BACKGROUND:Many studies have focused on acupuncture,such as silver needles,for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation,but there are few studies based on the myofascial trigger point theory. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of silver needle comprehensive therapy on the ultrasound morphology and clinical efficacy of multifidus muscles in patients with lumbar disc herniation based on the theory of myofascial trigger points. METHODS:A total of 159 patients with lumbar disc herniation who were seen from January 2022 to April 2023 were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into three groups:conventional group(n=53),traditional acupuncture group(n=53),and silver needle group(n=53).The conventional group received routine western medicine treatment;the traditional acupuncture group used traditional acupuncture therapy based on meridian pathways and symptom localization;and the silver needle group used silver needle warm acupuncture at myofascial trigger points for intervention.All three groups received continuous treatment for 4 weeks.The number of myofascial trigger points,pain assessment,lumbar function evaluation,ultrasound morphology changes of multifidus muscles,clinical efficacy,and traditional Chinese medicine symptom score were recorded before and after treatment in the three groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After treatment,the number of myofascial trigger points in the lumbar muscles decreased in all groups,and the silver needle group showed a significant reduction compared with the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional group(P<0.05).(2)The pain rating index score,visual analogue scale score,present pain intensity score,Oswestry disability index score,and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire score in the silver needle group were lower than those in the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional group(P<0.05).(3)The ultrasound morphology indexes of multifidus muscles in the silver needle group were superior to those in the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional western medicine group(P<0.05).(4)Traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores in the silver needle group were lower than those in the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional western medicine group(P<0.05).(5)There were significant differences in clinical efficacy among the three groups(P<0.05).To conclude,applying silver needle comprehensive therapy based on the theory of myofascial trigger points can effectively reduce pain,improve clinical efficacy,and enhance lumbar spine dysfunction and multifidus muscle morphology in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of low-intensity illumination 3D heads-up system-assisted pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and traditional microscope eyepiece system-assisted PPV for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).Methods:A randomized controlled study was conducted.Forty patients (40 eyes) who were diagnosed as PDR and met the PPV standard were included in Xuzhou First People's Hospital from June to December 2022.The patients were randomly divided into 3D group and eyepiece group using a random number table method, with 20 eyes in each group.The eyes in 3D group underwent 3D heads-up system-assisted PPV, and the eyes in eyepiece group received traditional microscope eyepiece system-assisted PPV.The intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg(0.05 ml) ranibizumab was performed 6 or 7 days prior to three-channel 25G PPV for all the eyes.The brightness of endoilluminator was adjusted to minimum level during the surgical procedure, and the brightness of the optical fiber and chandelier in 3D group was set to 20%, while that in eyepiece group was 32% and 46%, respectively, and was further matched to the actual requirements of the surgery.The light intensity of optical fiber and chandelier was measured at 5 mm and 10 mm with a digital photometer.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured before surgery and 7 days, 1 month and 3 months after surgery.Electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded by the Retiscan before surgery and 1 month after surgery to evaluate retinal function.Intraocular pressure and postoperative complications in both groups were compared.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethics Committee of The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University (No.xyy11[2022]027). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to entering the cohort.Results:The BCVA was 2.21±1.13, 1.99±1.07, 1.26±0.86 and 0.98±0.65 in 3D group, and 1.89±0.95, 1.94±0.79, 1.42±0.80 and 1.31±0.79 in eyepiece group at before surgery and 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery, respectively.There was no significantly intergroup difference in BCVA ( Fgroup=0.022, P=0.884). The BCVA was significantly different at various time points before and after surgery ( Ftime=18.765, P<0.001). The BCVA was significantly improved at 1 and 3 months after surgery in 3D group and at 3 months after surgery in eyepiece group in comparison with before surgery, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). There were significant differences in the latency of dark-adapted 3.0 a-wave before and after surgery between two groups ( Htime=3.983, P=0.046), and the latency of dark-adapted 3.0 a-wave was shorter after surgery than before surgery in both groups (all at P<0.05). The light intensities of optical fiber and chandelier at 5 mm and 10 mm during surgery were lower in 3D group than in eyepiece group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.001). There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure between the two groups at different time points ( Fgroup=0.980, P=0.328; Ftime=2.706, P=0.062). There was no significant difference in the number of postoperative vitreous hemorrhage between the two groups ( χ2=0.960, P=0.327). Conclusions:Low-intensity illumination 3D heads-up system-assisted PPV has the same outcome as traditional microscope eyepiece system-assisted PPV for PDR.However, compared with the traditional microscope eyepiece system, the light intensity on the retina from low-intensity illumination 3D heads-up system is lower on the retina during surgery and therefore produce less light damage to retinal function of patients.