Myocardial fibrosis （MF） is a common pathological manifestation of various heart diseases. Due to the non-renewable nature of myocardial cells， the occurrence of MF represents irreversible damage to the myocardium. Previous studies have suggested that fibroblast-mediated collagen deposition is the main mechanism of MF. Recent studies have found that there is an immune regulation mechanism in the heart itself， and macrophage activation/polarization plays an important role in MF. With the deepening of traditional Chinese medicine research， scholars have found that traditional Chinese medicine can interfere with MF by regulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system （RAAS） system and the inflammatory process， repairing the extracellular matrix， managing oxidative stress， and maintaining the balance of autophagy. This process is closely related to the activation and M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. Throughout the MF process， macrophage activation is beneficial， but excessive activation will be harmful. In the early stage of MF， appropriate M1 macrophage polarization is conducive to activating immunity and removing harmful substances. In the middle and late stages of MF， appropriate M2 macrophage polarization is conducive to remodeling the damaged myocardium. If macrophage activation is excessive/insufficient， or the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization is broken， the effect changes from improvement to destruction. Traditional Chinese medicines that regulate the activation/polarization of macrophages have the effects of replenishing Qi and nourishing Yin， as well as regulating Qi and activating blood， but there are also some heat-clearing， dampness-drying， and detoxification products. Therefore， the occurrence of MF may be caused by Qi and Yin deficiency， damp heat accumulation， and Qi stagnation and blood stasis. By summarizing the biological processes involved in macrophage activation/polarization in MF， this paper expounded on the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating macrophage activation and M1/M2 polarization from different angles to improve MF， so as to provide a reference for the treatment of MF with traditional Chinese medicine.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have shown the correlation between lumbosacral sagittal plane parameters and natural absorption of lumbar disc herniation.However,the lumbosacral sagittal plane parameters included lumbar lordosis angle,lumbosacral joint angle,sacral inclination angle and many other parameters.The effects of each parameter on the natural absorption of the herniated disc were different.In addition,there are few studies on the reabsorption of a specific segment of intervertebral disc herniation at present,and most of the measured data are obtained from digital radiography or CT,while the correlation between lumbosacral sagittal plane parameters measured from MRI and reabsorption after L5/S1 intervertebral disc herniation is rarely reported. OBJECTIVE:To study the corresponding changes of lumbar sagittal plane parameters after L5/S1 intervertebral disc herniation reabsorption and to screen out the lumbosacral sagittal plane parameters with the most significant changes during intervertebral disc reabsorption. METHODS:Totally 57 patients with lumbar disc herniation who had complete MRI image data were selected and met the diagnostic criteria for lumbar disc herniation and only received non-surgical treatment for reabsorption of L5/S1 protrusion segments.MRI measured the protrusion area of the maximum protrusion plane in the coronal plane,lumbosacral sagittal plane parameters[lumbar curvature index,lumbar lordosis(α),L5/S1 disc angle(β),intervertebral height measurement,lumbosacral joint angle,sacral platform angle,sacral inclination angle,and lower lumbar lordosis angle].Besides,lumbosacral sagittal plane parameters were ranked in the importance of variables by random forest model in R software,and then significant variables were fitted with multiple linear regression.The changes between parameters before and after treatment were analyzed and compared by paired sample t-test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 57 patients with L5/S1 lumbar disc herniation were included in this study,and the symptoms and imaging features of the patients were significantly relieved to a large extent.(2)Before treatment,there were 4 cases of grade 1,29 cases of grade 2 and 24 cases of grade 3 according to the Classification of Michigan State University.After treatment,there were 48 cases of grade 1 and 9 cases of grade 2.(3)The random forest model suggested that intervertebral height,lumbar curve index,sacral inclination angle,and lower lumbar lordosis angle changed significantly in L5/S1 disc herniation reabsorption,and the order of their change significance was lumbar curve index>intervertebral space height>sacral inclination angle>lower lumbar lordosis angle.(4)Lumbar curve index,lumbar lordosis and sacral platform angle increased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in disc angle,intervertebral height,lower lumbar lordosis angle,sacral inclination angle or lumbosacral joint angle(P>0.05).(5)Lumbar curvature index was the most significant parameter of the lumbosacral sagittal plane in herniated disc reabsorption.In addition,lumbar curve index,sacral inclination angle,and lower lumbar lordosis angle are commonly used clinically to describe the change of lumbar curvature,suggesting that L5/S1 disc herniation reabsorption is correlated with the change of lumbar curvature.It is indicated that in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation,a clinical cure can be achieved by improving or restoring the disordered lumbar curvature.

