Comparing Balloon Dilation to Non-Balloon Dilation for Access in Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided balloon dilation compared to non-balloon dilation for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Results were filtered using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria as described and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results: A total of six studies involving 1189 patients who underwent PCNL were included. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that compared to non-balloon dilation, balloon dilation was associated with reduced haemoglobin drop [mean difference (MD) = -0.26, 95% CI = -0.40 ~ -0.12, P = 0.0002], decreased transfusion rate [odds ratio (OR) = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24 ~ 0.92, P = 0.03], shorter tract establishment time (MD = -1.30, 95% CI = -1.87 ~ -0.72, P < 0.0001) and shorter operation time (MD = -5.23, 95% CI = -10.19 ~ -0.27, P = 0.04). Conclusions: Overall, ultrasound-guided balloon dilatation offered several advantages in PCNL procedures. It facilitated faster access establishment, as evidenced by shorter access creation time. Additionally, it reduced the risk of kidney injury by minimizing postoperative haemoglobin drop and decreasing the need for transfusions. Moreover, it enhanced the efficiency of surgery by reducing the operation time. However, it is important to note that the quality of some included studies was subpar, as they did not adequately control for confounding factors that may affect the outcomes. Therefore, further research is necessary to validate and strengthen these findings.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating Mitochondrial Function in Prevention and Treatment of Liver Failure：A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Liver failure （LF）， as a clinical syndrome of severe hepatocyte damage and liver dysfunction， has become a major obstacle to human health due to the triple superposition of high mortality， high morbidity， and high medical resource depletion. It is of great significance to further study the core factors of the disease and supplementary treatment methods to improve the survival rate of patients with LF. The pathogenesis of LF is complex， and mitochondrion is one of the sensitive organelles in hepatocytes and the central link of intracellular energy metabolism. A large number of studies have shown that the structure and function of mitochondria in hepatocytes are changed in LF， and the abnormal structure and function of mitochondria play an important role in the process of LF disease. Among them， multiple factors such as mitochondrial respiratory chain disorder， mitochondrial DNA damage， mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening， mitochondrial quality control imbalance， and mitochondrial oxidative stress are intertwined， forming a complex and unified whole network， which becomes the key node affecting the progression of LF. In recent years， researchers have begun to study drugs that can regulate the function of liver mitochondria to prevent and treat LF. With the deepening of research， traditional Chinese medicine has made breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of LF. Many studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine can play a role in the prevention and treatment of LF by protecting mitochondrial function， which can be summarized as reducing liver cell damage， inhibiting liver cell death， and promoting liver cell regeneration， so as to effectively compensate for liver function and promote the recovery of liver parenchyma quality and function. This article summarized the structure and function of mitochondria， the relationship between LF and mitochondria， and the research on the intervention of mitochondrial function in the field of traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat LF， so as to provide certain ideas and references for the clinical treatment of LF with traditional Chinese medicine.

Clinical and genetic analysis of a patient with Desminopathy manifesting initially with myalgia after lower limb activity / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic variant of a patient with desminopathy manifesting with atypical symptoms.@*METHODS@#A patient who was admitted to the Department of Neurology of Jing'an District Central Hospital on February 24, 2021 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data, laboratory tests, muscle pathology, muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and genetic testing of the patient were retrospectively analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The patient had developed myalgia after lower limb activity, and gradually developed asymmetrical muscle weakness and atrophy of the lower limbs. Cardiac examination revealed atrioventricular block and decreased left ventricular diastolic function. Muscle MRI showed that semitendinosus, sartorius, gracilis, fibula, gastronemius and supinator muscles were selectively involved at the early stage. Muscle biopsy confirmed pathological changes of desmin positive myofibrils. Genetic testing revealed that the patient has harbored a c.1024A>G (p.n342d) missense variant in exon 6 of the DES gene. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was rated as likely pathogenic (PS4_moderate+PM2_supporting+PP3_moderate+PP1).@*CONCLUSION@#Desmin disease has a great clinical heterogeneity. Postexercise myalgia of lower limbs is a rare clinical phenotype. For patients harboring the c.1024A>G (p.n342d) variant of the DES gene, in addition to semitendinosus and fibula, Cardiac involvement is relatively insidious and easy to be ignored in clinic. Timely muscle MRI, muscle biopsy and gene detection will help the early diagnosis of the disease.

