Nexus between energy efficiency, green investment, urbanization and environmental quality: Evidence from MENA region.

Environmental protection holds a paramount position in the pursuit of sustainable development. The existing body of literature has extensively examined various driving forces for environmental enhancement, including renewable energy sources, innovation, and governmental interventions. This study aims to assess the impact of green investment, energy efficiency, and urbanization on achieving environmental sustainability in the MENA region during the period 2004-2019. A comprehensive set of econometric tools has been employed to achieve this goal, including the CADF and CIPS panel unit root tests, error correction-based panel cointegration analysis, Cross-sectional ARDL, and asymmetric ARDL models. The key findings of this research are as follows: Cross-sectional dependency and homogeneity tests demonstrated that the research units shared common dynamics and heterogeneity properties. The stationarity tests based on CIPS and CADF indicated that all variables became stationary after the first differencing. The panel cointegration analysis established a long-term relationship between green investment (GI), energy efficiency (EE), urbanization (UR), and environmental sustainability (ES) in MENA nations. Empirical model estimations using Cross-sectional ARDL revealed significant contributions of GI, EE, and UR to ES in the long and short run. The asymmetry assessment uncovered a nonlinear relationship between the explanatory and dependent variables, both in the long and short run. Specifically, the asymmetric coefficients of GI, EE, and UR displayed negative statistical significance at the 1% level, highlighting their significant roles in promoting environmental sustainability. In light of these findings, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers to formulate strategies to further environmental sustainability in the MENA region.

Clinical efficacy of Buzhong Yiqi decoction in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia with multi-drug resistant bacteria: a prospective, randomized, multicenter controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Buzhong Yiqi decoction (, BZYQ) in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) with multi-drug-resistant bacteria (MDRB). METHODS: This 28-day study was conducted at 5 clinical centers in Shanghai. The eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) into the intervention group (BZYQ plus conventional Western Medicine therapy) and control group (conventional Western Medicine therapy). The primary outcomes were the clinical response, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS), and microbiologic response. The secondary outcomes were the 28-day all-cause mortality (ACM), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score, ventilator weaning rate, length of mechanical ventilation (MV), length of hospital stay, and changes of infection indicators. RESULTS: Altogether 83 subjects in the intervention group and 85 subjects in the control group were analyzed. The clinical success rate (48.2%) and the pathogen eradication rate (59.0%) of the intervention group were all better than those of the control group (32.9% and 38.9%, respectively) with statistically significant differences (<0.05). The CPIS score of the intervention group (8.9 ± 1.7) was lower than that of the control group (9.6 ± 2.5) (<0.05). The length of MV in the intervention group [(13.7 ± 6.4) d] was significantly shorter than that of the control group [ (17.2 ± 7.2) d] (<0.05). The 28-day ACM of the intervention group (13.33%) was lower than that of the control group (21.2%) with no statistically significant difference (>0.05). The differences between two groups in ventilator weaning rate, length of hospital stay, and APACHE Ⅱ score were not statistically significant (> 0.05). The intervention group displayed decreases in white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, neutrophil percentage, and procalcitonin at day 28 compared with baseline (<0.05). No serious adverse events occurred in either group during the 28-day follow-up. CONCLUSION: BZYQ may be an effective therapeutic option for the management of HAP with MDRB.

Insights into relationships between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentration, bacterial communities and organic matter composition in coal gangue site.

Coal mining usually brought polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination. Relationships between the concentration of PAHs, bacterial communities and soil environmental factors were important for bioremediation of PAHs in soil. Total 4 kinds of soil samples with different concentrations of PAHs were selected from 7 typical coal gangue（CG） sites in Huainan, Anhui Province. The relationships between microorganisms, dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition and PAHs concentration were systematically analyzed in this work. Total 11 kinds of PAHs were enriched in the soil surface layer. That was attributed to the strong binding of soil organic matter (SOM) to PAHs. PAHs contamination reduced the diversity of soil microbial. The abundance of PAHs-degrading genera such as Arthrobacter decreased with the increasing concentration of PAHs. Mycobacterium increased with the increasing concentration of PAHs in all samples. The microbial activities decreased with increasing concentration of PAHs. The increasing contents of LWM-PAHs and DOM were beneficial to improve the activities of soil microbial. The increasing DOM aromaticity was beneficial to improve the bioavailability of PAHs according to the correlation analysis between PAHs content and DOM structural parameters. The obtained results provide a basis for better understanding the contamination characteristics and microbial communities of coal gangue PAH-contaminated sites.

