Cardioverter-defibrillator reduces mortality risk in eligible ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients: Sub-analysis of the multi-center Improve SCA study

Background & Objective: Despite the burden of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) worldwide, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are underutilized, particularly in Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Improve SCA trial demonstrated that primary prevention (PP) patients in these regions benefit from an ICD or a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). We aimed to compare the rate of device therapy and mortality among ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM and NICM) PP patients who met guideline indications for ICD therapy and had an ICD/CRT-D implanted. Methods: Improve SCA was a prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded multicenter trial that enrolled patients from the above-mentioned regions. All-cause mortality and device therapy were examined by cardiomyopathy (ICM vs NICM) and implantation status. Cox proportional hazards methods were used, adjusting for factors affecting mortality risk. Results: Of 1848 PP NICM patients, 1007 (54.5%) received ICD/CRT-D, while 303 of 581 (52.1%) PP ICM patients received an ICD/CRT-D. The all-cause mortality rate at 3 years for NICM patients with and without an ICD/CRT-D was 13.1% and 18.3%, respectively (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.38e0.68, p < 0.001). Similarly, all-cause mortality at 3 years in ICM patients was 13.8% in those with a device and 19.9% in those without an ICD/CRT-D (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33e.0.88, p ¼ 0.011). The time to first device therapy, time to first shock, and time to first antitachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy were not significantly different between groups (p 0.263). Conclusions: In this large data set of patients with a guideline-based PP ICD indication, defibrillator device implantation conferred a significant mortality benefit in both NICM and ICM patients. The rate of appropriate device therapy was also similar in both groups.

Smoking is an independent risk factor for stricture recurrence after the urethroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To clarify the association between smoking and stricture recurrence after urethroplasty. Materials and Methods: Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched with keywords: "urethroplasty," "buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty," "oral mucosa graft urethroplasty," "excision and primary anastomosis urethroplasty," "urethral stricture recurrence" until July 1, 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on PICOS principles. The quality of included studies was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (N.O.S.) system. Hazard ratio (H.R.), odds ratio (OR), and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted or re-calculated from included studies. Meta-analysis was performed with Stata 15.0 based on univariate and multivariate data separately. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the stability of the meta-analysis. I2 was calculated to evaluate heterogeneity. Publication biases were assessed by Egger's and Begg's tests. Funnel plots of univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were also offered. Results: Twenty one studies with 6791 patients were involved in this meta-analysis. The analysis results of the two stages were consistent. In the univariate meta-analysis stage, 18 studies with 5811 patients were pooled, and the result indicated that smoking might promote stricture recurrence (RR=1.32, P=0.001). Based on the adjusted estimate, 11 studies with 3176 patients were pooled in the multivariate meta-analysis stage, and the result indicated that smoking might promote stricture recurrence (RR=1.35, P=0.049). There was no significant heterogeneity in both the univariate and multivariate stages. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that smoking may prompt stricture recurrence after the urethroplasty. Quitting smoking may be a good option for patients undergoing urethroplasty surgery.

Research progress of ProTide technology and its application in the development of antiviral drugs / 药学学报

ProTide technology is a kind of prodrug design strategy invented by the team of Christopher McGuigan. ProTides are aryloxyphosphoramidates (or aryloxyphosphonamidates) which contain a phosphorus atom combined with an amino acid ester and an aryloxy group. These prodrugs can efficiently cross the cell membrane and escape from the first rate-limiting step of phosphorylation, which afford effective solutions to the drawbacks of current nucleoside analogues. At present, ProTide technology has been extensively applied in the field of antiviral research. It has been successful in providing a number of approved drugs and clinical candidates, such as sofosbuvir and so much more, highlighting the promising future in drug discovery. This review summarizes the brief history and characteristics of ProTide technology, as well as its application in the exploration of antiviral drugs.