Effect of bilateral sequential repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor function of upper limbs in stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of bilateral sequential repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the motor function of upper limbs in stroke patients. MethodsFrom December, 2020 to December, 2022, 62 stroke inpatients in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 31) and observation group (n = 31). Both groups accepted conventional medicine and rehabilitation, as well as electroacupuncture antagonistic muscle therapy. Before electroacupuncture, the observation group acceped low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation at primary motor cortex (M1) on the healthy side, followed by intermittent theta burst stimulation at M1 on the affected side, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and motor evoked potential (MEP) latency was compared before and after treatment. ResultsOne patient dropped down in the observation group, and no adverse event happened. After treatment, the scores of FMA-UE and MBI significantly increased (|t| > 9.953, P < 0.001), and the score of MAS and the latency of MEP significantly decreased (|t| > 5.043, P < 0.001) in both groups; while all of them were better in the observation group than in the control group (|t| > 2.237, P < 0.05). ConclusionBilateral sequential repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can effectively promote the recovery of upper limb motor function in stroke patients.

Research into the fixation stability of the glenoid baseplate in reverse shoulder arthroplasty / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) was proposed to deal with rotator cuff tear arthropathy in the 1970s and improved from 1985 to 1995 by Dr. Grammont who designed the contemporary type of reverse shoulder prosthesis successfully. The number of RSAs has grown rapidly over the past decade. Currently, the indications for RSA include, in addition to rotator cuff tear arthropathy, massive rotator cuff tears which can not be repaired, proximal humerus fractures or their sequelae, inflammatory shoulder disease, osteoarthritis with abnormal glenoid morphology, anatomic revision after failed total shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty, and shoulder tumors. Absolute contraindications to RSA include infection, complete axillary nerve palsy, neuropathic shoulder arthropathy, and glenoid bone loss. At present, the stability of the glenoid baseplate, an important factor affecting the incidence of postoperative complications, is mainly achieved by implantation of the screws for the glenoid baseplate base. Therefore, correct implantation of the screws is of great significance to reduce the complications in RSA.

Femoral neck system and cannulated compression screw fixation in the treatment of femoral neck fracture in the young and middle-aged patients: efficacy comparison / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy of femoral neck system (FNS) and cannulated compression screw (CCS) in the treatment of femoral neck fracture in the young and middle-aged patients.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 91 patients with femoral neck fracture admitted to Fuzhou Second Hospital from July 2020 to December 2021, including 52 males and 39 females; aged 23-65 years [(48.9±10.3)years]. Garden classification of the fracture found that 31 patients were with type I, 9 with type II, 12 with type III and 39 with type IV. Pauwels classification of the fracture found that 7 patients were with type I, 33 with type II and 51 with type III. A total of 53 patients were treated with FNS fixation (FNS group) and 38 patients with CCS fixation (CCS group). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, Haidukewych fracture reduction quality, hospitalization time, Barthel index, fracture healing time, and weight-bearing time were compared between the two groups. The hip function was assessed by Harris hip score in both groups at postoperative 3 months, 6 months and 1 year and at the final follow-up. The incidences of postoperative complication and secondary surgery were also compared between the two groups.Results:All the patients were followed up for 15-31 months [(22.2±5.5)months]. There were no significant differences in the operation time, Haidukewych fracture reduction quality, hospitalization time, or Barthel index (all P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss in the FNS group was 50.0(20.0,85.0)ml, which was more than that in the CCS group [20.0(10.0,50.0)ml] ( P<0.01). The fracture healing time, partial weight-bearing time, and full weight-bearing time in the FNS group [4.0(3.0,5.0)months, 3.0(2.0,3.0)months, 5.0(4.5,6.0)months] were shorter than those in the CCS group [6.0(5.0,7.0)months, 3.0(2.8,4.0)months, 6.0(6.0,7.0)months] (all P<0.01). The Harris hip score at postoperative 3 months, 6 months and 1 year and at the final follow-up were 74.0(71.0,77.0)points, 87.0(84.0,88.5)points, 91.0(88.0,95.0)points, and 94.0(91.0,96.0)points in the FNS group, significantly higher than those in the CCS group [73.0(70.0,74.0)points, 82.5(79.8,87.0)points, 88.0(83.5,91.0)points, 89.0(84.0,93.0)points] (all P<0.05 or 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of postoperative complication or secondary surgery between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Compared with CCS, FNS can shorten fracture healing time, allow patients to carry full weight as soon as possible, and significantly improve hip function in the treatment of middle-aged and young adults with femoral neck fracture, although there is more intraoperative blood loss.