Environmental cooperation system, ESG performance and corporate green innovation: Empirical evidence from China.

The Environmental Cooperation System (ECS) is a new exploration of the government's spatial environmental policy to meet the requirements of green and sustainable development, so it is very important to scientifically evaluate its green innovation effect. Based on China's A-share listed companies from 2006 to 2021, from the perspective of corporate ESG performance, we apply the multi-dimensional fixed-effects difference-in-differences (DID) model, and empirically test the impact, mechanism, and heterogeneity of the Environmental Cooperation System of Shenzhen-Dongguan-Huizhou Metropolis (ECS-SDHM) on corporate green innovation. It found that ECS-SDHM can significantly improve corporate green innovation, and the policy effect is more significant in the private enterprise group. Secondly, we use ESG rating score and decomposition indicators to deeply analyze the green innovation effect mechanism of ECS-SDHM from the perspective of ESG performance. The results show that ECS-SDHM can enhance corporate green innovation by significantly improving corporate ESG performance, environmental governance, and social governance. Further research found that both corporate environmental social responsibility and executives' overseas backgrounds can positively moderate the green innovation effect of ECS-SDHM by positively moderating the ESG performance mechanism.

Perioperative PBM in liver transplant patients: establishment and implementation / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To establish a practical and feasible blood management (PBM) model for clinical liver transplant patients, so as to optimize the perioperative blood usage and improve patient prognosis and survival rate. 【Methods】 Led by the Medical Department, a questionnaire survey Establishment and Implementation of a Blood Management Model for Organ Transplant Patients on the importance of establishing a PBM model for liver transplant patients in clinical practice was conducted among 71 staff from relevant departments such as the Anesthesiology Department, Hepatobiliary Department, Blood Transfusion Department, and ICU Medical Department. After statistical analysis, the important items of PBM for liver transplant patients were determined, and a (trial) plan was organized by the Medical Department and training was conducted by Blood Transfusion Department for medical staff training from departments as Anesthesiology, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatology, and ICU; PBM measures for liver transplant patients before, during and after surgery were determined by the Anesthesiology Department, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Department, and ICU; PBM was fully implemented in the experimental group with liver transplant patients in our hospital in 2021 as subjects; 30 cases of liver transplantation performed in our hospital in 2020 were selected as the control group, and the general data, preoperative laboratory examination results, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative blood transfusion of the two groups of patients were compared. 【Results】 Compared with the control group, the experimental group did not receive any blood component transfusion before surgery. Intraoperative blood transfusion volume of allogeneic components: red blood cells(U) were 12.75(8.75, 18.63) vs 15.25(8.38, 26.13)(P>0.05), apheresis platelet (treatment volume) was 0(0, 2) vs 1(0, 4.25)(P>0.05), plasma(U) was 2 300(1 550, 3 763) vs 3 650(2 075, 5 400)(P0.05), platelets were not transfused, plasma(U) was 0(0, 0) vs 0(0, 600)(P>0.05), and cryoprecipitates were not transfused. 【Conclusion】 The establishment of PBM model for liver transplant patients and the application of its management measures before, during and after transplantation significantly reduced the intraoperative blood transfusion volume and improved the prognosis of patients after transplantation.

Psychological-behavioral health services and its outcome based on World Health Organization health-promoting school framework: a systematic review of systematic reviews / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo review the effect of school-based psychological and behavioral health services based on the World Health Organization (WHO) health-promoting school (HPS) framework on the psychological and behavioral health of children and adolescents. MethodsSystematic reviews on school-based psychological and behavioral health services based on WHO HPS framework and the health outcome, published from 2013 to June, 2023, were searched from Medline, EBSCO, PubMed, Web of Science. A systematic review of the systematic reviews was conducted. ResultsSeven articles were included, involving 261 studies, from six countries, from the journals in the fields of children's psychological health, HPS and school health, published mainly from 2013 to 2022. School-based psychological and behavioral health services involved school health education curriculum and school health services. School health education curriculum included psychological health courses and health education provided by trained teachers. School health services involved various services provided by professionals in school settings, including psychological screening, preventive interventions for psychological and behavioral health issues, clinical assessment, management services, promotion, and supportive services. The health benefits of school-based psychological and behavioral health services included relieving symptoms and incidence of anxiety and depression, alleviating the negative impact of stress, decreasing negative mood, enhancing positive attitudes and resilience, increasing happiness, improving positive psychological well-being, enhancing cognitive functions (such as sustained attention, fluid intelligence, information processing speed and executive functions), fostering correct attitudes and awareness of psychological health, helping students develop interest in learning, enhancing psychological health literacy, knowledge of psychological disorders, awareness of prevention, ability to recognize signs and symptoms, eliminating stigma related to psychological health, promoting social interaction, and improving help-seeking behaviors for psychological health issues. ConclusionThe school-based psychological and behavioral health services based on the WHO HPS framework mainly encompass school health education curriculum and school health services. The health benefits of school-based psychological and behavioral health services are reflected in psychological and behavioral health, overall psychological well-being, and quality of life, as well as social behavior and academic performance.