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral anisodine hydrobromide tablets in the treatment of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).Methods:A multicenter nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted.A total of 282 acute NAION patients (282 eyes) were recruited from 16 hospitals in China from July 2020 to May 2021.Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment methods, which were control group (124 cases, 124 eyes) receiving regular treatment including citicoline sodium plus Ginkgo biloba leaf liquid extract or Ginkgo biloba leaf extract tablets plus mecobalamin, and experimental group (158 cases, 158 eyes) receiving treatment in control group plus oral anisodine hydrobromide tablets 1 mg, twice daily for 2 to 3 months.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field index (VFI), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and radial peripapillary capillary vessel density (RPC) were assessed at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after enrollment using the standard decimal visual acuity chart, 750i Humphery visual field analyzer, Cirrus HD-OCT 4000/Cirrus HD-OCT 5000, RTVue-XR optical coherence tomography respectively.The primary outcomes were BCVA and VFI, and the secondary outcomes were pRNFL, RPC, and the side effects during the follow-up.The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.All patients were fully informed about the treatment and purpose of this study and voluntarily signed the informed consent form.The study protocol was approved by Chinese PLA General Hospital (No.S2020-021-01). Results:In all, 242 patients (242 eyes) completed the follow-up of BCVA, and 98 patients (98 eyes) completed the VFI follow-up.In terms of visual function, BCVA and VFI improved significantly over time in the two groups, and BCVA and VFI were better in experimental group than in control group at various follow-up time points (all at P<0.05). In terms of structure, pRNFL gradually decreased in both groups with the extension of treatment, and pRNFL was significanthy thinner in experimental group than in control group at various follow-up time points (all at P<0.05). There was no significant difference in RPC between the two groups at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). There were two cases with side effects and one case was discontinued due to side effects 25 days after enrollment. Conclusions:Oral anisodine hydrobromide can improve visual acuity and visual field in NAION and accelerate the regression of optic disc edema, with good safety.

Objective:To compare the clinical effects of minimally invasive vitreous surgery with and without anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs for polypoid choroidal vascular disease (PCV) complicated with vitreous hemorrhage.Methods:A cohort study was performed.Thirty-six consecutive cases (36 eyes) with PCV combined with vitreous hemorrhage who underwent 25G minimally invasive vitreous surgery in Xuzhou First People's Hospital from June 2015 to June 2020 were enrolled.According to surgical methods, the patients were divided into pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) group (24 eyes) receiving vitrectomy only and PPV+ anti-VEGF group (12 eyes) receiving vitrectomy first and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs one week after the operation.All patients were followed up for at least 6 months.The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) of the two groups before treatment, 1 month after treatment and at the last follow-up were measured and compared.Postoperative complications such as recurrence of vitreous hemorrhage and macular scar formation were recorded.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki and was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xuzhou First People's Hospital (No.xyyll[2021]014).Written informed consent was obtained from each patient before surgery.Results:Statistically significant differences were found in BCVA between the two groups before and after treatment ( Fgroup=8.552, P=0.006; Ftime=31.775, P<0.001).The BCVA of the two groups at 1 month after operation and at the last follow-up were significantly improved in comparison with before treatment, and the BCVA at the last follow-up was significantly better than that at 1 month after operation (all at P<0.05).One month after operation and at the last follow-up, the BCVA of PPV+ anti-VEGF group was better than that of PPV group, showing statistically significant differences (both at P<0.05).Statistically significant differences were found in CRT between the two groups before and after treatment ( Fgroup=4.797, P=0.041; Ftime=295.764, P<0.001).One month after operation and at the last follow-up, the CRT of both groups was significantly improved in comparison with before treatment, and the CRT was significantly better at the last follow-up than 1 month after operation (both at P<0.05).The postoperative 1-month CRT of PPV+ anti-VEGF treatment group was lower than that of PPV group, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05).No statistically significant difference was found in CRT between the two groups at the last follow-up ( P>0.05).Elevated intraocular pressure occurred in 2 eyes and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in 1 eye in PPV group, accounting for 8.33% and 4.17%, respectively.Cataract aggravated in 2 eyes in PPV+ anti-VEGF group.The incidence of vitreous rebleeding in PPV group and PPV+ anti-VEGF group was 16.67%(4/24) and 8.33%(1/12), respectively, with no significant difference ( P=0.646).The incidence of macular scarring in PPV group and PPV+ anti-VEGF group was 4.17%(1/24) and 33.3%(4/12), respectively, showing a statistically significant difference ( P=0.030). Conclusions:Minimally invasive vitreous surgery is a safe and effective way to treat PCV combined with vitreous hemorrhage.It can improve vision, reduce CRT, and the effect is gradually enhanced in the short term.Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs can enhance the postoperative effect of PPV and present better vision and anatomical structure of retina.

