Objective:To summarize the clinical symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome（CVS）in children and investigate its association with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth（SIBO）.Methods:A total of 89 children who were diagnosed as CVS and improved lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) in the Pediatric Department of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were selected as CVS group.Simultaneously，50 healthy children with physical examination in our hospital were selected as the control group. According to the results of LHBT,the children with CVS were divided into SIBO group (LHBT positive) and non-SIBO group (LHBT negative). The clinical data of children in each group were compared.Results:Among the 89 CVS patients，there were 42 males and 47 females，with a mean age of（7.50±3.54）years.Common accompanying symptoms included excessive sleepiness（76 cases，85.39%），anorexia(62 cases，69.66%），constipation（55 cases，61.80%），abdominal pain（34 cases,38.20%）and so on. There were no significant differences in age and gender between children in CVS group and control group ( P>0.05). The body mass index of CVS group was lower than that of control group.The positive rate of LHBT was higher than that of the control group (56.18% vs. 8.00%),the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05),and the concentrations of hydrogen and methane in CVS group were higher than those of the control group at different time points( P<0.05).Among 89 children with CVS,there were 50 cases in SIBO group and 39 cases in non-SIBO group. There were no significant differences in gender,age and body mass index between the two groups ( P>0.05). The constipation rate and moderate/severe disease rate in SIBO group were higher than those in non-SIBO group (88.00% vs. 28.21%,94.00% vs. 43.59%),and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The incidence of SIBO in children with CVS is higher,and SIBO may play a key role in CVS. CVS children with SIBO have higher disease severity.

Recent studies have shown that shorter periods of ejaculatory abstinence may enhance certain sperm parameters, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these improvements are still unclear. This study explored whether reduced abstinence periods could improve semen quality, particularly for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). We analyzed semen samples from men with normal sperm counts ( n = 101) and those with low sperm motility or concentration ( n = 53) after 3-7 days of abstinence and then after 1-3 h of abstinence, obtained from the Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya (Changsha, China). Physiological and biochemical sperm parameters were evaluated, and the dynamics of transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived fragments (tRFs) were analyzed using deep RNA sequencing in five consecutive samples from men with normal sperm counts. Our results revealed significant improvement in sperm motility and a decrease in the DNA fragmentation index after the 1- to 3-h abstinence period. Additionally, we identified 245 differentially expressed tRFs, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was the most enriched. Further investigations showed significant changes in tRF-Lys-TTT and its target gene mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 ( MAP2K2 ), which indicates a role of tRFs in improving sperm function. These findings provide new insights into how shorter abstinence periods influence sperm quality and suggest that tRFs may serve as biomarkers for male fertility. This research highlights the potential for optimizing ART protocols and improving reproductive outcomes through molecular approaches that target sperm function.
Male ; Humans ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; RNA, Transfer/genetics* ; Sperm Motility/genetics* ; Adult ; Semen Analysis ; Sexual Abstinence/physiology* ; Sperm Count ; DNA Fragmentation

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of prophylactic phenytoin (PHT) or levetiracetam (LEV) on busulfan (BU) blood concentration in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS: Pediatric patients conditioned with BU plus cyclophosphamide and fludarabine at the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou from September 2023 to February 2025 were retrospectively included. Patients were grouped by prophylactic antiepileptic regimen into PHT (n=24) and LEV (n=26). BU blood concentrations at the end of infusion (0 hour) and at 1, 2, and 4 hours post-infusion were compared between groups. RESULTS: At 0 hour post-infusion, BU blood concentrations did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05). At 1, 2, and 4 hours post-infusion, BU blood concentrations were higher in the LEV group than in the PHT group (P<0.05). The area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to ∞ (AUC_0-∞) was greater in the LEV group (P<0.001), and the attainment rate of AUC_0-∞ was higher in the LEV group than in the PHT group (73% vs 21%, P<0.001). No significant differences were observed between groups in time to hematopoietic engraftment or in the incidence of BU-related adverse drug reactions (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with PHT, LEV prophylaxis is associated with higher BU blood concentration and a higher AUC_0-∞ attainment rate. There is no observed difference in BU efficacy or safety between PHT and LEV.
Humans ; Levetiracetam/therapeutic use* ; Busulfan/pharmacokinetics* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Phenytoin/pharmacology* ; Infant ; Retrospective Studies ; Anticonvulsants/pharmacology* ; Adolescent