Recent advances in preclinical research of renal xenotransplantation and selection of potential recipients in the future / 中华器官移植杂志

After continuous efforts from generations of transplant surgeons, kidney transplantation (KT) has become an optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease.However, an imbalance between supply and demand of organs has always restricted the development of KT.For this clinical dilemma, xenotransplantation is expected to become one practical alternative for alleviating organ shortage.This review summarized recent literature reports of kidney xenotransplantation and the latest cases of pig-to-human kidney and heart transplantations.Also clinical transformations and applications of kidney xenotransplantation were discussed.

Factors associated with acute rejection after pediatric kidney transplantation: a single-center cohort study / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To summarize the incidence of acute rejection (AR) after pediatric kidney transplantation (KT) at a single center and examine its impact on graft/patient survival and risk factors for AR.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study including pediatric recipients who underwent kidney transplantation in past 8 years.After excluding recipients of graft thrombosis within a week post-transplant and lost to follow-ups, a total of 143 cases were ultimately recruited and assigned into two groups of AR (n=29) and non-AR (n=114).Basic profiles of both donors and recipients and graft/patient survival rate were compared between two groups.Relative risk factors for AR episodes were also examined by Logistic regression.Results:Renal grafts for 130/143 cases (90.9%) were harvested from deceased donors and 120(83.9%) cases from children.Twenty-seven transplants (18.9%) were performed in infants and young recipients aged < 3 years.During a median follow-up of 33 months, 34 AR episodes occurred in 29(20.3%) patients.Rate of re-transplantation (27.6% vs. 7.9%), pediatric donor (96.5% vs. 80.7%) and rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction (79.3% vs. 36%) were significantly higher in AR group than non-AR group ( P=0.007, P=0.046, P<0.001).Multivariate regression analysis indicated that basiliximab induction caused a significant reduction in the risk of AR incidence as compared with rATG induction (odds ratio 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.43, P<0.001).The median time of AR incidence was 1.3 months post-transplantation and 23 episodes (67.6%) were confirmed by biopsy.After anti-rejection treatment, 52.9%(n=18) of the cases achieved a full recovery and 38.3% (n=13) had improved graft function.However, 3 cases (8.8%) developed irreversible graft failure.The 1/3-year graft survival rates were significantly lower in AR group than those in non-AR group (75.3% vs. 95.2%, 68.4% vs. 90.4%, P=0.01), and there was no significant difference in 1-and 3-year patient survival rates between two groups. Conclusions:The incidence of AR is relatively high in pediatric renal transplantation, which has an impact on graft survival.Basiliximab induction can effectively reduce the risk of AR.

Characteristics and thinking of acute rejection after pediatric kidney transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Because of the current national organ allocation policy of "pediatric donor kidneys are given priority to pediatric recipients", Chinese pediatric kidney transplantation has achieved rapid development, but the outcomes of pediatric kidney transplantation need to be further systematically summarized.In this paper, by summarizing the characteristics of children's immune system and related research progress, the incidence and influencing factors of acute rejection after pediatric kidney transplantation, the prevention effects of rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (rATG) and anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody induction therapy on acute rejection after pediatric kidney transplantation were compared, and suggestions were put forward for their future application.

