ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Feixin decoction treats hypoxic pulmonary hypertension （HPH） by regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma （PPARγ）/nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 （NLRP3） signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly allocated into normal， hypoxia， and low-， medium- and high-dose （5.85， 11.7， 23.4 g·kg^-1， respectively） Feixin decoction groups， with 8 rats in each group. Except the normal group， the remaining five groups were placed in a hypoxia chamber with an oxygen concentration of （10.0±0.5）% for 8 h per day， 28 days， and administrated with corresponding drugs during the modeling process. After 4 weeks of treatment， echocardiographic parameters ［pulmonary artery acceleration time （PAT）， pulmonary artery ejection time （PET）， right ventricular anterior wall thickness （RVAWd）， and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion （TAPSE）］ were measured for each group. The right ventricular systolic pressure （RVSP） was measured by the right heart catheterization method， and the right ventricular hypertrophy index （RVHI） was calculated by weighing the heart. The pathological changes in pulmonary arterioles were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The co-localization of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） with NLRP3， N-terminal gasdermin D （N-GSDMD）， and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1） in pulmonary arteries was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of PPARγ， NF-κB， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， N-GSDMD， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-18（IL-18）， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue was determined by Western blot. The ultrastructural changes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） were observed by transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the hypoxia group showed increased RVSP and RVHI （P<0.01）， decreased right heart function （P<0.01）， increased pulmonary vascular remodeling （P<0.01）， increased co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3， N-GSDMD， and Caspase-1 in pulmonary arterioles （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of NF-κB， NLRP3， ASC， N-GSDMD， IL-1β， IL-18， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， a down-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and pyroptosis in PASMCs. Compared with the hypoxia group， Feixin decoction reduced RVSP and RVHI， improved the right heart function and ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodeling （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased the co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3， N-GSDMD， and Caspase-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB， NLRP3， ASC， N-GSDMD， IL-1β， IL-18， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the protein level of PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and alleviated pyroptosis in PASMCs. ConclusionFeixin decoction can ameliorate pulmonary vascular remodeling and right heart dysfunction in chronically induced HPH rats by regulating pyroptosis in PASMCs through the PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