Objective:To compare the protective effect of corneal protectant hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and balanced salt solution (BSS) on corneal epithelium in vitreous body surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).Methods:A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted.Fifty eyes of 50 patients with PDR who underwent minimally invasive vitrectomy in Xuzhou First People's Hospital from September 2018 to January 2019 were enrolled and randomly divided into HPMC group and BSS group, with 25 eyes in each group.All eyes underwent three-channel minimally invasive vitrectomy under non-contact wide-angle lens, and 2% HPMC and BSS were applied to keep the ocular surface moist according to grouping during the operation.The combination of cataract surgery, operation time, application times of 2% HPMC or BSS and the grade of corneal epithelial edema before and after operation were recorded.The patients were followed up for 1 month.Corneal fluorescein sodium staining and tear film break-up time (BUT) test were performed before operation and at 1 day, 3 days, 10 days and 1 month after operation.Schirmer Ⅰ test (SⅠt) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire were carried out before operation and at 1 month after operation.The study protocol adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by an Ethics Committee of Xuzhou First People's Hospital (No.xyyⅡ[2018]005). Written informed consent was obtained from each patient prior to any medical examination.Results:The average frequency of application of eye drops in the HPMC group was (5.00±1.56) times, which was significantly less than (50.56±17.00) times in the BSS group ( t=-13.071, P<0.01). The postoperative corneal edema score of the HPMC group was 1.0 (1.0, 1.0) point, which was lower than 2.0 (2.0, 2.0) points of BSS group, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-4.909, P<0.01). There were statistically significant differences in postoperative corneal fluorescein sodium scores among 1 day, 3 days, 10 days and 1 month in the two groups (HPMC group: χ2=36.040, P<0.01; BSS group: χ2=50.892, P<0.01). The 1-, 3- and 10-day postoperative corneal fluorescein sodium scores in the HPMC group were significantly lower than those in the BSS group (all at P<0.05). One-day, 3-day, 10-day and 1-month postoperative BUT values were (6.15±2.20), (6.95±2.46), (6.16±2.11) and (5.81±2.92) seconds in the HPMC group, respectively, and were (3.89±1.87), (5.32±2.59), (5.01±2.12) and (4.97±2.10) seconds in the BSS group, respectively.There were significant differences in BUT between the two groups at different time points ( Fgroup=5.240, P<0.05; Ftime=2.846, P<0.05). The preoperative and 1-month postoperative SⅠt values in the BSS group were (12.24±5.55)mm and (9.96±4.53)mm, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference ( t=3.863, P=0.001). The postoperative OSDI score in the BSS group was (51.00±12.04) points, which was significantly higherly than the preoperative value of (47.89±10.95) points, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-2.111, P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with BSS, 2% HPMC in minimally invasive vitreous surgery has better protective effect on corneal epithelium of PDR, reduces the frequency of eye drop use during the surgery and shortens the repair time of ocular surface tissue after surgery.