Clinical characteristics, treatment and vaccination effect of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in kidney transplant recipients abroad / 中华器官移植杂志

The Omicron variant of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly contagious, but compared to early virus typing has milder symptoms and better prognosis.This article reviewed and analyzed the clinical characteristics, treatment, prognosis and vaccination effect of Omicron infection in Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) in recent years.The clinical manifestations of KTR infected with Omicron and the comparison with early variants, the clinical characteristics of KTR infected with Omicron compared with the general population, the treatment of KTR infected with Omicron after foreign countries, the effect of vaccination on KTR to prevent Omicron and the measures to increase the ted of vaccine, the summary of the prevention and treatment of KTR infected with Omicron abroad and the experience and the shortcomings of the current researches were analyzed and summarized.

Da-vinci robot-assisted surgery vs laparoscopic repair for the treatment of hiatal hernia repair / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To compare Da-vinci robotic surgical system with laparoscopic surgery for the repair of hiatal hernia.Methods:The clinical data of 115 patients undergoing minimally invasive Nissen fundoplication at the Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital,Xuzhou Medical University from Dec 2019 to May 2022 were retrospectively studied. After propensity score matching (PSM), 46 cases in each group were included:Robot-assisted surgery (RS group) and laparoscopic surgery (LS group). Postoperative complications were collected and GERD Questionnaire (GERDQ) were used as the standard in evaluation of the results.Results:Patients in RS group had less intraoperative bleeding ( P<0.001), shorter postoperative gastrointestinal recovery time ( P<0.001), and shorter postoperative hospital stay ( P=0.002). The LS group had a shorter operative time ( P<0.001) and lower total hospital cost ( P<0.001). GERD-Q scores decreased significantly in both groups at 3 and 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperative scores ( P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative complications ( P>0.05). No recurrence was seen in both groups during postoperative follow-up. Conclusion:Da-vinci robot-assisted repair of hiatal hernia is as safe and feasible as laparoscopic procedures, with less intraoperative trauma and quicker, earlier recovery.

Fully protruding into the inferior vena cava deployment of braided stent in the treatment of iliac compression syndrome / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of metal braided stent deployed by fully protruding into the inferior vena cava for the treatment of iliac vein compression syndrome(IVCS).Methods:The clinical data of patients with IVCS treated with interwoven nitinol mesh stent protruding into the inferior vena cava and released from Jan 2018 to May 2021 in our center were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 118 patients were included in this study. Among them, 7 cases were complicated with acute thrombosis, 3 cases were complicated with post thrombotic syndrome (PTS), and 108 cases were no more thrombotic iliac vein compression. The technical success rate was 100%, with an average of 2.03±0.77 stents implanted. Of the 23 ulcer patients, 18 ulcers healed after intervention, and the healing rate was 78.26%. The postoperative CEAP grade was significantly improved ( t=11.54, P<0.01), and the primary patency rate and second patency rate were 97.46% and 98.31% at 1 year after intervention. Conclusion:The fashion of fully protruding into inferior vena cava deployment in the treatment of iliac vein compressive disease has a high patency rate and satisfactory clinical efficacy.