Objective:To analyze factors associated with timely vaccination of pertussis-containing vaccines in children born in Shanghai from 2019 to 2023.Methods:Children born in Shanghai between 2019 and 2023 were selected using a stratified random sampling method, and their vaccination data were obtained from the Shanghai Vaccine Management and Vaccination Service Information System. The vaccination rates, timely vaccination rates, and the proportions of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-haemophilus influenzae type b combination vaccine (DTaP-Hib) and diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-inactivated poliovirus-haemophilus influenzae type b combination vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib) for the substitution of diphtheria- tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) were calculated. Also, the factors associated with timely vaccination rate was analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:The average vaccination coverage rate of pertussis-containing vaccines in children born in Shanghai from 2019 to 2023 ranged from 94.71% to 99.53%. There were significant differences in the vaccination coverage of the 1 st-4 th doses of pertussis-containing vaccines among children born in different years (all P<0.05), but no gender and area specific significant differences were observed (all P>0.05). Non-national immunization program (non-NIP) vaccines were used to substitute DTaP vaccines in some children, with the proportion of DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine accounting for 50.11%-52.69% and the proportion of DTaP-Hib vaccine accounting for 27.22%-28.43%. The proportions of DTaP-Hib and DTaP-IPV-Hib for the substitution of DTaP had increasing trends over the years. The overall timely vaccination rate of pertussis-containing vaccine vaccination was 84.09%. Analysis on the factors affecting the timely vaccination rate showed that the rate gradually decreased with the increase of the doses. Children who received the self-paid quadrivalent or pentavalent vaccines were less likely to have vaccination delays. Birth year had a significant impact on the timely vaccination rate, while the area had less impact. Additionally, the timely vaccination rate was also influenced by the degree of non-pharmaceutical intervention measures. Conclusions:The substitution of pertussis- containing vaccines with non-NIP vaccines was common in Shanghai. The coverage and timeliness of pertussis-containing vaccine vaccination were relatively high. The timely vaccination rate was significantly associated with gender, dose, vaccine type, and the degree of non-pharmaceutical interventions. There was a certain proportions of delayed and missed vaccinations, and it is necessary to pay attention to children who are not vaccinated timely and conduct high-quality catch-up vaccination to ensure timely and complete vaccination of pertussis-containing vaccines.

Objective To obtain the monitoring measurement range of quality indicators of red blood cells,plasma and derivatives and leukocyte-reduced apheresis platelets provided by blood stations in Hebei province,explore the distribution of monitoring values and the change of monitoring level,so as to further strengthen the homogenization construction of quality control laboratories in blood stations in Hebei.Methods In 2023,the sampling data of 12 blood stations in Hebei from 2015 to 2022 were collected,scatter plots were made and the range markers were set,and the"mean±SD"line was taken as the upper limit and lower limit of the measurement range.In 2024,the monitoring values in 2023 were added,and the changes of two measurement ranges were compared to analyze the stability and overall level.Results Comparison of the measurement range from 2015 to 2022 and the measurement range from 2015 to 2023 showed that the standard deviation of the content of deleukocyte suspension of red blood cells-hemoglobin,washed erythrocyte-hemoglobin,washed erythrocyte-su-pernatant protein,cryoprecipitate coagulation factor-FⅧ,fresh frozen plasma-FⅧ,leukocyte-reduced apheresis platelets-leukocyte residue and leukocyte-reduced apheresis platelet-red blood cell concentration decreased from 8.132 to 7.993,6.252 to 6.104,0.273 to 0.267,57.506 to 56.276,0.920 to 0.892,0.653 to 0.644 and 2.653 to 2.603,respectively.The narrowing of the standard deviation range of the above items led to more concentrated monitoring values and reduced disper-sion.Comparison of the measurement range from 2015 to 2022 and the measurement range from 2015 to 2023 showed that the mean value of leukocyte residue of the deleukocyte suspension of red blood cells,hemoglobin content of the wash eryth-rocyte,protein content of supernatant of the wash erythrocyte,hemolysis rate of the wash erythrocyte,FⅧ content of the cryoprecipitate coagulation factor,plasma protein content of the fresh frozen plasma,FⅧ content of the fresh frozen plasma,platelet content of the leukocyte-reduced apheresis platelets changed from 0.362 to 0.476,44.915 to 44.861,0.280 to 0.283,0.137 to 0.142,133.989 to 133.271,60.262 to 60.208,1.301 to 1.277 and 3.036 to 3.033,respectively,and was closer to the national standard line,which reflects an increase in the number of unqualified monitoring values or values close to the national standard line in 2023.The long-term qualified rate of coagulation items was low,and no improvement has been ob-served.The stability of biochemical items has been enhanced but overall deviation has occurred,with the average value close to the national standard line.The possibility of subsequent testing failure has increased.The counting items showed no obvi-ous common characteristics.Conclusion The use of"mean±SD"in the analysis can visually display the distribution of mo-nitoring values of different items in Hebei,forming an indicator measurement range covering the past nine years.It shows the characteristics of each item,and provides reference for subsequent quality control laboratory data analysis of each blood sta-tions to takes active measures to improve the monitoring level.