Objective:To compare the efficacy, recurrence rate and safety of a single intravitreal injection of ranibizumab between type 1 prethreshold and threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted.A total 100 eyes from 51 ROP patients in Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University from January 2016 to December 2019 were enrolled.Retcam and indirect ophthalmoscope were used to confirm the diagnosis of 39 cases of type 1 prethreshold ROP (70 eyes) and 18 cases of threshold ROP (30 eyes). All the subjects were given a single intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) 0.25 mg/0.025 ml as the initial treatment within 24-36 hours after diagnosis.Events such as increased intraocular pressure, intraocular bleeding and endophthalmitis were observed and recorded 1 day after IVR.Retcam photography was used to check whether the fundus lesions was subsided 1 week after IVR.Regular follow-up was conducted once every 2-4 weeks until retinal vascularization.Systemic and ocular complications were recorded.The cure rate, the time of retinal vascularization and the recurrence rate of single IVR for type 1 prethreshold disease and threshold disease were compared.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University.Results:After a single IVR, 86 of 100 eyes (86.00%) were cured, among which 60 of 70 type 1 prethreshold ROP eyes (85.71%) and 26 of 30 threshold ROP eyes (86.67%) were cured, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=0.09, P=0.65). No systemic adverse reactions were observed after a single IVR treatment.The final retinal vascularization time was (11.86±8.60) weeks in the type 1 prethreshold ROP group and (14.45±10.01) weeks in the threshold ROP group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups ( t=0.88, P=0.22). Recurrence of ROP appeared in 10 eyes after a single IVR, including 4 eyes (5.71%) in the type 1 prethreshold ROP group and 6 eyes (20.00%) in the threshold ROP group, the recurrent rate was significantly different between the two groups ( χ2=4.76, P=0.03). Six recurrent eyes were treated with IVR for the second time, and 4 recurrent eyes were treated with laser photocoagulation.Five eyes presented with preretinal hemorrhage after IVR treatment, and were recovered without intervention. Conclusions:The treatment of type 1 prethreshold ROP and threshold ROP with single IVR in vitreous cavity is safe and effective.The recurrence rate of threshold ROP is higher than type 1 prethreshold ROP.Retreatment can significantly improve the cure rate.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of direct renin inhibitor aliskiren for the treatment of severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with hypertension.Methods:The antihypertensive effects and safety of aliskiren was retrospectively analyzed in three severe and one critical COVID-19 patients with hypertension.Results:Four patients, two males and two females, with an average age of 78 years (66-87 years), were referred to hospital mainly because of respiratory symptoms. Three were diagnosed by positive novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) nucleic acid or antibody, and the critical patient with cardiac insufficiency was clinically determined. Two patients were treated with calcium channel antagonist (CCB), one with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), and one with angiotensin Ⅱ receptor antagonist (ARB). After admission, ACEI and ARB were discontinued, one patient with heart failure was treated by aliskiren combined with diuretic.Three patients were treated with aliskiren combined with CCB among whom two withdrew CCB due to low blood pressure after 1 to 2 weeks. Based on comprehensive treatment including antiviral and oxygenation treatment, blood pressure was satisfactorily controlled by aliskiren after three to four weeks without serious adverse events. All patients were finally discharged.Conclusion:Our preliminary clinical data shows that antihypertensive effect of aliskiren is satisfactory and safe for severe COVID-19 patients complicated with hypertension.