Safety and efficacy of Rezūm water vapor thermal therapy system in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Rezūm Water Vapor Thermal Therapy system in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods:The clinical data of 22 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with Rezūm Water Vapor Thermal Therapy system in Boao Yiling Life Care Center in Hainan from December 2020 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, with age of (61.0±5.9) years, prostate volume of (43.7±8.4) ml. international prostate symptom score (IPSS) of (19.3±3.7), quality of life (QOL) score of (4.2±0.8), maximum urinary flow rate (Q max) of (11.9±3.4) ml ml/s, and residual urine volume (PVR) of (14.0±19.0). For 19 patients with sexual life, the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire-5 (IIEF-5) were 17.0±5.5, the Men's Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction Score (MSHQ-EjD) ejaculatory function score were 10.0±3.2, and the ejaculatory satisfaction score were 1.5±1.0. Twenty-two patients underwent Rezūm Water Vapor Thermal Therapy under intravenous anesthesia (general anesthesia without intubation) in the dorsal lithotomy position. The Rezūm system consisted of reusable thermal steam treatment device and disposable prostate thermal steam treatment instrument. The thermal steam treatment device used radiofrequency energy to heat sterile distilled water, generating high-temperature steam at 103℃. In a 9-second timeframe, the tissue temperature within each treatment area was raised approximately 70℃, causing cell death and resulting in a shrink in prostate tissue volume. The disposable prostate thermal steam treatment instrument could be inserted through a cystoscope and had a retractable needle tip that extends to a length of 10.25 mm. The needle tip had 12 evenly distributed holes arranged in three rows of four holes each, with a spacing of 120° between rows, allowing for even diffusion of thermal steam along the circumference. The patient was placed in a lithotomy position, and the disposable prostate thermal steam treatment instrument was used to examine the prostate, urethra, and bladder via cystoscopy, assessing the lateral lobes and median lobe of the prostate. The tissue spacing within each field of view of the treatment instrument is 0.5 cm, and the distance from the bladder neck to the verumontanum is calculated. The first needle was injected at 3 o’clock along the left lobe, withdrawing 2 fields of view each time. During the release of thermal steam, the needle tip was positioned perpendicular to the prostate urethral mucosa, and each needle injection delivered 0.42 ml of sterile distilled water-formed thermal steam into the prostate tissue. The thermal steam injection lasted for 9 seconds, followed by a 2-3 seconds waiting period before retracting the needle tip. One needle was injected per 2 fields of view, progressing towards the proximal urethra of the verumontanum. The same method was used to treat the right lobe. For cases with significant median lobe enlargement, two fields of view were retracted at the bladder neck, and the needle was inserted at a 45° angle. The second needle was injected at intervals determined by the extent of median lobe enlargement. Each puncture point was observed for no significant bleeding, and the instrument was then removed, with an F16/F18 silicone catheter left in place. The operative time as well as indwelling catheter time were recorded. The clinical parameters such as IPSS, QOL, prostate volume, Qmax, PVR, QOL, IIEF-5 and MSHQ-EjD at preoperative and 12 to 22 weeks post operation were compared. Adverse events from the Rezūm procedure to 12-22 weeks postoperatively were recorded. Results:All the operations were successfully completed. The operation time of Rezūm system was 3.9±1.6 min, and the indwelling catheter time after operation was 4.8±1.1 days. The IPSS scores of 22 patients at 12-22 weeks after operation were 4.4±3.3, whose reduction was 14.9±4.4 compared with these at baseline( P<0.01). The PV was (37.7±8.4)ml, Qmax was (25.5±9.6)ml/s, PVR was (6.2±8.1)ml, and QOL was 1.6±0.9, all demonstrating statistically significant differences compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). Among the 19 cases with sexual activity, the IIEF-5 score was 20.4±3.2, and the ejaculatory function score of MSHQ-EjD was 13.1±3.1, both showing statistically significant differences compared to preoperative scores ( P<0.05). The ejaculatory satisfaction score of MSHQ-EjD was 1.1±0.5, and there was no statistically significant difference compared to preoperative scores ( P>0.05). None of the 22 cases required medication or further surgical treatment for BPH after surgery. There were no urethral injuries, rectal or bladder perforations during the surgeries, and no severe complications such as rectal fistula or bladder neck contracture occurred postoperatively. There were no deaths reported. Postoperative discomfort in the urethra occurred in 19 cases, urethral pain in 8 cases, hematuria in 15 cases, poor sleep quality in 2 cases, and constipation in 1 case, all of which resolved within 7 to 10 days after surgery. Erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation occurred in one case each at 4 to 5 weeks postoperatively but did not reoccur thereafter. Prostatitis and nodular hyperplasia of the middle lobe of the prostate occurred in one case each at 21 weeks and 25 weeks postoperatively, respectively, and no treatment was administered. Conclusions:In the real world, the short-term overall effect of Rezūm Water Vapor Thermal Therapy system in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia is satisfactory, which shows good efficacy and safety.