Analysis of the role of molecular diagnostic technology in improving the bacteriological diagnostic rate of tuberculosis / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To analyze the relevant factors of bacteriological diagnosis rate in pulmonary tuberculosis in Zhejiang Province, and to provide basis for the control of tuberculosis.Methods:The results of etiology detection of pulmonary tuberculosis in Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2020 were collected from the China Tuberculosis Information Management System. Positive detection of etiology of pulmonary tuberculosis cases was analyzed. Joinpoint regression model was constructed to evaluate the annual trend of the positive rate of etiology, and linear regression model was used to analyze the influence of new diagnostic technology on the positive detection rate of etiology in smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis cases.Results:From 2015 to 2020, the positive rate of etiology of pulmonary tuberculosis in Zhejiang Province increased from 38.66%(10 588/27 385) to 64.12%(14 275/22 262), with an average annual growth rate of 8.80%. All of the 11 prefecture cities in Zhejiang Province showed an increasing trend of the positive rate of etiology. The average annual growth rates in Wenzhou City and Lishui City were 10.27% and 11.21%, respectively, and the positive rates of etiology in Jinhua City and Lishui City were 70.13%(2 007/2 862) and 73.34%(707/964) in 2020, respectively. From 2015 to 2020, smear-negative cases accounted for 61.66%(92 935/150 733) in Zhejiang Province, and the further detection rate by culture and molecular test increased from 0.13%(22/16 650) to 84.74%(11 384/13 434). The positive rate of bacteriological tests in smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis patients increased from 0.04%(6/16 650) to 41.28%(5 546/13 434). If the culture and molecular detection rate increased to 100.00%, the linear regression model predicted positive rate of etiology could increase to 44.20%. Thus, the positive rate of etiology of pulmonary tuberculosis in Zhejiang Province would reach 66.00%. Up to 2020, 95.56%(86/90) and 92.22%(83/90) of tuberculosis designated hospitals were equipped with molecular and liquid diagnostic equipments, respectively, and the detection positive rates of molecular and liquid diagnostics in the etiology positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases were 71.24%(10 169/14 275) and 53.44%(7 629/14 275), respectively.Conclusions:The implementation and promotion of the new diagnostic techniques for tuberculosis, especially the molecular diagnostic techniques, could significantly improve the positive rate of etiology of pulmonary tuberculosis etiology. Methods and strategies of etiological diagnosis of tuberculosis should be paid more attention in prevention and control of tuberculosis.

Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis and Origin Analysis of Rare Complete Translocation Trisomy 18 / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo discuss the origin of rare abnormal karyotypes of fetuses with high risk of trisomy 18 revealed by non-invasive prenatal testing （NIPT） and its impact on fertility. MethodsThe cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses were performed on the abnormal chromosomes of a prenatally diagnosed fetus with rare complete translocation trisomy 18. Using the keywords “translocation trisomy 18” or “trisomy 18 translocation” in both Chinese and English， we searched PubMed， CNKI， SinoMed， WanFang Data， CQ VIP and the Chinese Medicine database. The relevant case series were retrieved and critically appraised. ResultsG-banded karyotype analysis showed that the maternal karyotype was 46，XX，t（9；18）（q31.2；q23） and the fetal karyotype was 47， XN， t （9； 18） （q31.2；q23）mat， +18， which was a rare complete translocation type of trisomy 18. The SNP array revealed the fetus had increased copy number of chromosome 18 and two complete chromosome 18 inherited from the mother with balanced chromosomal translocation. Literature search found two children with complete translocation trisomy 18 reported abroad. Both of them had trisomy 18 phenotype and originated from the balanced translocation between parental chromosome 18 and other chromosomes. ConclusionNIPT gives an effective advance warning of trisomy 18. SNP array not only improves the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities， but also helps identify the origin. The karyotype is still the gold standard for prenatal diagnosis.