Objective To explore the effect and safety of magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal ultrasound (mpMRI-TRUS) image fusion targeted transperineal biopsy technique using electromagnetic needle tracking under local anesthesia. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathological data of 81 patients with mpMRI-TRUS image fusion targeted transperineal prostate biopsy using electromagnetic needle tracking under local anesthesia. Visual analog scale (VAS) and visual numeric scale (VNS) were used to evaluate the pain level and satisfaction of patients during prostate biopsy (VAS-1 and VNS-1), one hour after puncture (VAS-2 and VNS-2), and one day after surgery (VAS-3 and VNS-3). The perioperative clinical data and tumor positive rate of postoperative biopsy were recorded. Results The average prostate volume of 81 patients was 53.39±29.46 cm³. The PSA values of patients with PI-RADS scores of 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 9.14±2.31, 9.95±4.10, 14.77±6.36, and 32.17±24.39 ng/ml, respectively. The scores of VAS-1, VAS-2, and VAS-3 were 1.70±0.73, 1.16±0.58, and 0.53±0.55, respectively; the scores of VNS-1, VNS-2, and VNS-3 were 2.74±0.44, 3.69±0.46, and 3.84±0.37, respectively. The average surgical time was 17.47±3.44 minutes. Postoperative pathological results showed that the tumor positive rate of targeted prostate biopsy was 64.20%. According to the PI-RADS score for subgroup analysis, the tumor positive rates of patients with PI-RADS scores of 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 21.43%, 44.44%, 61.11%, and 96.77%, respectively. After transperineal prostate biopsy, gross hematuria occurred in 19.75% patients, and urinary retention occurred in 3.70%. The latter were relieved after symptomatic treatment. All patients did not experience complications, such as perineal puncture area hematoma, urinary tract infection, hematospermia, hematoma in perineal puncture area, urinary tract infection, hematospermia, vagus nerve reaction, or septic shock. Conclusion For suspected prostate cancer patients, mpMRI-TRUS image fusion targeted transperineal biopsy technique using electromagnetic needle tracking under local anesthesia is a feasible and easily tolerated surgical procedure. It has good safety and high tumor positive-detection rate, indicating that this technique is worthy of further clinical promotion and application.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of adult skeletal fluorosis caused by drinking tea-type endemic fluorosis in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (hereinafter referred to as Yushu Prefecture), Qinghai Province, and provide scientific basis for prevention and control of the disease.Methods:In August 2021, one village was selected as a survey site in six counties (cities) in Yushu Prefecture, including Nangqian, Chindu, Yushu, Zadoi, Qumarlêb, and Zhiduo. Drinking water samples and 10 brick tea samples were collected from each village to determine the fluoride content in water and brick tea; at least 100 permanent residents aged ≥ 25, who had a habit of drinking brick tea and had lived in the local area for more than 5 years, were selected for X-ray imaging to examine the prevalence of adult skeletal fluorosis.Results:A total of 75 samples of residential drinking water were collected, with a fluoride content of (0.21 ± 0.05) mg/L, ranging from 0.11 to 0.34 mg/L; 60 samples of brick tea, with a fluoride content of (626.70 ± 157.27) mg/kg, ranging from 324.00 to 2 102.00 mg/kg. A total of 1 136 adults were examined, and 318 cases of skeletal fluorosis were diagnosed, with a detection rate of 27.99%. Among them, the detection rates of mild, moderate, and severe skeletal fluorosis were 20.95% (238/1 136), 6.07% (69/1 136), and 0.97% (11/1 136), respectively, with mild symptoms being the main. The detection rates of skeletal fluorosis in males and females were 29.09% (121/416) and 27.36% (197/720), respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the gender (χ 2 = 0.39, P = 0.533). Comparison of the skeletal fluorosis in different gender, the differences were statistically significant (χ 2 = 22.31, P < 0.001). The detection rates of skeletal fluorosis in the age groups of 25 - 35, 36 - 45, 46 - 55, 56 - 65, 66 - 75, and ≥76 years old were 6.86% (7/102), 22.37% (51/228), 24.02% (92/383), 37.44% (73/195), 43.48% (70/161), and 37.31% (25/67), respectively. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (χ 2 = 59.84, P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in the composition of skeletal fluorosis among different age groups ( H = 37.66, P < 0.001). The Spearman correlation analysis results showed that the severity of adult skeletal fluorosis was positively correlated with age ( r = 0.34, P < 0.001). Conclusions:There is a certain degree of prevalence of adult skeletal fluorosis in Yushu Prefecture. And as age increases, the condition of skeletal fluorosis becomes more severe.

Objective To optimize of flash extraction parameters for Huangshen Changshu lotion based on response surface methodology.Methods Using flash extraction technology,the comprehensive scores of the extraction amount of rhein,emodin,and dry cream yield were used as evaluation indicators.The Box Behnken Design program provided by Response Surface Design Expert software was used for experimental design to optimize the optimal process parameters for flash extraction of Huangshen Changshu lotion,and compared with traditional extraction processes.Results The optimal extraction process parameters for Huangshen Changshu lotion flash extraction are as follows:a rotational speed of 4 000 r·min-1,a solid-liquid ratio of 1:25(g·mL-1),and an extraction time of 100 s.Conclusion The flash extraction process technology for Huangshen Changshu lotion established through research is feasible and has obvious advantages compared to traditional extraction processes,providing a research foundation for new extraction processes and subsequent drug development of Huangshen Changshu lotion.