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion for severe lumbar spinal stenosis: a randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and the necessity to perform LLIF plus posterior direct decompression in the treatment of severe degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS).Methods:In this prospective randomized, controlled trial, we assigned 71 patients, who were 50 to 80 years old, and diagnosed with severe DLSS (Schizas Classification grade C on magnetic resonance imaging), in a 1∶1 ratio to undergo either one-stage LLIF plus posterior internal fixation (treatment group) or CLIF plus posterior internal fixation with laminectomy (control group). Demographic and perioperative data were collected and compared. The clinical outcome measures included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) score as well as visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were followed up for at least 1 year.Results:The treatment group included 36 patients with 46 surgical levels, while the control group included 35 patients with 46 surgical levels. The baseline demographic data of the 2 groups were equivalent in preoperative central canal areas, spinal canal anteroposterior diameter, disc height, ODI, ZCQ score for symptom severity and physical function, as well as VAS scores for back and leg pain. The mean operative time, blood loss, drainage volume and hospital stay of the treatment group are significantly less than the control group (157.2±29.1 min vs. 180.6±26.8 min, 75.6±39.1 ml vs. 108.6±43.3 ml, 136.9±73.9 ml vs. 220.5±121.3 ml, 5.3±1.1 d vs. 6.6±2.3 d). There were 2 cases with dura tear and 1 case with wound infection in control group. Thus, the surgical trauma and complications of the control group were more than the treatment group. At 1-year follow-up, the mean ODI score of treatment group improved from 42.24%±10.70% preoperatively to 18.21%±11.49%, the mean ZCQ symptom severity from 2.89±0.38 to 1.61±0.41, the mean ZCQ physical function from 2.31±0.45 to 1.50±0.37, the mean VAS for back from 5.56±1.19 to 1.97±1.13 and the mean VAS for leg from 4.44±1.81 to 0.94±1.26. At 1-year follow-up, the mean ODI score of the control group improved from 43.65%±14.93% preoperatively to 17.36%±12.15%, the mean ZCQ symptom severity from 2.92±0.52 to 1.65±0.39, the mean ZCQ physical function from 2.37±0.52 to 1.55±0.39, the mean VAS for back from 5.63±1.40 to 2.34±1.47, and the mean VAS for leg from 4.37±2.14 to 0.83±1.20. The ZCQ satisfactory score of both groups were not significant different (1.25±0.45 vs. 1.26±0.43, t=0.07, P=0.944). The mean improvement rate of both groups for ODI, ZCQ symptom severity, ZCQ physical function, VAS back and VAS leg at 1-year follow-up were not significant different (55.43%±27.74% vs. 58.36%±25.06%, 43.07%±17.22% vs. 42.66%±12.95%, 32.25%±23.65% vs. 31.71%±23.24%, 62.65%±21.25% vs. 58.37%±22.44%, 78.94%±26.41% vs. 85.45%±20.53%). One adjacent segment disease was found in each group at 1 year follow-up. Conclusion:CLIF+ posterior internal fixation in the treatment of Schizas Grade C DLSS has satisfactory clinical outcome at 1-year follow-up. Laminectomy increases surgical trauma, but does not significantly improve the clinical outcome at 1-year follow-up.

Preliminary Recommendations on the Timing of Lung Surgery after Novel Coronavirus Infection in Patients with Pulmonary Nodules and Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

In recent years, the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a huge impact on the global medical, political and economic fields. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 has grown exponentially. Recently, the COVID-19 epidemic has changed rapidly in China, and there has been controversy over how to carry out surgical operations for patients with lung neoplastic lesions. Some studies have shown that lung cancer patients undergoing surgery are more likely to experience respiratory failure and perioperative death after contracting COVID-19 than the general population, however, delays in cancer treatment are also associated with increased mortality among these patients. In particular, the novel coronavirus Omikron variant has a higher transmissibility and may escape the immunity obtained through the previous novel coronavirus infection and vaccination. In order to minimize the risk of novel coronavirus infection in surgical patients, it is necessary to develop new treatment guidelines, expert consensus and preventive measures. However, the current rapid change of the epidemic situation has led to insufficient time and evidence to develop guidelines and consensus. Therefore, thoracic surgeons need to evaluate specific patient populations at higher risk of severe complications before surgery and weigh the benefit of surgical treatment against the risk of novel coronavirus infection. We try to give some recommendations on lung surgery during the current domestic epidemic situation based on the guidelines and consensus of oncology and thoracic surgery organizations in different regions on lung surgery.
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Association of community built environment with obesity among elderly residents / 环境与职业医学