A Survey of the Current Status of Surgical Treatment of Hemophilic Osteoarthropathy in China Mainland 17 Grade A General Hospitals / 罕见病研究

  Objective  To understand the current status of surgical treatment for hemophilia osteoarthropathy (HO) in China.  Methods  Using an online questionnaire, select domestic hospitals that partici-pated in the compilation of the 'Guideline for perioperative management of hemophilia patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery in China ', in addition to members of the National Joint Surgery Group, and the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Association for targeted investigation and analysis.  Results  A total of 17 domestic hospitals were included, all of which were general hospitals. Hospitals that started HO surgery treatment before 2000 accounted for 35.29%. A total of 3057 surgical cases of HO were reported by those hospitals. The most commonly performed surgical procedures were hip and knee joint replacement. The most commonly used coagulation factor replacement regimen was recombinant coagulation factor preparation. Ten hospitals reported finding patients with transfusion-related infectious diseases. Bleeding and hematoma formation were the most frequently reported surgical complications. Excessive length of hospital stay and high economic costs were the most frequently reported problems.  Conclusions  Surgical treatment for HO in 17 hospitals is mainly carried out in some large comprehensive medical centers in the eastern region. Compared with the patient base, the popularity and number of surgeries are still relatively insufficient. It is necessary to further standardize the treatment system by standardizing factor replacement and strengthening rehabilitation to improve surgical treatment outcomes.

Characteristics analysis of delayed hospital visits in elderly tuberculosis patients in Anji County， Zhejiang Province / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo characterize delayed visits of elderly patients with tuberculosis aged ≥60 years in Anji County， Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2021， and to provide evidence for the prevention and control of tuberculosis in elderly population. MethodsData of elderly patients with tuberculosis in Anji County from 2010 to 2021 were collected through the Tuberculosis Management Information System of National Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the influencing factors of delayed visits. ResultsA total of 1 191 cases of elderly tuberculosis were reported in Anji County from 2010 to 2021， with an average annual incidence of 112.43/105， showing a decreasing trend （χ2trend=11.297， P=0.001）. The male-to-female ratio was 2.29∶1， the active detection rate was 0.34%， and the pathogen-positive rate was 50.63%. There were 718 cases of delayed hospital visits， with a median delay time of 19 days and a delayed visit rate of 60.29%， showing an increasing trend （χ2trend=6.651， P=0.01）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that local household registration status was a risk factor affecting the delayed visits for elderly tuberculosis patients （OR=1.944， 95%CI：1.388‒2.729）. ConclusionThe elderly patients with tuberculosis are a key population for tuberculosis prevention and control. It is necessary to strengthen early diagnosis and treatment， improve the active detection rate， reduce delayed hospital visits， so as to lower the risk of community transmission.

Neuroprotective effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 and Caspase-1 in mice model of Parkinson’s disease / 解剖学报

[Abstract] Objective To investigate the protective effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H

Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes and Influencing Factors of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Based on Patient Pathway / 中国医学科学院学报

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become one of the major challenges in the global tuberculosis (TB) control.Despite years of efforts on MDR-TB control,the treatment success rates in China have increased slowly,which indicates possible deficiencies in the management of prevention and control work.Therefore,it is necessary to analyze the current status of MDR-TB prevention and treatment based on the patient pathway.This review summarizes the current drop-out situation of MDR-TB patients in the diagnosis and treatment pathway and the factors affecting patients' outcomes in the whole pathway,so as to provide a scientific reference for the prevention and control of MDR-TB.