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal ultrasonography(mpMRI-TRUS)fusion targeted transperineal biopsy(TPB)under local anesthesia(LA)with"one-plane three-point"dual probe ultrasound localization.Methods Clinical data of 134 suspected prostate cancer(PCa)patients treated with this method in our hospital during Jan.and Sep.2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The same doctor applied visual analog scale(VAS)and visual digital scale(VNS)to evaluate the pain level and satisfaction of patients during TPB(VAS-1 and VNS-1)and 1 hour after TPB(VAS-2 and VNS-2),and recorded the perioperative clinical data and detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa).Results VAS-1 score was(1.60±0.68)and VAS-2 score was(1.13±0.55);VNS-1 score was(2.84±0.41),and VNS-2 score was(3.74±0.44).The operation time was(16.12±3.35)minutes.The postoperative pathological results showed that the detection rate of csPCa was 65.67％(88/134).According to the PI-RADS score in subgroup analysis,the detection rates of patients with PI-RADS scores of 2,3,4,and 5 were 23.08％(6/26),52.94％(18/34),62.50％(15/24)and 98.00％(49/50),respectively.After TPB,gross hematuria occurred in 20.90％(28/134)patients,and urinary retention occurred in 4.00％(5/125)patients,which were relieved after symptomatic treatment.No complications such as perineal puncture area hematoma,urinary tract infection,hematospermia,vagal nerve reaction,and septic shock occurred.Conclusion The mpMRI-TRUS fusion targeted TPB under LA with"one-plane three-point"dual probe ultrasound localization provides a feasible and tolerable surgical procedure for suspected PCa patients with a high detection rate of csPCa,which is worthy of further clinical promotion and application.

Objective To explore the feasibility and accuracy of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)in the prediction of testicular torsion(TT)in children with acute scrotal pain.Methods A retrospective case-control study was performed on 158 pediatric patients with ultrasound suspicion of TT who underwent surgical testicular examination during Jan.2017 and Jan.2024.The patients were divided into TT group and non-TT group.Clinical data and laboratory data at admission were analyzed.Sensitivity and specificity of NLR to TT were determined with the area under the curve(AUC)represented on the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results There were with no statistically significant differences in clinical data between the two groups(P＞0.05).The NLR was significantly higher in the TT group than in the non-TT group[(4.82±2.37)vs.(2.85±0.75),P＜0.05].The optimal cut-off value of TT predicted by NLR was 2.07,the AUC was 0.809(95％CI:0.709-0.909),and the sensitivity and specificity were 97.9％and 93.3％,respectively,which were significantly higher than other factors.Conclusion For suspicious ultrasound diagnosis of pediatric acute scrotal pain cases,NLR can be used to predict the possibility of TT and may help to evaluate the urgent surgical treatment in these patients.

Objective To explore the application value of mpMRI-TRUS multi-modal image fusion transperineal biopsy technique using electromagnetic needle tracking under local anesthesia combined with rapid paraffin-embedded section of small specimen in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.Methods The clinicopathological data of 138 patients with PI-RADS score≥3 who underwent mpMRI-TRUS image fusion transperineal biopsy using electromagnetic needle tracking under local anesthesia were retrospectively analyzed.AI technology was used to fuse mpMRI and TRUS multi-mode images,and two-core targeted biopsies were performed on suspicious lesions,followed by 12-core systematic biopsies.The specimens obtained from targeted biopsies were sent for rapid paraffin-embedded section pathological examination,and the detection rates of csPCa were compared.Results The detection rate of csPCa in 138 patients was 71.01% .The detection rates of csPCa in targeted biopsies and systematic biopsies were 62.32% and 70.29%,respectively(P=0.20).The detection rate of combined biopsies was higher than those of targeted biopsies and systematic biopsies,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The detection rates of csPCa in targeted biopsies,systematic biopsies,and combined biopsies in patients with PI-RADS score 3 were 30.95%,38.10%,and 40.48%,respectively;and the percentages were 52.94%,61.76%,and 61.76% in patients with PI-RADS score 4,respectively;and the percentages were 90.32%,96.77%,and 96.77% in patients with PI-RADS score 5,respectively,without statistically significant difference(all P>0.05).In the subgroups with PI-RADS scores of 3,4,and 5,the missed diagnosis rates of csPCa by targeted biopsies were 23.53%,14.29%,and 6.67%,respectively.Conclusion For patients with suspected prostate cancer and PI-RADS v2.1 score≥3,transperineal biopsy using electromagnetic needle tracking combined with rapid paraffin-embedded section of small specimen can obtain pathological results rapidly and has good diagnostic accuracy.However,combined biopsy is still the most suitable method for the diagnosis of prostate cancer at present.

