Objective:To compare the short-term efficacy and the safety of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs).Methods:This prospective randomized controlled trial, performed from December 2019 to September 2021, included 36 patients with solid or predominantly solid BTNs who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consent at the Nanjing sub-center (Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). Patients were assigned to either the MWA group or the RFA group (18 patients in each group) at a ratio of 1∶1 using a block randomization design and allocation concealment using sealed envelope randomization. The independent-sample t-test and χ2 test were used to compare the volume reduction rates (VRRs), effective rates (VRRs≥50%), cosmetic scores, and complication rates at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment between the two groups. Results:The clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients were comparable. After ablation, the nodule volume was significantly reduced in both groups. At 1, 3, and 6 months, there was no significant difference in the volume between the two groups (all P>0.05). At 3 months, the RFA group had a larger VRRs than that in the MWA group (62.08%±12.46% vs. 46.90%±23.16%, t=-2.45, P=0.021). However, at 1 and 6 months, no statistical significance was observed (both P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the effective rates at the last follow-up (14/18 vs. 18/18, P=0.104). However, the RFA group had a lower cosmetic score than that in the MWA group (1.78±0.43 vs. 2.17±0.51, t=-2.47, P=0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Both MWA and RFA were effective and safe treatments for BTNs, with no significant differences in short-term efficacy and safety. In addition, the RFA group showed slightly more favorable outcomes than the MWA group in terms of cosmetic improvement.

Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Modified Lugen Formula(Phragmitis Rhizoma,Cicadae Periostracum,Batryticatus Bombyx,Lonicerae Japonicae Flos,Glycyrrhiza,Menthae Haplocalycis Herba,Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix,Puerariae Lobatae Radix,Bupleuri Radix)in treating influenza from the virus-host interaction interface.Methods The phytocompounds were first collected from the HERB database,and then potential active compounds were screened out by Lipinski's rules of five.The targets of active compounds were further predicted through the SwissTargetPrediction platform.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were determined from the human H1N1 influenza dataset GSE90732 available in the Gene Expression Omnibus database(GEO).H1N1-Homo sapiens-related protein-protein interactions(PPIs)were gathered from the Pathogen-Host Interaction Search Tool(PHISTO).The above mentioned bioinformatic datasets were integrated.Then a PPI network and a Formula-virus-host interaction network were constructed using Cytoscape.Functional enrichment analyses were performed by using R software.Finally,molecular docking was carried out to evaluate the binding activities between the key compounds and targets.Results A total of 1 252 active compounds,1 415 targets,951 influenza-related DEGs,and 10 142 H1N1-Homo sapiens-related PPIs were obtained.There were 72 intersection targets between the Modified Lugen Formula and influenza.Functional enrichment analyses showed that these targets are closely related to host defense and programmed cell death.The network topological analysis showed that active compounds in the Modified Lugen Formula,such as oleanolic acid,γ-undecalactone,and longispinogenin,regulate viral proteins M2,NA,NS1,and HA and/or the host factors HSP90AA1,NRAS,and ITGB1,thus exert therapeutic effect.Molecular docking results confirmed that these compounds had a good binding ability with the targets.Conclusion Multiple active ingredients in Modified Lugen Formula directly target influenza virus proteins and/or host factors,thereby play an anti-influenza role in multiple dimensions,including inhibiting virus replication,regulating host defense and cell death.This study provides a theoretical basis for further experimental analysis of the action mechanism of the Modified Lugen Formula in treating influenza.

Objective:To analyze the acute poison epidemic and provide evidence for developing prevention and control strategies for acute poisoning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on acute poisoning cases collected from 2016 to 2022 in a health emergency information platform for acute poisoning accidents. The cases were grouped according to the distribution of poisoning occurrence time, geographic distribution, demographic distribution, types of toxicants, poisoning causes, and outcomes. Data were organized and analyzed using Excel 2016 and R 4.2.3.Results:A total of 95 754 acute poisoning cases were included in this study. The primary toxicants were pesticides, drugs, and industrial/household chemicals, accounting for 30.4%, 22.4%, and 20.4% of the total cases, respectively. Acute poisoning occurred throughout the year, with the highest frequency from June to August, accounting for 31.9%. The seasonal distribution varied among different types of toxicants. Except for plant poisoning, which showed a bimodal distribution, the other poisonings showed an unimodal distribution. There was a strong seasonality in fungal poisoning, which peaked in July. There was an obvious seasonality in animal poisoning, with a peak in August. The proportion of biological poisonings in the southwest region was higher than in other regions, including plants, animals, and fungi. There were more females than males, and their education level was mainly junior high school and below (35.2%). The main occupation was farmers (34.2%), and the main causes of poisoning were accidents and suicides. The case fatality rate of all poisoning cases was 1.24%. Pesticide poisoning was the most common type, and chlorfenapyr (11.68%), Diquat (7.23%), and paraquat (7.05%) ranked as the top three toxicants.Conclusions:The occurrence of acute poisoning has an obvious seasonal trend, and the toxicant spectrum of different regions and populations is different. A comprehensive poisoning surveillance system can provide a better understanding of the occurrence of poisonings, and facilitate the formulation of more scientifically precise poisoning prevention and control strategies.