Effects of electroacupuncture on NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD axis and neurological function in rats with cerebral ischemic reperfusion / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the neuroprotective effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Quchi" (LI 11) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) in the rats with cerebral ischemic reperfusion and the potential mechanism of microglia pyroptosis.@*METHODS@#Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group, a model group and an EA group, with 20 rats in each group. The Zea Longa method was employed to establish the rat model of the middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MACO/R) in the left brain. In the EA group, since the 2nd day of modeling, EA was given at "Quchi" (LI 11) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) of right side with disperse-dense wave, 4 Hz/20 Hz in frequency and 0.2 mA in current intensity, 30 min each time, once a day for lasting 7 consecutive days. The reduction rate of cerebral blood flow was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry during operation. The neurological function of rats was observed using Zea Longa neurobehavioral score. The cerebral infarction volume was detected by TTC staining method. The microglia positive expression in the ischemic side of the cortex was detected with the immunofluorescence method. Under transmission electron microscope, the ultrastructure of cell in the ischemic cortex was observed. The mRNA expression levels of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the ischemic cortex were detected using real-time PCR.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham-operation group, in the model group, the reduction rate of cerebral blood flow was increased during operation (P<0.001); Zea Longa neurobehavional score and the percentage of cerebral infarction volume were increased (P<0.001), the numbers of M1-type microglia marked by CD68+ and M2-type microglia marked by TMEM119+ were elevated in the ischemic cortex (P<0.001), the mRNA expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD was increased (P<0.001, P<0.01); the cytomembrane structure was destroyed, with more cell membrane pores formed in the ischemic cortex. Compared with the model group, after intervention, Zea Longa neurobehavioral score and the percentage of cerebral infarction volume were reduced (P<0.05), the number of M1-type microglia marked by CD68+ was reduced (P<0.05) and the number of M2-type microglia marked by TMEM119+ was increased (P<0.05); and the mRNA expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the EA group. Even though the cytomembrane structure was incomplete, there were less membrane pores presented in the ischemic cortex in the EA group after intervention.@*CONCLUSION@#The intervention with EA attenuates the neurological dysfunction and reduces the volume of cerebral infarction in the rats with cerebral ischemic reperfusion. The underlying mechanism is related to the inhibition of microglia pyroptosis through modulating NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD axis.

Intense venous reflux, quantified by a new software to analyze presurgical ultrasound, is associated with unfavorable outcomes of microsurgical varicocelectomy / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The hemodynamic characteristics of venous reflux are associated with infertility in patients with varicocele; however, an effective method for quantifying the structural distribution of the reflux is lacking. This study aimed to predict surgical outcomes using a new software for venous reflux quantification. This was a retrospective cohort study of a consecutive series of 105 patients (age range: 22-44 years) between July 2017 and September 2019. Venous reflux of the varicocele was obtained using the Valsalva maneuver during scrotal Doppler ultrasonography before microsurgical varicocelectomy. Using this software, the colored reflux signals were segmented, and the gray scale of the color pixels representing the reflux velocity was comprehensively quantified into the mean reflux velocity of the green layer (MRVG) and the reflux velocity standard deviation of the green layer (RVSDG). Spontaneous pregnancy and changes from baseline in the semen parameters were assessed during a 12-month follow-up period. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. An association of the high MRVG group with impaired progressive motility (odds ratio [OR] = 2.868, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.133-7.265) and impaired sperm concentration (OR = 2.943, 95% CI: 1.196-7.239) was found during multivariate analysis. High MRVG (OR = 2.680, 95% CI: 1.086-6.614) and high RVSDG (OR = 2.508, 95% CI: 1.030-6.111) were found to be independent predictors of failure to achieve pregnancy following microsurgical repair. In summary, intense venous reflux is an independent predictor of impaired progressive motility, sperm concentration, and pregnancy outcomes after microsurgical varicocelectomy.

Correlation between postoperative visual acuity and macular morphological structure and blood flow density in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the postoperative changes in macular morphological structure and blood flow density of patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM)by optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA), and explore their correlation with visual acuity.METHOD: Prospective study. A total of 45 cases(45 eyes)with IMEM admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to July 2021 were included. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular area thickness(CMT), foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area and changes in blood flow density of superficial capillary plexus(SCP)were observed at 1mo, 1, 3 and 6mo before and after operation.RESULT: The BCVA at 1wk after operation had no significant change compared with preoperative data(P>0.05), while it was improved at other time points(P<0.05). The CMT measured at 1wk after operation was thickened significantly(P<0.05), while it was significantly decreased at 1mo, 3mo and 6mo after operation(P<0.05). The FAZ area measured at 1wk and 1mo after operation had no significant change(P>0.05), while it was significantly enlarged at 3 and 6mo after operation(P<0.05). The SCP measured at 1wk, 1 and 3mo after operation had no significant change(P>0.05), while it was significantly decreased at 6mo after operation(P<0.05). BCVA measured at 3 and 6mo after operation was positively correlated with CMT(r=0.457, 0.615, P=0.032, 0.012).CONCLUSION: The visual acuity of patients with IMEM recovered quickly within 1mo after operation, and then it tended to be stable. However, the recovery of macular foveal morphology and blood flow distribution was slower than that of visual acuity, and there was no obvious correlation with visual acuity.