Objective:To investigate clinicopathologic characteristics and molecular genetic profiles of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) of the middle ear.Methods:A total of 11 cases of primary middle ear ERMS diagnosed and treated at the Fudan University Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital between January 2016 and June 2024 were collected. Their clinicopathologic features, immunophenotypes, and molecular genetic alterations were analyzed. Relevant literature was reviewed.Results:There were 8 male and 3 female children. The mean age was 6 years, median age, 6 (5, 7) years, with a range of 1 to 11 years. Clinical manifestations included otorrhea, ear pain, ear fullness, tinnitus, and hearing loss, with some patients also presenting with facial paralysis, hoarseness, and choking on drinking. Otoscopic examination revealed granulomatous neoplasms in the external auditory canal. Imaging studies showed irregular soft-tissue masses in the middle ear region, accompanied by bony destruction and invasion of adjacent structures. Histologically, 10 of the tumors were composed of primitive small round cells, stellate cells, and short spindle-shaped cells, with an alternating loose and dense distribution pattern, and varying degrees of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation in some areas. One tumor exhibited the classic botryoid subtype morphology. Immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma, and the Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 40% to 80%. Next-generation sequencing (DNA-seq) was performed on 9 cases, revealing copy number variations of chromosome 7 in 4 cases, PDE4DIP mutations in 5 cases, and C19orf69::TPM3 gene fusions in 6 cases. HPV PCR testing showed HPV11 positivity in 2 cases. All 11 patients underwent surgical treatment, with 4 patients receiving adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Follow-up until February 2025 revealed 8 deaths, among which 4 cases harbored both C19orf69::TPM3 fusions and PDE4DIP mutations and one had C19orf69::TPM3 fusions alone.Conclusions:ERMS of the middle ear is a rare type of malignant tumor with a relatively poor prognosis. Our study indicates that the concurrence of PDE4DIP mutation and C19orf69::TPM3 gene fusion may indicate poor prognosis in middle ear EMRS, providing a potential target for subsequent individualized treatment.

Objective To investigate gender differences and age-related changes in body composition(BC)among Miao adults in Rongshui,Guangxi Province,and to provide the basis for assessing nutritional status and health.Methods With informed consent,630 Miao adults(218 males,412 females)were randomly selected for this study.Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis(BIA).Results Weight,fat-free mass,muscle mass,trunk muscle mass,limb muscle mass,waist-to-hip ratio(WHR),body water,presumtion of bone mass and protein were significantly higher in males than in females.And the fat mass,trunk fat mass,limb fat mass,visceral fat content,subcutaneous fat content and percentage of body fat were significantly higher in females than in males.According to the evaluation of body mass index(BMI)and WHR,the proportion of overweight and obesity of Miao adults was higher than the average level of Miao residents,and their obesity was characterized by central obesity.With age,weight,fat mass,muscle mass,fat-free mass,limb muscle mass,limb fat mass,subcutaneous fat content,percentage of body fat,body water,presumtion of bone mass,and protein of Rongshui Miao adults showed a gradual decreasing trend,while visceral fat content and WHR increased progressively.BMI in male Miao adults,along with BMI,fat mass,trunk fat mass,subcutaneous fat content,percentage of body fat,and body water in female Miao adults,showed a trend of increasing followed by decreasing,peaking at the age of 40-49 years.Conclusion The body composition of Miao adults in Rongshui,Guangxi,exhibits significant gender differences and age-related variation change patterns,which may increase the risk of sarcopenia and metabolic diseases with aging.

Objective:To summarize the clinical symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome（CVS）in children and investigate its association with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth（SIBO）.Methods:A total of 89 children who were diagnosed as CVS and improved lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) in the Pediatric Department of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were selected as CVS group.Simultaneously，50 healthy children with physical examination in our hospital were selected as the control group. According to the results of LHBT,the children with CVS were divided into SIBO group (LHBT positive) and non-SIBO group (LHBT negative). The clinical data of children in each group were compared.Results:Among the 89 CVS patients，there were 42 males and 47 females，with a mean age of（7.50±3.54）years.Common accompanying symptoms included excessive sleepiness（76 cases，85.39%），anorexia(62 cases，69.66%），constipation（55 cases，61.80%），abdominal pain（34 cases,38.20%）and so on. There were no significant differences in age and gender between children in CVS group and control group ( P>0.05). The body mass index of CVS group was lower than that of control group.The positive rate of LHBT was higher than that of the control group (56.18% vs. 8.00%),the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05),and the concentrations of hydrogen and methane in CVS group were higher than those of the control group at different time points( P<0.05).Among 89 children with CVS,there were 50 cases in SIBO group and 39 cases in non-SIBO group. There were no significant differences in gender,age and body mass index between the two groups ( P>0.05). The constipation rate and moderate/severe disease rate in SIBO group were higher than those in non-SIBO group (88.00% vs. 28.21%,94.00% vs. 43.59%),and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The incidence of SIBO in children with CVS is higher,and SIBO may play a key role in CVS. CVS children with SIBO have higher disease severity.