Pulmonary hypertension(PH)is a progressive pulmonary vascular disease that can lead to right heart failure and death.In recent years,the incidence of PH has been increasing year by year and there is a lack of effective treatment.TCM can play an important synergistic role in the treatment of PH.Pulmonary vascular remodeling is a core pathological feature of PH,which is closely related to the physiological structure and pathological changes of the collaterals.Based on the collateral disease theory,this article described the key pathogenesis of PH in TCM and Western medicine,including the lesions of the pulmonary and cardiovascular complexes and pulmonary vascular remodeling,analyzed the physiology of the"collateral-vessel"in PH,sorting out the pathological correlation,and explored TCM targeting pulmonary vascular remodeling in the identification and treatment of PH,so as to provide a new way of thinking for the clinical treatment of PH.

Objective To investigate the effects of intraoperative application of esketamine on post-operative anxiety and depression in burn patients undergoing escharectomy and skin grafting.Methods Seventy-three patients undergoing escharectomy and skin grafting were selected,46 males and 27 females,aged 18-64 years,BMI 18.5-27.9 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ.According to the random number table method,the patients were divided into two groups:esketamine group(group E,n=37)and control group(group C,n=36).Group E received a 0.2 mg/kg intravenous bolus of esketamine during anesthesia induction followed by a 0.1 mg·kg-1·h-1 continuous infusion until the end of surgery.Group C received an equal volume of normal saline.Patients in both groups received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA)after surgery.The postoperative eye opening time,extubation time,PACU residence time,hospitalization and the number of effective compressions and total compressions of postoperative anal-gesia pumpand remediate analgesia after surgery were recorded.The self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),self-rating depression scale(SDS)and incidence of anxiety and depression were recorded 1 day before surgery,3 and 7 days after surgery.The occurrence of adverse reactions within 48 hours after surgery were also recor-ded.Results Compared with group C,the postoperative PACU residence time and hospitalization in group E were shortened(P＜0.05),the times of effective and total compressions and remediate analgesia after surgery in group E were decreased(P＜0.05),the scores of SAS and SDS and incidence of anxiety and depression at 3 and 7 days after surgery in group E were decreased(P＜0.05).There were no statistical differences in adverse reactions within 48 hours after surgery between the two groups.Conclusion Intraop-erative application of esketamine in burn patients undergoing escharectomy and skin grafting can improve postoperative anxiety and depression,reduce the usage of postoperative opioids and promote early recovery.

Objective:To explore the method of developing a canal-shaped implant template using a combined automatic pre-planning and 3D printing technology, and assess its impact on dose and efficacy improvement.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 15 patients with advanced cervical cancer admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from September 2020 to September 2022 was performed. Patients had characteristics such as vaginal stump recurrence, tumor eccentric growth, and previous hysterotomy, etc. Three-dimensional images were obtained by CT scan after automatic pre-planning. The PMT 3D software was used to analyze digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) radiotherapy data, capture the coordinates of the pre-planned stay points to establish the implant channel, and generate the size and shape of the canal-shaped implant template based on patients' physiological structure. Dosimetric parameters, such as conformity index (CI), were evaluated. The changes of tumor size before and after treatment were analyzed by paired t-test. Results:Fifteen patients were treated with the canal-shaped implant template. The CI was 0.74±0.26, the total radiation dose (HR-CTV) D 90% (EQD 2, α/β=10) was (85.5±6.8) Gy, and the D 2 cm3 (EQD 2, α/β=3)for bladder, rectum, small intestine, and colon were (72.2±4.2), (65.8±6.1), (65.2±4.4), and (69.8±3.7) Gy, respectively, meeting clinical needs. After the treatment, the tumor volume was significantly decreased. The template had a good fit with the vaginal cavity, and a small amount of air gap on the sidewall did not affect the dose. Non-parallel needle insertion increased the utilization of the cavity space and implant needles. Conclusion:The method of developing the canal-shaped implant template using automatic pre-planning and 3D printing technology is efficient and effective, meets the requirements of modern precise radiotherapy, and has practical clinical value.