Regional CT value in prediction of proximal femoral fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate CT values of cancellous bone in femoral neck in adults over 60 years with proximal femoral fractures.@*METHODS@#From January 2020 to December 2020, a retrospective analysis was performed on 280 subjects aged 60 years or older who underwent bilateral hip CT examination, including 85 males and 195 females, 120 on the left side and 160 on the right side, aged 75 (66, 82) years old. One hundred thirty-six patients with proximal femoral fractures were included in study group and 144 patients without fractures were included in control group. GEOptima CT was used to scan and reconstruct horizontal, coronal and sagittal layers of proximal femur. CT values of cancellous bone in femoral neck were measured and compared between two groups. The relationship between CT values of cancellous bone of femoral neck and proximal femoral fracture was analyzed statistically.@*RESULTS@#In terms of age, fracture group aged 79(73.3, 85.0) years old, non-fracture group aged 69.5 (64.0, 78.8) years old, and had significant difference in age between two groups (P<0.05). In terms of CT value, regional CT value in fracture group was 8.62(-3.62, 27.15) HU, which was lower than that in non-fracture group 34.31(-5.93, 71.74) HU(P<0.05). CT value on coronal view in fracture group was -8.48(-30.96, 17.46) HU, which was lower than that in non-fracture group 40.49(5.55, 80.71) HU (P<0.05). CT value on sagittal view in fracture group was -31.28(-54.91, -5.11) HU, which was lower than that in non-fracture group 7.74(-20.12, 44.54) HU (P<0.05). CT values on horizontal view in fracture group was 0.17(-23.13, 24.60) HU, which was lower than that in non-fracture group 46.40(10.42, 85.18) HU(P<0.05). The mean regional CT values among three planes in the fracture group were lower than those in the non-fracture group. Logistic regression analysis showed coronal CT value was influencing factors of proximal femoral fracture, and it could be written into regression equations that predict probability of fracture.@*CONCLUSION@#In adults aged over 60 years old, CT values of cancellous bone of femoral neck decreased with increasing age. The smaller CT value of cancellous bone of femoral neck, the greater risk of proximal femoral fracture.

Bladder microenvironment actuated proteomotors with ammonia amplification for enhanced cancer treatment

Enzyme-driven micro/nanomotors consuming in situ chemical fuels have attracted lots of attention for biomedical applications. However, motor systems composed by organism-derived organics that maximize the therapeutic efficacy of enzymatic products remain challenging. Herein, swimming proteomotors based on biocompatible urease and human serum albumin are constructed for enhanced antitumor therapy via active motion and ammonia amplification. By decomposing urea into carbon dioxide and ammonia, the designed proteomotors are endowed with self-propulsive capability, which leads to improved internalization and enhanced penetration in vitro. As a glutamine synthetase inhibitor, the loaded l-methionine sulfoximine further prevents the conversion of toxic ammonia into non-toxic glutamine in both tumor and stromal cells, resulting in local ammonia amplification. After intravesical instillation, the proteomotors achieve longer bladder retention and thus significantly inhibit the growth of orthotopic bladder tumor in vivo without adverse effects. We envision that the as-developed swimming proteomotors with amplification of the product toxicity may be a potential platform for active cancer treatment.