Objective:To investigate clinicopathologic characteristics and molecular genetic profiles of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) of the middle ear.Methods:A total of 11 cases of primary middle ear ERMS diagnosed and treated at the Fudan University Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital between January 2016 and June 2024 were collected. Their clinicopathologic features, immunophenotypes, and molecular genetic alterations were analyzed. Relevant literature was reviewed.Results:There were 8 male and 3 female children. The mean age was 6 years, median age, 6 (5, 7) years, with a range of 1 to 11 years. Clinical manifestations included otorrhea, ear pain, ear fullness, tinnitus, and hearing loss, with some patients also presenting with facial paralysis, hoarseness, and choking on drinking. Otoscopic examination revealed granulomatous neoplasms in the external auditory canal. Imaging studies showed irregular soft-tissue masses in the middle ear region, accompanied by bony destruction and invasion of adjacent structures. Histologically, 10 of the tumors were composed of primitive small round cells, stellate cells, and short spindle-shaped cells, with an alternating loose and dense distribution pattern, and varying degrees of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation in some areas. One tumor exhibited the classic botryoid subtype morphology. Immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma, and the Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 40% to 80%. Next-generation sequencing (DNA-seq) was performed on 9 cases, revealing copy number variations of chromosome 7 in 4 cases, PDE4DIP mutations in 5 cases, and C19orf69::TPM3 gene fusions in 6 cases. HPV PCR testing showed HPV11 positivity in 2 cases. All 11 patients underwent surgical treatment, with 4 patients receiving adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Follow-up until February 2025 revealed 8 deaths, among which 4 cases harbored both C19orf69::TPM3 fusions and PDE4DIP mutations and one had C19orf69::TPM3 fusions alone.Conclusions:ERMS of the middle ear is a rare type of malignant tumor with a relatively poor prognosis. Our study indicates that the concurrence of PDE4DIP mutation and C19orf69::TPM3 gene fusion may indicate poor prognosis in middle ear EMRS, providing a potential target for subsequent individualized treatment.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the level of N-terminal pro-Brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)and cardiorespiratory fitness following acute exposure to high altitude.Methods Forty-six subjects were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University in June 2022,including 19 males and 27 females.After completing cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET),serological detection of myocardial cell-related markers,and multiple metabolites at a plain altitude(300 meters above sea level),all subjects flew to a high-altitude location(3900 meters above sea level).Biomarker testing and CPET were repeated on the second and third days after arrival at high altitude.Changes in serum biomarker and key CPET indicators before and after rapid ascent to high altitude were compared,and the correlation between serum levels of various myocardial cell-related markers and metabolites and high altitude cardiorespiratory fitness was analyzed.Results Compared with the plain altitude,there was a significant decrease in maximal oxygen uptake after rapid ascent to high altitude[(25.41±6.20)ml/(kg.min)vs.(30.17±5.01)ml/(kg.min),P<0.001].Serum levels of NT-proBNP,Epinephrine(E),plasma renin activity(PRA),angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ),angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)and leptin(LEP)significantly increased,with all differences being statistically significant(P<0.05)after acute high altitude exposure.In contrast,no statistically significant differences were observed for creatine kinase MB(CK-MB),cardiac troponin I(cTnI),myoglobin(Myo)and norepinephrine(NE)(P>0.05).Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between NT-proBNP at plain altitude(r=-0.768,P<0.001)and at high altitude(r=-0.791,P<0.001)with maximal oxygen uptake at high altitude.Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that maximal oxygen uptake at plain altitude(t=2.069,P=0.045),NT-proBNP at plain altitude(t=-2.436,P=0.020)and at high altitude(t=-3.578,P=0.001)were independent influencing factors of cardiorespiratory fitness at high altitude.Conclusion Cardiorespiratory fitness significantly decreases after rapid ascent to high altitude,and the baseline NT-proBNP level at plain altitude is closely related to cardiorespiratory fitness at high altitude,making it a potential predictor indicator for high altitude cardiorespiratory fitness.

Interleukin 6,a cytokine secreted in innate immune resistant virus infection,has recently attracted widespread attention because of its effects in cytokine storms.High IL-6 levels have been shown to effectively suppress viral infections,but experiments increasingly indicate that excessive IL-6 secretion in complex immune responses in the body is not only counterpro-ductive but also causes severe damage to the body.This article reviews current research progress in the roles of IL-6 in hepatitis B virus,influenza A virus,respiratory syncytial virus,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,rotavirus,and en-cephalomyocarditis virus infections,to provide new ideas and approaches for blocking viral infection and developing new antivi-ral drugs.

Interleukin 6,a cytokine secreted in innate immune resistant virus infection,has recently attracted widespread attention because of its effects in cytokine storms.High IL-6 levels have been shown to effectively suppress viral infections,but experiments increasingly indicate that excessive IL-6 secretion in complex immune responses in the body is not only counterpro-ductive but also causes severe damage to the body.This article reviews current research progress in the roles of IL-6 in hepatitis B virus,influenza A virus,respiratory syncytial virus,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,rotavirus,and en-cephalomyocarditis virus infections,to provide new ideas and approaches for blocking viral infection and developing new antivi-ral drugs.