Background In the context of improving urban environment for healthy aging, it is necessary to rationally plan and provide community living space and public service facilities suitable for the elderly, and constantly optimize the built environment towards an age-friendly city. Objective To understand the relationship between community built environment and obesity in the elderly in Longgang City, and to provide a reference basis for improving the health of the elderly. Methods Elderly adults aged 60-90 years (n=6527) who completed a physical examination during the period from October 2020 to January 2021 in Longgang City were surveyed, and data on height and weight, waist circumference (WC), and other sociological demographic characteristics were obtained. Overweight was determined by 24 kg·m−2 ≤ body mass index (BMI) < 28 kg·m−2 and obesity by BMI ≥ 28 kg·m−2. Men with WC ≥ 85 cm and women with WC ≥ 80 cm were considered central obesity. Based on the participants' residential addresses, geocoding was performed using a geographic information system, and built environment indicators such as restaurants, convenience stores, and basic medical facilities were obtained using Gaode Map. A binary logistic regression model with adjusted individual-level covariates was used to evaluate the relationship between obesity and built environment indicators among elderly adults by gender and age. Results Among the 6527 community elderly, 46.93% were male and 53.07% were female, with a mean age of (73.69±0.07) years, a mean BMI of (24.32±2.84) kg·m−2, and 51.92% of the elderly were overweight or obese. The regression results showed that for elderly men, the more convenience stores and the higher mixed land use in residential areas, the higher risk of central obesity; however, the increases in street connectivity and accessibility to parks and recreational areas were associated a decreased risk of central obesity. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher among elderly women with more convenience stores in residential areas, while increased street connectivity was associated with a lower prevalence of central obesity among elderly women. Accessibility to primary health care facilities was negatively associated with the risk of central obesity among the 60- to 70-year-olds. For elderly residents aged 71−80 years, higher mixed land use and better accessibility to transit stations were associated with a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity, while street connectivity was negatively associated with the central obesity. Proximity to parks and recreational areas was associated with a reduced risk of overweight/obesity among the 81- to 90-year-olds. Conclusion Among the variables of a 500-m neighborhood built environment, the number of convenience stores, mixed land use, street connectivity, accessibility to primary health care facilities, accessibility to public transit stations, and accessibility to parks and recreational areas are correlated with obesity among elderly residents, and the degree of influence varies by gender and age.

Shouwuwan Regulates Synaptic Plasticity of Hippocampal Neurons in Rat Model of D-galactose-induced Aging via mTOR Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Shouwuwan on the synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons in the rat model of D-galactose-induced aging via the mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway. MethodA total of 50 male SPF-grade SD rats were randomized into normal group， model group， vitamin E （0.018 g·kg-1） group， and low- and high-dose （1.08，2.16 g·kg-1， respectively） Shouwuwan groups. Except the normal group， the other four groups were treated with D-galactose （120 mg·kg-1） for the modeling of aging. The rats were simultaneously administrated with corresponding agents by gavage. After six weeks of modeling， Morris water maze test was carried out to examine the behavioral changes. The whole brain and hippocampus samples were collected. The expression of postsynaptic density protein-95 （PSD-95） and synaptophysin （SYN） in the hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry. Golgi staining was employed to observe the changes in the morphology and function of neurons. Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were respectively employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of mTOR， phosphorylated （p）-mTOR， p70 ribosome protein S6 kinase （p70S6K）， phosphorylated （p）-p70S6K， eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 （4EBP2）， and phosphorylated （p）-4EBP2 in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed slow swimming （P<0.01）， extended total swimming distance （P<0.05）， prolonged latency （P<0.01）， and decreased crossing number （P<0.01）. The modeling inhibited the expression of PSD-95 and SYN in the CA1 region of the hippocampus （P<0.01）， with the weakest staining effect and the smallest region， decreased the intersections of hippocampal neuron dendrites with concentric circles at the concentric distance of 100， 140， 180， and 200 μm from the cell body （P<0.01）， and reduced the length and density of dendritic spine （P<0.01）. In addition， the modeling up-regulated the mRNA levels of mTOR and p70S6K and the protein levels of p-mTOR and p-p70S6K （P<0.01） and down-regulated the mRNA level of 4EBP2 and the protein levels of 4EBP2 and p-4EBP2 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， low- and high-dose Shouwuwan increased the average swimming speed （P<0.01）， shortened the latency （P<0.01）， increased the crossing number （P<0.01）， promoted the expression of PSD-95 and SYN in the hippocampal CA1 region （P<0.01）， increased the intersections between hippocampal neuronal dendrites and concentric circles at the concentric distance of 100， 140， 180，200 μm from the cell body （P<0.01）， and increased the number， length， and density of dendritic spine （P<0.01）. Furthermore， Shouwuwan down-regulated the protein levels of p-mTOR and p-p70S6K （P<0.01）， up-regulated the protein levels of 4EBP2 and p-4EBP2 （P<0.05，P<0.01）， down-regulated the mRNA levels of mTOR and p70S6K （P<0.01）， and up-regulated the mRNA level of 4EBP2 （P<0.01）. ConclusionShouwuwan can improve the learning and memory ability of rats exposed to D-galactose， promote the expression of proteins associated with synaptic plasticity， improve the morphology of neurons， repair neural function， reduce neuronal apoptosis， and inhibit mTOR signaling pathway to delay brain aging.