Objective:To comparatively analyze for the fundus characteristics of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) between first-visit and non-first-visit in ophthalmology.Methods:A retrospective study was performed for 22 patients (41 eyes) diagnosed as CMVR with AIDS by ophthalmology in the Affiliated Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from July 2004 to September 2017. The patients were divided into two groups: one with the first-visit in ophthalmology (FVO) and the other with the first-visit in non-ophthalmology (FVNO). All patients underwent visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit lamp microscope and indirect ophthalmoscope examinations. Thirty-nine eyes of 21 patients with clear refractive media were examined by color fundus photography, of which 5 patients were examined by FFA. Five patients examined by OCT and B-mode ultrasound. The CMVR were characterized as fulminant type or indolent type. All the 22 patients (41 eyes) except 2 patients (4 eyes) accepted highly active antiroviral therapy, and all patients were treated with ganciclovir intravenously. Nine patients (12 eyes) received intravitreal injection of ganciclovir, 7 patients (10 eyes) underwent vitrectomy because of retinal detachment, 6 patients (7 eyes) gave up surgery because of extensive retinal detachment, and the other 12 eyes did not undergo any eye surgery. All patients were followed for 6-58 months (average 23±39 months). The incidences and fundus characteristics of the patients with fulminant or indolent CMVR were compared and analyzed. Between the two groups, the difference of visual acuity and CD4 +T cell count at the first vist and the last follow-up were analyzed by a t-test, and the macular involvement and spread of the two groups were compared by a chi-square test. Results:Fulminant CMVR showed dense yellow-white necrotic lesions along the great vessels with or without satellite lesions, while indolent CMVR showed sparse yellow-white granular lesions with a little bleeding. The concomitant signs included frost-like dendritic vascular sheath, retinal artery occlusion and optic disc edema. Fourteen eyes of 7 patients in FVO group were fulminant, including 2 patients (2 eyes) with retinal artery occlusion and 1 patient (two eyes) with optic disc edema. In FVNO group, there were 27 eyes of 15 patients, including 21 eyes of 13 cases identified as fulminant type and 6 eyes of 4 patients as indolent type. In the fulminant type, there were 4 patients (6 eyes) with frost-like dendritic vascular sheath, 10 patients (12 eyes) with retinal artery occlusion and 4 patients (4 eyes) with optic disc edema. There was no significant difference in initial visual acuity ( t=-1.534, P=0.133), but there was a significant difference in visual acuity at the last follow-up ( t=-3.420, P=0.001). There was no significant difference in CD4 + T cells between the two groups at the first visit ( t=-0.902, P=0.378). The proportions of macular involvement and 3-4 quadrant involvement in FVO group were significantly higher than those in FVNO group ( χ 2=7.552, 7.865; P=0.006, 0.005). Conclusion:For AIDS patients with CMVR, the first-visit in ophthalmology showed more dense necrotic lesions involving macular and a wider range of lesions than the first-visit in non-ophthalmology.

Objective:Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are resistant to chemotherapy. Our study aimed to investigate the stem cell-like proper-ties of doxorubicin-resistant osteosarcoma cell line 143B and its correlation with Notch signaling. Methods:We generated doxorubicin-resistant osteosarcoma cells by treating them with 2μm doxorubicin. Stem cell-like properties such as morphology change, Stro-1/CD117 double positive ratio, stem cell-related gene expression, sphere formation efficiency, and EMT character were assessed on day 5 after doxorubicin withdrawal. Notch receptor and its target genes were examined using qPCR and Western blot analysis. The stem cell-like properties of doxorubicin-resistant osteosarcoma cells were assessed when pretreated with Notch inhibitor or vehicle. The an-ti-tumor effect of Notch inhibitor was tested using a xenograft model. Results:Doxorubicin-resistant osteosarcoma cells were enriched in Stro-1+/CD117+cells, which showed obvious increased expression of stem cell-related genes, and exhibited enhanced spheroid for-mation and evident mesenchymal characteristics unlike doxorubicin-sensitive cells. qPCR and Western blot assays showed that Notch intracellular domain 1 (NICD1) and target genes Hes1 and Hey1 were upregulated in doxorubicin-resistant osteosarcoma stem cells compared with those in vehicle cells. Furthermore, pretreatment with a γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) to prevent Notch signaling en-hanced chemo-sensitivity and inhibited doxorubicin-enriched osteosarcoma stem cell activity in vitro. Finally, the Notch inhibitor pre-vented tumor growth in mice xenograft models. Conclusion: Doxorubicin induced the enrichment of osteosarcoma stem-like cells through Notch signaling, and inactivation of Notch could be useful for overcoming drug resistance and eliminating osteosarcoma.

Objective To investigate the role of miR-429 in osteosarcoma stem cells.Methods We employed different approaches to test the expression of miR-429 in osteosarcoma stem cells.miR-429-high and miR-429-low cells were separated using molecular probes and their stem cell-like properties were compared.The effect of miR-429 on osteosarcoma stem cell-like properties was further tested through transfection assays.Furthermore,the miR-429 downstream target gene was confirmed by luciferase assay.Results The expression of miR-429 in osteosarcoma stem cells was much lower than that in control cells.miR-429-high cells displayed fewer stem celllike properties than did miR-429-low cells.These observations were confirmed by transfection assays.Additionally,our luciferase assays showed that miR-429 regulates Sox2 at the post-transcriptional level.Conclusion miR-429 negatively regulates osteosarcoma stem celllike properties by targeting Sox2.