Prevalence and predictors of metabolic abnormalities and metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia in China.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent concern among patients with schizophrenia, increasing their risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities and MetS in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia and identify key predictors associated with different metabolic risk categories.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 632 schizophrenia patients was conducted, classifying them into MetS-high-risk (n = 99), MetS-borderline (n = 359), and MetS-confirmed (n = 174) groups.

Endoscopic obturator nerve radiofrequency ablation for femoral head necrosis: a case series.

Background: This pilot case series evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of using endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the articular branch of the anterior obturator nerve under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance for controlling pain in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

Methods: Data on 11 consecutive patients were collected with ONFH underwent endoscopic RFA of the anterior obturator nerve. Electromyography (EMG) examination was performed preoperatively and postoperatively.

CD73 polymorphisms are associated with schizophrenia.

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 enzyme plays a key role in the regulation of extracellular adenosine levels, thereby exerting influence on adenosine homeostasis. Emerging evidence suggests that perturbations in purines and ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity are associated with an augmented susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, the precise impact of genetic variations in CD73 on individuals with schizophrenia remains poorly understood.

HDAC6 inactivates Runx2 promoter to block osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells in age-related bone loss of mice.

Background: Senile osteoporosis can cause bone fragility and increased risk for fractures and has been one of the most prevalent and severe diseases affecting the elderly population worldwidely. The underlying mechanisms are currently intensive areas of investigation. In age-related bone loss, decreased bone formation overweighs increased bone resorption.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Transthoracic Echocardiography-Guided Transcatheter Closure of Large Atrial Septal Defects (≥ 30 mm) Using the SHSMA Occluder.

Transcatheter closure of large atrial septal defects (ASDs) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)-guided transcatheter closure of large ASDs. Patients with large secundum ASDs (≥ 30 mm) who underwent device closure were retrospectively reviewed.

Clinical prognostic factors for pediatric extra-abdominal desmoid tumor: analyses of 66 patients at a single institution.

Background And Purpose: Pediatric desmoid tumor (PDT) is rare and has a high local recurrence rate. The purpose of the present study was to analyze clinical risk factors of local recurrence in PDT patients.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed clinical data of 66 PDT patients from 2004 to 2015.

[Dopamine modified and cartilage derived morphogenetic protein 1 laden polycaprolactone-hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds fabricated by three-dimensional printing improve chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells].

Objective: To prepare dopamine modified and cartilage derived morphogenetic protein 1 (CDMP1) laden polycaprolactone-hydroxyapatite (PCL-HA) composite scaffolds by three-dimensional (3D) printing and evaluate the effect of 3D scaffolds on chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).

Methods: A dimensional porous PCL-HA scaffold was fabricated by 3D printing. Dopamine was used to modify the surface of PCL-HA and then CDMP-1 was loaded into scaffolds.

Prevalence, intensity, and prognostic significance of common symptoms in terminally ill cancer patients.

Background: Quality of life and palliative management of end-stage cancer patients should improve with greater understanding of the prevalence, intensity, and prognostic significance of their symptoms.

Objective: We investigated the association between prevalence and intensity of common symptoms and overall survival in Chinese end-stage cancer patients.

Design: For this cross-sectional study, 163 Chinese patients with end-stage cancer completed an Edmonton Symptom Assessment questionnaire, and each was given a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score.