Objective:This study aimed to share preliminary experiences of single-incision plus two ports laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with right-sided overlap and single-flap valvuloplasty (ROSF).Methods:Following the 6th edition of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines, proximal gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. Using a single-port approach, the esophagus was transected at least 2 cm above the tumor's upper margin with linear staplers. The stomach was then extracted through a periumbilical incision, and the proximal stomach was subsequently transected extracorporeally, while ensuring appropriate resection margins on both the greater and lesser curvatures. A single flap was created before returning the remnant stomach to the abdominal cavity and re-establishing pneumoperitoneum. The No.2 clip was used to grasp and elevate the esophageal stump. An incision was made at the right lower edge of the esophageal stump to guarantee that the esophageal lumen was open. The linear stapler was then inserted into the openings of the stomach and esophagus to perform a side overlap anastomosis with a length of 3 cm. Another barbed suture was used to close the common opening of the esophagus and the stomach, and the same barbed suture were used to suture the gastric wall to the lower edge of the muscle flap. The first barbed suture was then used to sequentially suture the proximal brim of the flap to the esophagus and the right brim of the flap to the right brim of the mucosal window. After completion of anastomosis, a drainage tube was inserted through the right upper port. This procedure was employed from November 2023 to March 2024 on five patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and upper stomach. The cohort consisted of three males and two females, with an age range of 62 to 75 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 13.7 to 24.2 kg/m2. All cases were preoperatively staged as T1-2N0M0, confirmed by endoscopic biopsy and enhanced CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.Results:All five patients successfully underwent the surgery. The median surgery time was 180-325 minutes, with the intraoperative blood loss of 30-50 ml. The number of lymph nodes harvested ranged from 18 to 27. The time to first flatus, and restore liquid diet and was 2.0-5.0 and 1.0-3.0 days, respectively. The postoperative length of stay was 9.0-11.0 days. The pain scores on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). On the first day, the pain scores were 3.0 in two cases, 2.0 in two cases, and 1.0 in one case. On the second day, the pain scores were 2.0 in two cases and 1.0 in three cases. On the third day, the pain scores were 1.0 in four cases and 2.0 in one case. No short-term postoperative complications were observed, and there were no perioperative deaths.Conclusion:Single-incision plus two ports laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with ROSF is safe and feasible.

Objective:Efficiency is a key factor in the sustainable operation of the medical insurance system.By measuring the current efficiency of the urban employee basic medical insurance system in 31 provinces in China from 2020 to 2021,it discovers possible problems,and provides reference suggestions for improving the efficiency of the system.Methods:Using the super efficiency SBM model based on unexpected output and the Malmquist index to measure the static and dynamic efficiency of employee medical in-surance in 31 provinces in China,and using Tobit regression analysis to analyze its influencing factors.Results:The overall compre-hensive efficiency of the national employee medical insurance operation is 0.826 in 2020 and 0.827 in 2021 respectively.The efficien-cy of employee medical insurance operation in the eastern region is significantly higher than that in the central and westem regions.Over 60％of provinces have inefficient operation of employee medical insurance.The overall total factor productivity of employee medical insurance operation is showing a downward trend,and the decline in technological progress is the main limiting factor.The level of economic development has a significant promotion effect on the efficiency of employee medical insurance operation,and the degree of population aging has a significant inhibitory effect on it.Conclusion:The efficiency of employee medical insurance opera-tion in China still needs to be improved,and there is a significant efficiency gap among different regions.Therefore,investment and attention should be increased in the central and western regions to bridge regional gaps and promote the equity development of medi-cal insurance.Therefore,the reform efforts should be continuously intensified to achieve technological progress.In addition,attention should also be paid to the driving role of economic development in the efficiency of employee medical insurance operation and the for-mulation of positive policies on population aging.