Origin, development, and modern application value of Chinese herbal lozenges / 中国中药杂志

Lozenge is one of the traditional dosage forms of Chinese medicine. It has been recorded in traditional Chinese medical classics of all dynasties since the Eastern Han Dynasty and has been developing and evolving continuously. The unique pharmaceutical methods and application scope are the driving force of its emergence, existence, and development. Up to now, lozenge has been included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as an independent dosage form. Lozenge has been endowed with new meaning by modern Chinese medicine pharmaceutics, which is worth tracing origin and exploring value. The present study reviewed the origin and development of lozenge, compared lozenge with other similar dosage forms, analyzed the characteristics of modern and ancient dosage forms of lozenge, and discussed the development prospect and potential of lozenge in combination with the demand development of modern Chinese medicine preparation, so as to provide references for expanding the modern application of lozenge.

Application and value of intravascular ultrasound for excimer laser ablation combined with drug-coated balloon in the treatment of lower limb arteriosclerotic obliterans / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the value of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for excimer laser ablation (ELA) combined with drug-coated balloon (DCB) in treating lower limb arteriosclerotic obliterans (ASO). Methods: As a prospective case series study, patients who underwent ELA combined with DCB for lower limb ASO with the guidance of IVUS from September 2021 to March 2022 at Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were enrolled prospectively. Lesion characteristics, procedure-related outcomes and complications were collected. The therapy outcomes were compared with baseline data by paired t test. Results: There were 8 males and 2 females, aged (72.0±5.9) years (range: 61 to 81 years). Of all the 11 lesions, there were 8 lesions in superficial femoral artery and 3 in popliteal artery. The lesion length was (7.0±2.4) cm (range: 3.2 to 9.8 cm). There were 4 chronic totally occlusion and 7 severe stenosis. All patients underwent the operation successfully. The technical success rate was 10/11. Bailout stenting was performed in one lesion because of flow-limiting dissection. Four lesions were grade 3 to 4 in peripheral artery calcium score system, and 9 lesions with calcification arc≥180°. Larger diameter drug-coated balloons were selected in 5 lesions after measurement of intravascular ultrasound. The follow-up time was (6.0±1.9) months (range: 3 to 9 months). The ankle-brachial index of the patient was significantly improved immediately after surgery (0.97±0.13 vs. 0.48±0.18, t=-7.60, P<0.01) and at 3 months after surgery (0.95±0.12 vs. 0.48±0.18, t=-7.17, P<0.01). The 3-month primary patency rate was 11/11, the target lesion reintervention was 0 and ulcer healing rate was 3/4. Conclusion: IVUS assisted ELA in the treatment of lower limb artery lesions is safe and effective in early stage.

Clinical Study of Cytomegalovirus Infection after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the risk factors of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and refractory CMV infection (RCI) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and their influences on survival.@*METHODS@#A total of 246 patients who received allo-HSCT from 2015 to 2020 were divided into CMV group (n=67) and non-CMV group (n=179) according to whether they had CMV infection. Patients with CMV infection were further divided into RCI group (n=18) and non-RCI group (n=49) according to whether they had RCI. The risk factors of CMV infection and RCI were analyzed, and the diagnostic significance of Logistics regression model was verified by ROC curve. The differences of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between groups and the risk factors affecting OS were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#For patients with CMV infection, the median time of the first CMV infection was 48(7-183) days after allo-HSCT, and the median duration was 21 (7-158) days. Older age, EB viremia and gradeⅡ-Ⅳacute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) significantly increased the risk of CMV infection (P=0.032, <0.001 and 0.037, respectively). Risk factors for RCI were EB viremia and the peak value of CMV-DNA at diagnosis≥1×104 copies/ml (P=0.039 and 0.006, respectively). White blood cell (WBC)≥4×109/L at 14 days after transplantation was a protective factor for CMV infection and RCI (P=0.013 and 0.014, respectively). The OS rate in CMV group was significantly lower than that in non-CMV group (P=0.033), and also significantly lower in RCI group than that in non-RCI group (P=0.043). Hematopoietic reconstruction was a favorable factor for OS (P<0.001), whereas CMV-DNA≥1.0×104 copies/ml within 60 days after transplantation was a risk factor for OS (P=0.005).@*CONCLUSION@#The late recovery of WBC and the combination of EB viremia after transplantation are common risk factors for CMV infection and RCI. CMV-DNA load of 1×104 copies/ml is an important threshold, higher than which is associated with higher RCI and lower OS risk.