Adjuvant chemotherapy versus adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy after radical surgery for early-stage cervical cancer: a randomized, non-inferiority, multicenter trial / 医学前沿

We conducted a prospective study to assess the non-inferiority of adjuvant chemotherapy alone versus adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) as an alternative strategy for patients with early-stage (FIGO 2009 stage IB-IIA) cervical cancer having risk factors after surgery. The condition was assessed in terms of prognosis, adverse effects, and quality of life. This randomized trial involved nine centers across China. Eligible patients were randomized to receive adjuvant chemotherapy or CCRT after surgery. The primary end-point was progression-free survival (PFS). From December 2012 to December 2014, 337 patients were subjected to randomization. Final analysis included 329 patients, including 165 in the adjuvant chemotherapy group and 164 in the adjuvant CCRT group. The median follow-up was 72.1 months. The three-year PFS rates were both 91.9%, and the five-year OS was 90.6% versus 90.0% in adjuvant chemotherapy and CCRT groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the PFS or OS between groups. The adjusted HR for PFS was 0.854 (95% confidence interval 0.415-1.757; P = 0.667) favoring adjuvant chemotherapy, excluding the predefined non-inferiority boundary of 1.9. The chemotherapy group showed a tendency toward good quality of life. In comparison with post-operative adjuvant CCRT, adjuvant chemotherapy treatment showed non-inferior efficacy in patients with early-stage cervical cancer having pathological risk factors. Adjuvant chemotherapy alone is a favorable alternative post-operative treatment.

Utilization and influencing factors of whole lung lavage for patients with pneumoconiosis in Chinese mainland from 2018 to 2021 / 中国职业医学

Objective: To evaluate the utilization and influencing factors of whole lung lavage (WLL) for patients with pneumoconiosis. Methods: A total of 10 524 pneumoconiosis patients who sought medical treatment from 2018 to 2021 were selected as the research subjects using a combination of stratified random sampling and non-random sampling methods. The patients were from 27 provincial administrative regions of Chinese mainland (excluding Shanghai City, Tianjin City, Hainan Province and Tibet Autonomous Region). The effects of demographic and sociological characteristics, disease-related factors, and economic and social security status on WLL utilization were analyzed. Results: The WLL rate of pneumoconiosis patients was 17.8% (1 871/10 524). The main reason for promoting WLL in pneumoconiosis patients was “doctor's advice”, accounting for 65.4%； followed by “known-pneumoconiosis-patients had WLL” and “patient's recommendation”, accounting for 24.1% and 18.1%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, body mass index, smoking index, education level, survey area, source of patients, current employment status, nature of dust-exposed unit, stage of pneumoconiosis, type of pneumoconiosis, pneumoconiosis symptoms (coughing up phlegm, chest pain, dyspnea, joint pain), contraindications to WLL (tuberculosis, pulmonary heart disease), family annual income, medical insurance for urban employees, proportion of medical insurance reimbursement, disability benefits, and social assistance were the influencing factors of WLL utilization in pneumoconiosis patients (all P<0.05). Conclusion: A large proportion of pneumoconiosis patients used WLL. The influencing factors of WLL utilization included demographic and sociological characteristics, disease-related factors, economic and social security status, and more. It is necessary to protect the interests of pneumoconiosis patients, strengthen occupational health education and health promotion for pneumoconiosis patients, standardize the use of WLL in medical institutions, and make rational use of WLL.

A case of corrosive digestive tract and lung injury caused by ingestion of pipeline dredging agent / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Ingestion of corrosive substances can severely burn the upper digestive tract leading to bleeding or perforation, and may even be life-threatening. Less commonly, damage to the trachea and bronchi is involved. In this paper, a case of corrosive digestive tract injury and lung injury after oral administration of pipeline dredging agent (the main components are hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hypochlorite, etc.) was analyzed. After active rescue treatment, the patient died of massive hemoptysis. It is suggested that serious complications may occur after ingestion of corrosive substances. Timely diagnosis and reasonable medical management are needed to improve the level of recognition and treatment of such diseases.