Long-term outcomes of lateral vocal fold autologous fat injection for unilateral vocal fold paralysis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the long-term outcomes of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis resulting in dysphonia treated with lateral vocal fold autologous fat injection. To analyze the factors that may affect the long-term efficacy of the procedure. Methods: From July 2003 to June 2020, 163 patients (86 males and 77 females), aged 9-73 years (mean (34.50±12.94) years) with unilateral vocal fold paralysis resulting in dysphonia underwent transoral laryngoscopic injection of autologous fat into the lateral vocal folds. Subjective auditory perception assessment (GRBAS scale), objective acoustic assessment, voice handicap index (VHI) evaluation and stroboscopic laryngoscopy were compared before and after the surgery. Patients were followed up for 1 to 18 years, with median follow-up time of 6 years. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Of 163 patients, 17 patients (10.4%) had mild hoarseness (G1) and 146 patients (89.6%) had moderate to severe hoarseness (G2-3). Stroboscopic laryngoscopy revealed an arch-shaped vocal fold on the affected side, fixed in the paramedian position or abduction position, with obvious glottic closure fissure. Postoperatively, voice recovered to normal (G0) in 139 patients (85.3%), mild hoarseness (G1) in 18 patients (11.0%) and moderate hoarseness (G2) in 6 patients (3.7%). Of these, 131 patients (80.4%) showed significant improvement in hoarseness, 29 patients (17.8%) showed mild improvement and 3 patients (1.8%) showed no significant improvement in hoarseness. Objective acoustic parameters of Jitter, Shimmer, NHR and MPT improved significantly, as did VHI scores. Stroboscopic laryngoscopy showed medialization of the affected vocal folds, improved vocal fold closure and normal or nearly normal vocal fold mucosal waves. With a fat injection volume of 3.0-4.5 ml, the patient's subjective auditory perception scores of G, R, B and A improved more significantly within 3 months after surgery, and both VHI and MPT were significantly better since 1 year after surgery. With bilateral vocal fold injection, the B and A scores improved significantly from 1 month postoperatively compared to unilateral injections(unilateral vs. bilateral injection 1 month post-operation, tB scores=1.42,tA scores=1.51,P<0.05). Conclusions: The long-term efficacy of autologous fat injection in the paraglottic space for the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis was stable. The efficacy of the surgery was related to the amount of fat injected, unilateral or bilateral of the injection.

Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain: a national multi-center survey of 35 566 population / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.

Cardiac amyloidosis: pathological classification and clinical analysis of 48 cases / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the histological features and clinical manifestations in different types of cardiac amyloidosis to improve diagnostic accuracy. Methods: The histopathological features and clinical manifestations of 48 patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis by Congo red stain and electron microscopy through endomyocardial biopsy were collected in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2018 to December 2021. Immunohistochemical stains for immunoglobulin light chains (κ and λ) and transthyretin protein were carried out, and a review of literature was made. Results: The patients age ranged from 42 to 79 years (mean 56 years) and the male to female ratio was 1.1 to 1.0. The positive rate of endomyocardial biopsy was 97.9% (47/48), which was significantly higher than that of the abdominal wall fat (7/17). Congo red staining and electron microscopy were positive in 97.9% (47/48) and 93.5% (43/46), respectively. Immunohistochemical stains showed 32 cases (68.1%) were light chain type (AL-CA), including 31 cases of AL-λ type and 1 case of AL-κ type; 9 cases (19.1%) were transthyretin protein type (ATTR-CA); and 6 cases (12.8%) were not classified. There was no significant difference in the deposition pattern of amyloid between different types (P>0.05). Clinical data showed that ATTR-CA patients had less involvement of 2 or more organs and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) than the other type patients (P<0.05). The left ventricular stroke volume and right ventricular ejection fraction of ATTR-CA patients were better than the other patients (P<0.05). Follow-up data of 45 patients was obtained, and the overall mean survival time was 15.6±2.0 months. Univariate survival analysis showed that ATTR-CA patients had a better prognosis, while cardiac amyloidosis patients with higher cardiac function grade, NT-proBNP >6 000 ng/L, and troponin T >70 ng/L had a worse prognosis (P<0.05). Multivariate survival analysis showed that NT-proBNP and cardiac function grade were independent prognostic factors for cardiac amyloidosis patients. Conclusions: AL-λ is the most common type of cardiac amyloidosis in this group. Congo red staining combined with electron microscopy can significantly improve the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis. The clinical manifestations and prognosis of each type are different and can be classified based on immunostaining profile. However, there are still a few cases that cannot be typed; hence mass spectrometry is recommended if feasible.