Objective To observe the value of ultrasound microvascular flow imaging(MV-Flow)combined with maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression level for diagnosis of fetal growth restriction(FGR).Methods Totally 87 pregnant women with FGR(FGR group,including 43 cases of gestational week＜28 weeks[＜28 weeks subgroup]and 44 cases of ≥28 weeks[≥28 weeks subgroup])and 112 normal pregnant women with normal fetuses(normal control group,55 with gestational week＜28 weeks[NC 1 subgroup]and 57 with ≥28 weeks[NC 2 subgroup])were prospectively enrolled.MV-Flow technology was used to measure placental microvascular index(MVI),and the placental microvascular circulation was evaluated.The expression level of maternal serum VEGF was detected simultaneously,also of placental maternal surface immediately after delivery.The receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn to explore the value of placental MVI,maternal serum VEGF and the combination of placental MVI,maternal serum VEGF for diagnosing FGR.Results The levels of placental MVI and maternal serum VEGF in 2 subgroups of FGR group were both lower than those in control group(all P＜0.01).Placental VEGF expression level in FGR group was significantly lower than that in control group(P＜0.01).The area under the curve(AUC)of placental MVI,maternal serum VEGF and their combination for diagnosing FGR＜28 weeks was 0.981,0.870 and 0.997,respectively,while for diagnosing FGR≥28 weeks was 0.991,0.867 and 0.993,respectively.AUC of maternal serum VEGF alone for diagnosing in 2 subgroups of FGR were both lower than that of placental MVI and combination of placental MVI and maternal serum VEGF(all P＜0.05),while no significant difference of AUC was found between placental MVI and combination of maternal serum VEGF and placental MVI(both P＞0.05).Conclusion Both placental MVI and maternal serum VEGF level could be used to screen FGR,and the former was more valuable.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors for the relapse of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) after steroid therapy.Methods:Clinical data of 72 AIP patients treated with steroids in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2012 to December 2023 were collected retrospectively. AIP patients were divided into relapse group ( n=25) and non-relapse group ( n=47) based on the presence or absence of their relapse after steroid therapy. Patients' age of onset, gender, history of diabetes mellitus, first clinical manifestations, serum IgG4 and CA19-9 level, imaging features and other organ involvements were recorded. Oral prednisone was used at an initial dose of 0.6 mg·kg -1·d -1, gradually reduced to 5-10 mg/d and then maintained at a low dose. The follow-up period started from steroid initiation to the last follow-up or relapse. The presence of maintenance steroid treatment, time interval between onset and steroid initiation, the presence of significant IgG4 decrease and the presence of persistently enlarged pancreas after therapy were recorded. The cumulative relapse rate curve after steroid therapy was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by Cox proportional hazard regression model. The receiver operator characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The Log-Rank test was used to analyze the differences on the relapse between different groups. The subgroup forest plot was drawn to assess the effect of risk factors on the relapse of AIP in different subgroups. Results:The 72 patients with AIP had a median follow-up of 42 (12-127) months. 34.7% (25/72) of patients relapsed after steroid therapy during the follow-up period. The percentages of patients whose first clinical manifestation was abdominal distension or acute pancreatitis, whose interval between onset and steroid initiation was more than 1 year and whose pancreases were persistently enlarged after steroid therapy in the relapse group were higher than those in the non-relapse group, and the differences were all statistically significant (all P value <0.05). The 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative relapse rate after steroid therapy was 20.8%, 34.1% and 37.8%, respectively. Univariate analysis found that the first clinical manifestations of abdominal distension or acute pancreatitis, interval between onset and steroid initiation more than 1 year, and persistently enlarged pancreas after steroid therapy were all significantly associated with relapse (all P value <0.05). Multivariate analysis found that interval between onset and steroid initiation more than 1 year and persistently enlarged pancreas after steroid therapy were independent risk factors for relapse of AIP [hazard ratio ( HR)=3.606 and 6.515, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.362-9.854 and 2.088-20.326]. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the relapse rate after steroid therapy was higher in AIP patients whose interval between onset and steroid initiation was more than 1 year than in those whose interval was less than 1 year (55.6% versus 27.8%), and the relapse rate in AIP patients with persistently enlarged pancreas after steroid therapy was higher than that in those without it (77.8% versus 28.6%), and the differences were both statistically significant (both P<0.05). Subgroup forest plot showed that persistently enlarged pancreas after steroid therapy was an independent risk factor for relapse of AIP regardless of the presence of a diabetes mellitus history, the first manifestation of abdominal pain, the diffuse or focal type in pancreatic imaging, and the presence of dilated pancreatic duct or not (all P value <0.05). Conclusions:Time interval between onset and steroid initiation more than 1 year and persistently enlarged pancreas after steroid therapy were independent risk factors for the relapse of AIP after steroid therapy.

