptible to noise interference than 1 octave stimuli (all P<0.01). Conclusions:The ability of normal-hearing young adults to localize sound in the horizontal plane in the presence of noise is influenced by SNR, CF, and bandwidth. Noise with SNRs of ≥-3 dB can lead to decreased accuracy in narrowband sound localization. Higher CF signals and narrower bandwidths are more susceptible to noise interference.

Objective:To evaluate auditory spatial discrimination capabilities in patients with mild to moderately severe symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and to compare the impact of different psychophysical testing methods on Minimum Audible Angle (MAA) and test duration.Methods:A total of 105 symmetrical SNHL patients aged from 18 to 60 years old were enrolled from April to July 2023, including 56 males and 49 females. They were divided into three groups based on PTA: mild, moderate, and moderately severe hearing loss, with 35 individuals in each group. Additionally, a control group of 35 individuals with normal hearing was tested, including 18 males and 17 females. Participants underwent four distinct psychophysical discrimination tests: the block up-down, 1-up/1-down, 1-up/2-down, and 1-up/3-down procedures. We recorded the MAA and test duration for each. We employed repeated measures of ANOVA to compare the MAA and test duration across different methods and groups, and Pearson′s correlation to assess the relationship between MAA and degree of hearing loss.Results:MAA of sound localization in patients with symmetrical SNHL was significantly positively correlated with the degree of hearing loss ( r=0.59, P<0.01). Significant deterioration in MAA was observed as hearing loss progressed to the moderate level (PTA≥35 dBHL, P<0.01). The testing methods significantly influenced MAA and testing duration ( F=24.02, P<0.01; F=75.56, P<0.01) and the 1-up/1-down method was the quickest, averaging only (0.69±0.32) mins. Conclusions:The horizontal plane auditory spatial discrimination abilities in patients with symmetrical SNHL is impaired progressively with increasing hearing loss, notably beyond moderate hearing loss levels. Different psychophysical methods influence both MAA and test duration, the quicker 1-up/1-down method is recommended for assessing MAA in symmetrical SNHL patients.

【Objective】 To analyze the clinical efficacy of modified Devine surgery combined with scrotal flap transfer in the treatment of concealed penis (CP) in children and provide reference for the surgical treatment of CP in children. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 54 CP children who underwent surgery in the Department of Urology, Puren Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology during Jun.2019 and Sep.2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 27 patients treated with traditional Devine surgery (control group), and 27 patients in the modified group treated with modified Devine surgery combined with scrotal flap transfer (double degloving). The perioperative indexes, incidence of postoperative complications, penile lengthening and satisfaction of postoperative appearance were recorded. 【Results】 The surgical time of the modified group was longer than the control group [(62.78±5.07) min vs. (55.93±4.83) min ](t=5.085, P<0.05). The exposed length and penile lengthening length with moderate and severe CP patients in the modified group at 1 and 6 months after surgery were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05).The duration of prepuce edema, and the satisfaction of family members of moderate and severe CP children were (6.93±1.54) d vs. (5.56±1.16) d, (2.44±0.62) vs. (2.83±0.38), and (2.44±0.73) vs. (3.00±0) between the control and modified groups (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant difference in intraoperative bleeding volume and incidence of complications between the two groups (P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 In the treatment of CP, modified Devine surgery combined with scrotal flap transfer can produce good effects and appearance, which is of high application value.

Objective To study the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided pulse radiofrequency(PRF)treatment of the saphenous nerve for knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods A total of 289 KOA patients were followed up from March 2021 to October 2023 and divided into PRF group(group A,n=142)and conservative treatment group(group B,n=147)according to different treatment methods.Pain degree(VAS),knee function(OKS),and sleep quality(AIS)of the two groups were recorded before treatment and at 1 week,1 month,3 months and 6 months after treatment;the occurrence of complications was recorded for comparison between the two groups.Results After treatment,VAS,OKS and AIS scores in both groups decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.001).In addition,the scores of group A showed a gradual downward trend 6 months after surgery,while the scores of group B showed an overall upward trend 6 months after surgery.The scores of VAS and OKS were significantly lower in group A than in group B from 1 week to 6 months after surgery(P＜0.001).The AIS score of group A was much lower than that of group B from 1 month to 6 months after surgery(P＜0.001).There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups(P=0.236).Conclusion Ultrasound-guided PRF treatment of the saphenous nerve is better than conservative treatment because it can better reduce pain and improve knee joint mobility and sleep in patients with KOA.

Objective Viral encephalitis is an infectious disease severely affecting human health.It is caused by a wide variety of viral pathogens,including herpes viruses,flaviviruses,enteroviruses,and other viruses.The laboratory diagnosis of viral encephalitis is a worldwide challenge.Recently,high-throughput sequencing technology has provided new tools for diagnosing central nervous system infections.Thus,In this study,we established a multipathogen detection platform for viral encephalitis based on amplicon sequencing. Methods We designed nine pairs of specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR)primers for the 12 viruses by reviewing the relevant literature.The detection ability of the primers was verified by software simulation and the detection of known positive samples.Amplicon sequencing was used to validate the samples,and consistency was compared with Sanger sequencing. Results The results showed that the target sequences of various pathogens were obtained at a coverage depth level greater than 20×,and the sequence lengths were consistent with the sizes of the predicted amplicons.The sequences were verified using the National Center for Biotechnology Information BLAST,and all results were consistent with the results of Sanger sequencing. Conclusion Amplicon-based high-throughput sequencing technology is feasible as a supplementary method for the pathogenic detection of viral encephalitis.It is also a useful tool for the high-volume screening of clinical samples.