Analysis of jogging on muscle fatigue and body balance / Análise da corrida moderada sobre a fadiga muscular e o equilíbrio corporal / Análisis del trote sobre la fatiga muscular y el equilibrio corporal

ABSTRACT Introduction: The changes in muscle condition during jogging are studied according to their characteristics to formulate a correct fitness plan. With a medium effort intensity, studies on jogging have shown positive effects on mental de-stress and motor coordination. Objective: Study the effect of running training on muscle fatigue and body balance. Methods: A total of 60 sedentary freshmen from a university were selected, including 30 male and 30 female students. The volunteers were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. While the control performed routine sports activities according to the teaching plan during physical education class, the students in the experimental group performed a jogging training protocol. Data were collected before and after the intervention for comparison and statistical analysis. Results: The vestibular step test changed from 20.56 to 13.87, evidencing that jogging training significantly improved body balance ability in addition to providing body flexibility. Conclusion: Combined with curriculum standards and the level of physical training required, jogging can be integrated into physical education classes to promote student health. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: As alterações da condição muscular na corrida moderada são estudadas segundo suas características próprias no intuito de formular um plano de aptidão física correta. Com uma intensidade de esforço média, estudos sobre a corrida vem demonstrando efeitos positivos sobre o desestresse mental e a coordenação motora. Objetivo: Estudar o efeito do treino de corrida moderada sobre a fadiga muscular e o equilíbrio corporal. Métodos: Um total de 60 calouros sedentários de uma universidade foram selecionados, incluindo 30 estudantes do sexo masculino e 30 do sexo feminino. Os voluntários foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupo experimental e grupo de controle. Enquanto o controle realizou atividades esportivas rotineiras, de acordo com o plano de ensino durante a aula de educação física, os alunos do grupo experimental realizaram um protocolo de treinamento de corrida. Os dados foram coletados antes e após a intervenção para comparação e análise estatística. Resultados: O teste de passo vestibular alterou-se de 20,56 para 13,87, evidenciando que o treinamento em corrida melhorou significativamente a capacidade de equilíbrio corporal além de propiciar a flexibilidade corporal. Conclusão: Combinado às normas curriculares e ao nível de aptidão física exigida dos estudantes, o treinamento em corrida moderada pode ser integrado às aulas de educação física para fomentar a saúde dos estudantes. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los cambios en el estado muscular durante el trote se estudian en función de sus características propias con el fin de formular un correcto plan de acondicionamiento físico. Con una intensidad de esfuerzo media, los estudios sobre el trote han demostrado efectos positivos sobre el desestresamiento mental y la coordinación motora. Objetivo: Estudiar el efecto del entrenamiento de carrera sobre la fatiga muscular y el equilibrio corporal. Métodos: Se seleccionó a un total de 60 estudiantes sedentarios de primer año de una universidad, de los cuales 30 eran hombres y 30 mujeres. Los voluntarios se dividieron aleatoriamente en grupo experimental y grupo de control. Mientras que el grupo de control realizó actividades deportivas rutinarias según el plan de enseñanza durante la clase de educación física, los estudiantes del grupo experimental llevaron a cabo un protocolo de entrenamiento de trote. Se recogieron datos antes y después de la intervención para su comparación y análisis estadístico. Resultados: La prueba de paso vestibular cambió de 20,56 a 13,87, lo que evidencia que el entrenamiento de trote mejoró significativamente la capacidad de equilibrio corporal además de proporcionar flexibilidad corporal. Conclusión: Combinado con las normas curriculares y el nivel de condición física exigido a los alumnos, el entrenamiento de trote puede integrarse en las clases de educación física para promover la salud de los estudiantes. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