Objective To investigate the feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy of minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy (MIME) in patients with locally advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) after neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Methods The clinical data of the patients with locally advanced TESCC in the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from July 2022 to March 2023 were restrospectively analyzed. They were divided into a neoadjuvant immunotherapy (NI) group and a non-neoadjuvant immunotherapy (NNI) group according to different preoperative neoadjuvant therapy. The perioperative clinical data and 3-month follow-up data were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 47 patients were collected, including 31 males and 16 females with a mean age of (67.57±7.64) years. There were 29 patients in the NI group and 18 patients in the NNI group. There were no statistical differences in baseline data, perioperative complications, short-term complications, surgical time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative adjuvant therapy, metastasis/recurrence within 3 months, R0 resection rate, postoperative pathological staging decline, or College of American Pathologists (CAP) tumor regression grade between the two groups (P＞0.05). Conclusion Neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy can be safely and effectively performed for patients with locally advanced TESCC without increasing operation time, intraoperative blood loss and perioperative complications.

Objective:This study aimed to share preliminary experiences of single-incision plus two ports laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with right-sided overlap and single-flap valvuloplasty (ROSF).Methods:Following the 6th edition of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines, proximal gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. Using a single-port approach, the esophagus was transected at least 2 cm above the tumor's upper margin with linear staplers. The stomach was then extracted through a periumbilical incision, and the proximal stomach was subsequently transected extracorporeally, while ensuring appropriate resection margins on both the greater and lesser curvatures. A single flap was created before returning the remnant stomach to the abdominal cavity and re-establishing pneumoperitoneum. The No.2 clip was used to grasp and elevate the esophageal stump. An incision was made at the right lower edge of the esophageal stump to guarantee that the esophageal lumen was open. The linear stapler was then inserted into the openings of the stomach and esophagus to perform a side overlap anastomosis with a length of 3 cm. Another barbed suture was used to close the common opening of the esophagus and the stomach, and the same barbed suture were used to suture the gastric wall to the lower edge of the muscle flap. The first barbed suture was then used to sequentially suture the proximal brim of the flap to the esophagus and the right brim of the flap to the right brim of the mucosal window. After completion of anastomosis, a drainage tube was inserted through the right upper port. This procedure was employed from November 2023 to March 2024 on five patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and upper stomach. The cohort consisted of three males and two females, with an age range of 62 to 75 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 13.7 to 24.2 kg/m2. All cases were preoperatively staged as T1-2N0M0, confirmed by endoscopic biopsy and enhanced CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.Results:All five patients successfully underwent the surgery. The median surgery time was 180-325 minutes, with the intraoperative blood loss of 30-50 ml. The number of lymph nodes harvested ranged from 18 to 27. The time to first flatus, and restore liquid diet and was 2.0-5.0 and 1.0-3.0 days, respectively. The postoperative length of stay was 9.0-11.0 days. The pain scores on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). On the first day, the pain scores were 3.0 in two cases, 2.0 in two cases, and 1.0 in one case. On the second day, the pain scores were 2.0 in two cases and 1.0 in three cases. On the third day, the pain scores were 1.0 in four cases and 2.0 in one case. No short-term postoperative complications were observed, and there were no perioperative deaths.Conclusion:Single-incision plus two ports laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with ROSF is safe and feasible.