[Objective] To compare the clinical efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in patients with acute herpes zoster neuralgia (AHN) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was made on 287 patients with thoracic herpes zoster related pain. The patients were divided into acute herpes zoster neuralgia group (group AHN, within 3 months) and PHN group (group PHN, over 3 months) according to the onset time of herpes zoster. Pain degree (VAS), sleep quality (AIS), anxiety and depression (GAD-7 and PHQ-9) at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after the procedure were analyzed and compared between the two groups. [Results] The scores of VAS, AIS, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 significantly decreased in both groups after surgery (P<0.001). The four scores decreased more in AHN group than in PHN group from 1 to 12 months after surgery (P<0.001). After 12 months of follow-up, there were fewer cases of taking oral pregabalin and opioids in the former group than in the latter group (P=0.001). [Conclusion] PRF has a good therapeutic effect on herpes zoster related pain and is better than PHN in relieving pain, improving sleep and anxiety and depression in AHN, or can prevent PHN.

【Objective】 To compare the efficacy of radiofrequency thermocoagulation and pulsed radiofrequency for the ganglion impar in treating primary perineal pain. 【Methods】 We analyzed 79 patients with primary perineal pain who underwent radiofrequency thermocoagulation (group A) and pulsed radiofrequency (group B) in the ganglion impar from January 2020 to March 2022. VAS, excellent and good rates, sleep quality, postoperative medication usage, complications, and recurrence were evaluated before and 24 h, 1 W, 1 M, 3 M and 6 M after operation. The differences between the two groups were compared. 【Results】 The VAS score of group A gradually decreased at each level after operation, and the VAS score of group B gradually increased after 24 hours of operation. The differences between the two groups began to appear 1 week after operation, and the differences further increased with the extension of time (P<0.001). In six months after follow-up, the excellent and good rates of group A (86%) was significantly higher than that of group B (22%). In addition to postoperative perineal skin numbness, group A was superior to group B in improving sleep, postoperative oral medication (pregabalin and opioids), and disease recurrence (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the ganglion impar can improve the quality of life by reducing pain, improving the excellent and good rates, improving sleep, and reducing recurrence a medication. The effect is better than that of pulsed radiofrequency.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic benefit of complete revascularization in elderly patients (aged over 75 years) with multi-vessel disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is currently unclear. This study aimed to determine the long-term prognostic impact of complete revascularization in this population. METHODS: We conducted this study using data obtained from the BleeMACS (Bleeding complications in a Multicenter registry of patients discharged after an Acute Coronary Syndrome) registry, which was carried out from 2003 to 2014. The objective was to categorize older patients diagnosed with ACS into two groups: those who underwent complete revascularization and those who did not. Propensity score matching and the Kaplan-Meier analysis were employed to examine differences in one-year clinical outcomes. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), which encompassed a combination of all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Out of 1263 patients evaluated, 445 patients (35.2%) received complete revascularization. Patients who underwent complete revascularization had a higher prevalence of hypertension and prior percutaneous coronary intervention compared to those who did not. During the one-year follow-up period, complete revascularization was associated with a significantly decreased risk of MACE [13.7% vs. 20.5%, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.88, P = 0.007] and a lower risk of myocardial infarction (5.9% vs. 9.9%, HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.33-0.92, P = 0.02). However, it was not linked to a lower risk of all-cause death (9.5% vs. 13.5%, HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.45-1.02, P = 0.06). Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS Long-term clinical improvements were observed in ACS patients aged over 75 years with multi-vessel disease who achieved complete revascularization. Therefore, adhering to guidelines for complete revascularization should be recommended for elderly patients.

We aimed to investigate the relationship of dietary zinc intake with new-onset hypertension among Chinese adults. A total of 12,177 participants who were free of hypertension at baseline from the China Health and Nutrition Survey were included. Dietary intake was assessed by three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls combined with a household food inventory. Participants with systolic blood pressure ≽ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≽ 90 mmHg or diagnosed by a physician or under antihypertensive treatment during the follow-up were defined as having new-onset hypertension. During a median follow-up duration of 6.1 years, 4269 participants developed new-onset hypertension. Overall, the association between dietary zinc intake and new-onset hypertension followed a J-shape (P for non-linearity < 0.001). The risk of new-onset hypertension significantly decreased with the increment of dietary zinc intake (per mg/day: hazard ratio (HR) 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-0.98) in participants with zinc intake < 10.9 mg/day, and increased with the increment of zinc intake (per mg/day: HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.11-1.16) in participants with zinc intake ≽ 10.9 mg/day. In conclusion, there was a J-shaped association between dietary zinc intake and new-onset hypertension in general Chinese adults, with an inflection point at about 10.9 mg/day.
Adult ; Humans ; Cohort Studies ; Zinc ; Diet ; Hypertension/epidemiology* ; Eating ; China/epidemiology*