The association between heavy metal exposure and erectile dysfunction in the United States / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Literature regarding the impacts of heavy metal exposure on erectile dysfunction (ED) is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between 10 urinary metals and ED in a large, nationally representative adult male sample. The dataset was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during the period of 2001-2002 and 2003-2004. Weighted proportions and multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables were utilized to determine the relationship between metal exposure and ED. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was utilized to evaluate the impact of a mixture of urinary metals on ED. A total of 1328 participants were included in our study. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, cobalt (Co) and antimony (Sb) were positively associated with ED (odds ratio [OR]: 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.73, P = 0.020; and OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12-1.77, P = 0.018, respectively) after full adjustment. Men in tertile 4 for Co (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02-2.41, P for trend = 0.012) and Sb (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.08-2.40, P for trend = 0.041) had significantly higher odds of ED than those in tertile 1. Furthermore, the WQS index was significantly linked with increased odds of ED after full adjustment (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04-1.72, P < 0.05). Our study expanded on previous literature indicating the possible role of heavy metal exposure in the etiology of ED. The evaluation of heavy metal exposure should be included in the risk assessment of ED.

Better timing for HoLEP: a retrospective analysis of patients treated with HoLEP over a 10-year period with a 1-year follow-up / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The aim of this study was to explore the optimal timing of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients presenting benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). A retrospective analysis was conducted based on the perioperative and postoperative outcome data of 1212 patients who underwent HoLEP in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (Shanghai, China) between January 2009 and December 2018. According to the preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), all patients whom we analyzed were divided into Group A (IPSS of 8-18) and Group B (IPSS of 19-35). Peri- and postoperative outcome data were obtained during the 1-year follow-up. IPSS changes were the main postoperative outcomes. The postoperative IPSS, quality of life, peak urinary flow rate, postvoid residual, and overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) improved significantly. The IPSS improved further in the group with severe LUTS symptoms, but the postoperative IPSS was still higher than that in the moderate LUTS group. OABSSs showing moderate and severe cases after follow-up were more frequent in Group B (9.1%) than in Group A (5.2%) (P < 0.05). There were no significant intergroup differences in the intraoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists or hospitalization expense scores, and the medication costs, as well as the total costs, were significantly higher in Group B. In this retrospective study, HoLEP was an effective treatment for symptomatic BPH. For patients with LUTS, earlier surgery in patients with moderate severity may result in a marginally better 12-month IPSS than that in men with severe symptoms.

Pathophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis in Female Patients: An Ultrasonographic Study

Objectives@#. Laryngeal ultrasonography (LUS) has been suggested as an alternative diagnostic tool for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). The present study applied LUS and quantitative laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) in female UVFP patients to investigate the pathophysiologic mechanisms of UVFP. @*Methods@#. In this cross-sectional study, vocal fold (VF) length parameters included resting and phonating VF length measured using B-mode LUS, and color Doppler vibrating length (CDVL) measured using the color Doppler mode. @*Results@#. Forty female patients with UVFP were enrolled, among whom 11 and 29 were assigned to the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle+cricothyroid (CT) muscle group (with CT involvement) and the TA (without CT involvement) group, respectively. In the TA group, the turn frequency in thyroarytenoid-lateral cricoarytenoid (TA-LCA) on the paralyzed side, as observed through LEMG, correlated with the VF length during the resting phase (R=0.368, P=0.050) and CDVL values (R=0.627, P=0.000) on the paralyzed side. In the TA+CT group, the turn ratio in the CT muscle correlated with the normalized phonatory vocal length change (nPLC; R=0.621, P=0.041) on the paralyzed side. @*Conclusion@#. CDVL and nPLC are two parameters that can be utilized to predict the turn frequencies of TA-LCA in UVFP cases without CT involvement, and the turn ratio of CT in cases of UVFP with CT involvement, respectively. The findings suggest that LUS, as a noninvasive tool, can serve as an alternative method for assessing the severity of laryngeal nerve injury and offer valuable insights into the pathophysiology of UVFP.

Neoadjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma： Current situation and prospects / 临床肝胆病杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is a major cause of cancer-related death， and surgical resection remains an important method for radical treatment， but it is urgently needed to solve the problem of high postoperative recurrence rate. Neoadjuvant therapy can reduce the high recurrence rate after surgery， and there are little benefits from neoadjuvant therapy for HCC due to a lack of effective treatment methods in the past. At present， combination therapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors has a relatively high response rate and has thus changed the treatment landscape for patients with advanced HCC. This urges investigators to reexamine the neoadjuvant treatment strategies for HCC， and it is expected that neoadjuvant therapy can provide new opportunities， reduce the postoperative recurrence rate， and improve the survival rate after treatment. This article discusses the current status and prospects of neoadjuvant therapy for HCC and related hot topics， so as to provide more ideas for exploring neoadjuvant therapy for HCC.

Analysis of the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Pulmonary Nodules based on the “Six Constraints” Theory / 中医杂志

Based on ZHU Zhenheng's “six constraints” theory， it is proposed that the formation of pulmonary nodules is closely related to the six constraints， which are constraint of qi， blood， phlegm， fire， dampness and food. All six constraints might lead to pulmonary nodules， among which qi constraint is the dominant one. When qi constraint lasts for a long time， it will turn into fire constraint， resulting in the failure of spleen to transport， which may lead to phlegm constraint， dampness constraint and food constraint； when qi fails to move blood， blood constraint is formulated. Mutual generation of six constraints lead to the disease， and the pathogenesis is interrelated， jointly promoting the occurrence and development of pulmonary nodules. The treatment is mainly to unblock qi， usually using Yueju Pills （越鞠丸）， a classic formula commonly used for six constraints， as the basic formula. And according to the six constraints partiality， it is suggested to flexibly add the medicinals of soothing the liver and rectifying qi， clearing heat and dissipating masses， dissolving phlegm and dissipating masses， fortifying spleen and dissipating dampness， promoting digestion and removing accumulation， invigorating blood and dissolving stasis.

The impact of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells on the pancreatic function of type 2 diabetic mice and their regulatory role on NLRP3 inflammasomes / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect and regulation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) on islets function and NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and autophagy in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) mice.Methods:Experimental study. Twenty, 8-week-old, male C57BL/6J mice were selected and divided into a normal control group ( n=5) and a high-fat feeding modeling group ( n=15). The model of T2DM was established by high-fat feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin. After successful modeling, those mice were divided into a diabetes group ( n=7) and a UC-MSCs treatment group ( n=7). The UC-MSCs treatment group was given UC-MSCs (1×10 6/0.2 ml phosphate buffer solution) by tail vein infusion once a week for a total of 4 weeks; the diabetes group was injected with the same amount of normal saline, and the normal control group was not treated. One week after the treatment, mice underwent intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests, and then the mice were sacrificed to obtain pancreatic tissue to detect the expressions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1) by immunofluorescence. The bone marrow-derived macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate (experimental group) in vitro, then co-cultured with UC-MSCs for 24 h (treatment group). After the culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the secretion level of IL-1β in the supernatant, and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, and related autophagy proteins. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired one-way analysis of variance, repeated measure analysis of variance. Results:In vivo experiments showed that compared with the diabetes group, the UC-MSCs treatment group partially repaired islet structure, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (all P<0.05), and the expression of PDX-1 increased and IL-1β decreased in islets under confocal microscopy. In vitro experiments showed that compared with the experimental group, the level of IL-1β secreted by macrophages in the treatment group was decreased [(85.9±74.6) pg/ml vs. (883.4±446.2) pg/ml, P=0.001], the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy-related protein P62 was decreased, and the expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3β (LC3) and autophagy effector Beclin-1 were increased under confocal microscopy. Conclusions:UC-MSCs can reduce the level of pancreatic inflammation in T2DM mice, preserving pancreatic function. This might be associated with the ability of UC-MSCs to inhibit the activity of NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages and enhance autophagy levels.

The advances in the research of noninvasive diagnostic methods for bladder outlet obstruction / 中华泌尿外科杂志

This article reviewed the recent advances in the research of noninvasive diagnostic methods for bladder outlet obstruction. Penile cuff test, detrusor wall thickness, ultrasound-estimated bladder weight and near-spectroscopy showed a promising diagnostic results. However, more rigorous and higher level clinical trials with larger sample size are needed to validate the diagnostic value of these tests.