Objective To compare therapeutic efficacy of anticoagulation alone and combining with intervention for treating severe cerebral venous thrombosis(CVT).Methods Data of 65 severe CVT patients were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into anticoagulation group(n=32)or combined group(n=33)according to therapeutic methods.The modified Rankin scale(mRS)score at admission and discharge,the prognosis of patients,vascular recanalization rate as well as incidence of complications during follow-up period were compared between groups.Results No significant difference of mRS scores at admission was found between groups(P＞0.05),while mRS scores of combined group were lower than of anticoagulation group at discharge(P＜0.05).The rate of good prognosis at discharge(84.85%vs.59.38%),6 months after discharge(87.88%vs.65.63%)and 12 months after discharge(93.94%vs.75.00%)in combined group were all higher than those in anticoagulation group(all P＜0.05).The vascular recanalization rate in combined group was higher than that in anticoagulant group(100%vs.75.00%,P＜0.05).At the end of follow-up,no significant difference of complication incidence was found between groups(15.15%vs.18.75%,P＞0.05).Conclusion For patients with severe CVT,anticoagulation combined with interventional therapy could significantly alleviate clinical symptoms and improve prognosis compared with anticoagulation alone.

Objective To observe the value of stent implantation for treating idiopathic intracranial hypertension(IIH)complicated with venous sinus stenosis(VSS).Methods Data of 54 patients with IIH complicated with VSS who underwent stent implantation were retrospectively analyzed.The papillary edema grade,lumbar puncture-opening pressure(LP-OP)and trans-stenotic pressure gradient of venous sinus(ΔP)before and after stent implantation were compared,and the symptom improvement and treatment-related complications during the follow-up period were recorded.Results Totally 60 stents were successfully implanted in 54 patients.Before stent implantation,the papillary edema grade was 3(3,3),LP-OP was(391.39±92.62)mmH2O and the ΔP was 18.50(15.00,25.00)mmHg,which decreased to 1(0,1),(208.80±62.31)mmH2O and 1.25(0.88,2.55)mmHg after stent implantation,respectively,all with significant differences(all P＜0.001).Clinical symptoms improved after stent implantation in all 54 patients.At the end of follow-up,disappearance of headache,papillary edema,visual disorder,abducent nerve paralysis and tinnitus were noticed in 30(30/37,81.08%),38(38/45,84.44%),41(41/45,91.11%),8(8/10,80.00%)and 9 cases(9/10,90.00%),respectively.Treatment-related complications occurred in 4 cases(4/54,7.41%),all improved after intervention.Conclusion Stent implantation was effective and safe for treating IIH complicated with VSS.

Pathological insulin resistance (IR) is closely related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM. Increasing studies have investigated the efficacy of IR indices, such as quantitative insulin sensitivity index, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglyceride-glucose index and sex hormone-binding globulin, in predicting GDM and related complications in recent years. This article reviews the research progress in the above topics.

Pancytopenia is one of the serious complications of Graves disease, and its clinical treatment is quite challenging. Based on traditional Chinese medicine theory and combining with literature reports and clinical practice in China, we discuss the etiology, pathogenesis, and syndromes-based treatment of pancytopenia, hoping to open up new treatment approaches, guide clinical practice, and improve treatment effectiveness.

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of endovascular embolization for perimedullary arteriovenous fistula(PMAVF).Methods Data of 8 PMAVF patients who underwent endovascular embolization were retrospectively analyzed.Findings of digital subtraction angiography(DSA)immediately and 6 months after treatment were reviewed,and the modified Aminoff-Logue score(mALS)was compared before and 6 months after treatment.Results Among 8 cases of PMAVF,there were 2 cases of type Ⅰ,5 cases of type Ⅱand 1 case of type Ⅲ,among them 3 were treated with Onyx glue while 5 with Glubrane glue.The immediate DSA results after treatment showed complete embolization of the fistula in all 8 cases,while those 6 months after treatment showed no recurrence.One case recovered and the other 7 cases improved,and mALS(2.25±2.12)6 months after treatment was lower than that(5.50±2.39)before treatment(P＜0.05).Conclusion Endovascular embolization could safely and effectively treat PMAVF.

Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy of treatment of cement dislodgement after vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 13 patients who had been treated at Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University for cement dislodgement after vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral fractures from July 2013 to July 2022. There were 4 males and 9 females, with an average age of (76.5±8.6) years and a T value of bone mineral density of -3.3±0.6. By the CT and MRI features of cement dislodgement, their conditions fell in 4 types: cement loosening in situ (4 cases), anterior cement moving (6 cases), anterior cement moving with posterior bone mass moving (2 cases), and posterior cement moving (1 case). They were treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty (3 cases), pedicle screw fixation combined with bone graft fusion and decompression (7 cases), and conservative therapy (3 cases). The curative effects for surgical patients were evaluated by comparing their visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) and cobb angle of kyphosis at preoperation, 1 week and 1 month postoperation, and the last follow-up, and Frankel grading for nerve injury as well. The curative effects for patients undergoing conservative treatment were evaluated by observing their symptoms.Results:This cohort was followed up for 7 (5, 12) months after treatment. The VAS scores [5.0 (4.0, 5.0) points, 3.0 (2.0, 3.0) points, and 3.0 (2.0, 3.0) points] in the 10 surgical patients at 1 week and 1 month postoperation and the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with the preoperative value [8.5 (8.0, 9.0) points] ( P<0.05); the VAS scores at 1 month postoperation and the last follow-up were also significantly improved compared with that at 1 week postoperation ( P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the last follow-up and 1 month postoperation ( P > 0.05). The ODIs (50.6%±4.2%, 37.8%±4.5%, and 29.3%±5.6%) in the 10 surgical patients at 1 week and 1 month postoperation and the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with the preoperative value (93.2%±3.6%), showing significant differences in pairwise comparisons ( P<0.05). The cobb angles [10.0 (9.0, 11.0)°, 9.0 (9.0, 11.0)°, and 10.0 (9.0, 12.0)°] in the 10 surgical patients at 1 week and 1 month postoperation and the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with the preoperative value [12.5 (11.0, 14.0)°] ( P<0.05) , but there was no statistically significant difference between the time points after operation ( P>0.05). The Frankel grading was significantly improved in the 6 patients with nerve injury after operation. Of the 3 patients undergoing conservative treatment, the symptoms were cured in one, showed no change during follow-up in one, and aggravated in one. Conclusion:Surgical treatment can significantly relieve pain, improve spinal dysfunction and repair nerve injury in patients with bone cement dislodgement after vertebral augmentation.

Post-amputation pain causes great suffering to amputees, but still no effective drugs are available due to its elusive mechanisms. Our previous clinical studies found that surgical removal or radiofrequency treatment of the neuroma at the axotomized nerve stump effectively relieves the phantom pain afflicting patients after amputation. This indicated an essential role of the residual nerve stump in the formation of chronic post-amputation pain (CPAP). However, the molecular mechanism by which the residual nerve stump or neuroma is involved and regulates CPAP is still a mystery. In this study, we found that nociceptors expressed the mechanosensitive ion channel TMEM63A and macrophages infiltrated into the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons worked synergistically to promote CPAP. Histology and qRT-PCR showed that TMEM63A was mainly expressed in mechanical pain-producing non-peptidergic nociceptors in the DRG, and the expression of TMEM63A increased significantly both in the neuroma from amputated patients and the DRG in a mouse model of tibial nerve transfer (TNT). Behavioral tests showed that the mechanical, heat, and cold sensitivity were not affected in the Tmem63a^-/- mice in the naïve state, suggesting the basal pain was not affected. In the inflammatory and post-amputation state, the mechanical allodynia but not the heat hyperalgesia or cold allodynia was significantly decreased in Tmem63a^-/- mice. Further study showed that there was severe neuronal injury and macrophage infiltration in the DRG, tibial nerve, residual stump, and the neuroma-like structure of the TNT mouse model, Consistent with this, expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β all increased dramatically in the DRG. Interestingly, the deletion of Tmem63a significantly reduced the macrophage infiltration in the DRG but not in the tibial nerve stump. Furthermore, the ablation of macrophages significantly reduced both the expression of Tmem63a and the mechanical allodynia in the TNT mouse model, indicating an interaction between nociceptors and macrophages, and that these two factors gang up together to regulate the formation of CPAP. This provides a new insight into the mechanisms underlying CPAP and potential drug targets its treatment.
Animals ; Mice ; Amputation, Surgical ; Chronic Pain/pathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Ganglia, Spinal/pathology* ; Hyperalgesia/etiology* ; Ion Channels/metabolism* ; Macrophages ; Neuroma/pathology*