Application of 6S and PDCA cycle lean management in nursing management of orthopedic trauma surgery / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To explore the application effect of 6S and PDCA cycle lean management in nursing management of orthopaedic trauma surgery.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 80 patients with orthopedic trauma admitted to University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2020 to November 2021, including 51 males and 29 females; aged 23-68 years [(44.5±9.2)years]. According to the order of operation date, 40 patients from January 2021 to November 2021 received routine management plus 6S and PDCA cycle lean management (lean management group), and 40 patients from January 2020 to December 2020 received routine surgical nursing management (routine management group). The nursing quality score in operating room (instrument and equipment management, surgical instrument preparation, surgical coordination, disinfection and isolation), qualified rate of infection monitoring in operating room (air in operating room, hand hygiene of medical staffs and sterile articles in operating room), surgeons′ satisfaction with operating nurses (circulating nurses and scrub nurses), self- rating anxiety scale (SAS) of patients before operation, incidence of complications at postoperative 12 days and patients′ satisfaction with nurses in operating room at postoperative 2-3 days.Results:The four dimensions of the nursing quality score in operating room in lean management group were (27.8±1.5)points, (18.1±1.1)points, (26.6±1.5)points and (18.1±0.8)points, significantly higher than (23.7±2.3)points, (14.6±1.1)points, (22.4±1.8)points and (13.7±1.1)points in routine management group (all P<0.01). The three dimensions of qualified rate of infection monitoring in operating room in lean management group were all 100%, showing no significant differences in routine management group (75%, 100%, 100%) (all P>0.05). Surgeons′ satisfaction with circulating nurses and scrub nurses in lean management group was 90% and 85%, higher than 73% and 65% in routine management group (all P<0.05). Preoperative SAS in lean management group was (32.5±8.2)points, significantly lower than (54.6±10.7)points in routine management group ( P<0.01). The incidence of postoperative complications in lean management group was 0, significantly lower than 15%(6/40) in routine management group ( P<0.05). Patients′ satisfaction with nurses in operating room in lean management group was 95% (38/40), significantly higher than 78%(31/40) in routine management group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:6S and PDCA cycle lean management can effectively improve the nursing quality of orthopedic trauma surgery, reduce patients′ anxiety and postoperative complications, and improve surgeons′ and patients′ satisfaction, which is worthy of further clinical application.

Biomarkers of zinc deficiency in left-behind children under 1 year old in Zunyi area / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To analyze the urine of normal healthy left-behind children under 1 year old and left-behind children with zinc deficiency under 1 year old in Zunyi area using hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1HNMR), thus providing a new biomarker for the early diagnosis of zinc deficiency. Methods:From January to August 2018, a total of 40 normal healthy left-behind children under 1 year old in Zunyi area(healthy control group)[22 males and 18 females, average age of (7.78±3.62) months, average height of (65.01±2.67) cm and average body mass of (7.15±1.59) kg] and 40 age-matched left-behind children with zinc deficiency in the same region(zinc deficiency group)[19 males and 21 females, average age of (7.89±3.57) months, average height of (64.25±2.95) cm and average body mass of (7.02±1.68) kg] were included for a cross-sectional study by stratified sampling.The urine 1HNMR spectra of children in the 2 groups were measured, and the age, height, body mass and serum zinc content of children in the 2 groups were compared.The metabolites of the 2 groups were compared by metabono-mics technology combined with multivariate statistical analysis, and the differential metabolites of children with zinc deficiency were screened out. Results:There were no significant differences in age, height and body mass between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). The serum zinc level of healthy control group was significantly higher than that of zinc deficiency group [(54.3±3.06) mmol/L vs.(39.2±3.77) mmol/L, t=22.65, P<0.05]. Urine 1HNMR spectrogram results showed that compared with healthy controls, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, phenyl acetyl glycine, and hippuric acid salt water were significantly lower in zinc deficiency group ( r=-0.620, -0.689, and -0.721, respectively, all | r|>0.602, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Zinc deficiency in left-behind children under 1 year old in Zunyi area is mainly manifested by decreased metabolites of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, phenylacetyl glycine and horse-urate, suggesting metabolic disorder of intestinal flora.Differentially expressed metabolites have a potential application value in the early diagnosis of zinc deficiency.

Research status and prospect on severe acute pancreatitis by mesenchymal stem cells treatment / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Severe acute pancreatitis progresses rapidly, with many complications and high mortality. Currently, the clinical treatment of severe acute pancreatitis is limited, so it is of great significance to control and treat the organ failure and long-term complications caused by severe acute pancreatitis. Mesenchymal stem cells play a beneficial role on severe acute pancreatitis therapy by promoting tissue regeneration, antioxidation, regulating autophagy and secreting anti-inflammatory factors. This paper summarized the current research status of mesenchymal stem cells on severe acute pancreatitis therapy and also showed the application of exosomes and the regulation of macrophage polarization, to provide new ideas and new targets for the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.

Teaching design and implementation of "maker-oriented flipped classroom" based on WeChat Official Platform—Taking "Med Show" as an example / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Drawing experience from the theory and practice of flipped classroom, this paper proposes a new concept of "maker-oriented flipped classroom", differentiates it from the orthodox flipped classroom teaching, and expounds its teaching design and actual implementation in details through the example of WeChat Official Platform "Med Show". By adopting the 5-point Likert Scale, a survey was conducted on students' satisfaction degree about the effectiveness of "Med Show". The results reveal that students have made considerable progress in terms of medical English proficiency, awareness of medical humanities, and abilities of self-regulated learning and innovation. In conclusion, "Med Show" has made achievements in optimizing conventional teaching approaches, refining evaluation methods of teaching and learning, and redefining the role of teachers, and thus it provides some enlightenments for college English teaching in the era of Internet Plus.

An Index to Assess Overwork-Related Adverse Effects on Employees Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act in Taiwan

Background@#The present study aimed to digitally evaluate the risk of overwork-related adverse effects (OrAEs) among employees from various occupational categories in Taiwan. @*Methods@#Anonymous data of employees from seven companies/factories providing occupational health services were analyzed. The studied population comprised 5505 employees, and the data analyzed included employment duration, working hours, shift work schedules, and health checkup results. The risk for OrAEs was assessed by an index, Karo index (0-4, the larger the value, the higher the risk for OrAEs) obtained using a risk matrix made up of cardiocerebral and occupational risk factors. Karo index values of 3 and 4 were categorized as at high risk for OrAEs (h-OrAEs). @*Results@#The 5505 employees had an average employment duration of 8.5 years and a mean age of 39.4 years. The prevalence rates for h-OrAEs of the seven companies/factories ranged from 3.9% to 34.2%. There were significant differences in prevalence rates for h-OrAEs between employees of retail stores and high-tech manufacturing factories. Multivariate analysis results indicated that workers of high-tech manufacturing factories had significantly higher risk for h-OrAEs compared with retail store workers. @*Conclusion@#In terms of satisfying health risk management and legal requirements in Taiwan, the newly issued Karo index, which covers a wide range of occupational risk factors, can serve as an assessment and a warning tool for managing the risk of OrAEs in workplaces. To reduce risks for h-OrAEs, active and prudent control of cerebrocardiovascular risks and working hours is recommended.

Sudden cardiac death in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: an updated review

Despite the advances in medical and device therapies for heart failure (HF), sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a tremendous global burden in patients with HF. Among the risk factors for SCD, HF has the greatest impact. Previous studies focusing on patients with systolic dysfunction have found several predictive factors associated with SCD, lead‑ ing to the subsequent development of strategies of primary prevention, like placement of implantable cardioverterdefibrillator (ICD) in high-risk patients. Although patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) were less prone to SCD compared to patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), patients with HFpEF did account for a significant proportion of all HF patients who encountered SCD. The cutoff value of left ventricular ejection frac‑ tion (LVEF) to define the subset of HF did not reach consensus until 2016 when the European Society of Cardiology proposed a new classification system by LVEF. There is a great unmet need in the field of SCD in HFpEF regarding risk stratification and appropriate device therapy with ICD implantation. In this article, we will approach SCD in HFpEF from HFrEF subsets. We also aim at clarifying the mechanisms, risk factors, and prevention of SCD in HFpEF.