BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is widely prevalent worldwide,with its high incidence and universality that considerably affects patients' quality of life.Previous studies have focused on a few immune cells or cytokines,whereas this study comprehensively provides a more complete view of the immune mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis using the Mendelian randomization method,thereby providing evidence of causality.METHODS:The 731 immune cell phenotypes used in this study were sourced from the GWAScatalog database,jointly developed by the National Human Genome Research Institute(NHGRI)and the European Bioinformatics Institute(EBI).The rheumatoid arthritis data were from the Finngen database,developed by the Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine(FIMM).The inverse variance weighting method was employed as the primary analytical approach.Additionally,multiple analytical methods,including MR-Egger,weighted mode,simple mode,and weighted median,were concurrently utilized to complement the final results.Sensitivity analyses(Cochran's Q test,MR-Egger regression,and MR-presso analysis)were also conducted to verify the stability and feasibility of the data.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After excluding results through heterogeneity testing,the inverse variance weighting analysis indicated that 10 absolute cell counts,15 median fluorescence intensities of surface antigen levels,1 morphological characteristic,and 9 relative cell counts had a causal relationship with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.(2)According to cell classification,this study found that seven types of B cells,seven types of classical dendritic cells,six types of mature T cells,four types of monocytes,three types of myeloid cells,three types of TBNK cells(lymphocyte subset T cells,B cells and natural killer cells),and five types of Tregs had a causal association with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Through comprehensive bidirectional two-sample MR analysis,we demonstrated the complex causal relationships between multiple immune phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis,highlighting the intricate interaction patterns between the immune system and rheumatoid arthritis.These results provide new biomarkers for the early screening and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in China,and help to improve the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity.

BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is widely prevalent worldwide,with its high incidence and universality that considerably affects patients' quality of life.Previous studies have focused on a few immune cells or cytokines,whereas this study comprehensively provides a more complete view of the immune mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis using the Mendelian randomization method,thereby providing evidence of causality.METHODS:The 731 immune cell phenotypes used in this study were sourced from the GWAScatalog database,jointly developed by the National Human Genome Research Institute(NHGRI)and the European Bioinformatics Institute(EBI).The rheumatoid arthritis data were from the Finngen database,developed by the Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine(FIMM).The inverse variance weighting method was employed as the primary analytical approach.Additionally,multiple analytical methods,including MR-Egger,weighted mode,simple mode,and weighted median,were concurrently utilized to complement the final results.Sensitivity analyses(Cochran's Q test,MR-Egger regression,and MR-presso analysis)were also conducted to verify the stability and feasibility of the data.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After excluding results through heterogeneity testing,the inverse variance weighting analysis indicated that 10 absolute cell counts,15 median fluorescence intensities of surface antigen levels,1 morphological characteristic,and 9 relative cell counts had a causal relationship with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.(2)According to cell classification,this study found that seven types of B cells,seven types of classical dendritic cells,six types of mature T cells,four types of monocytes,three types of myeloid cells,three types of TBNK cells(lymphocyte subset T cells,B cells and natural killer cells),and five types of Tregs had a causal association with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Through comprehensive bidirectional two-sample MR analysis,we demonstrated the complex causal relationships between multiple immune phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis,highlighting the intricate interaction patterns between the immune system and rheumatoid arthritis.These results provide new biomarkers for the early screening and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in China,and help to improve the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity.

The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding acupuncture direction published from January 1st, 2013, to November 7th, 2023 were searched in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and VIP Chinese Journal Database. As a result, 21 RCTs were included. The problems identified included conceptual misunderstandings regarding acupuncture direction, incomplete selection strategies, confounding research factors, and inaccuracies in reporting. Based on the findings, four strategic approaches for enhancing therapeutic efficacy through acupuncture direction were summarized: aligning needle direction with the meridian pathway, directing the needle toward the lesion site, orienting the needle toward adjacent acupoints, and targeting special anatomical structures. Two additional strategies were proposed for optimizing the procedure: simplifying acupuncture operations and directing the needle toward safe anatomical sites. Recommendations were made to improve the rationality of research factor settings and the completeness of acupuncture operation reporting. Furthermore, three methods for reporting acupuncture direction were discussed: reporting the tip-pointed position, reporting the insertion angle and orientation, and reporting azimuth and polar angles, aiming to promote greater standardization and completeness in acupuncture practice and reporting.
Acupuncture Therapy/standards* ; Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Meridians

Objective To compare the detection rate and safety of transrectal cognitive fusion prostate biopsy and trans-perineal multiparametric MRI-transrectal ultrasound(mpMRI-TRUS)fusion-guided prostate biopsy.Methods The clinical data of 462 patients who underwent mpMRI at the Eastern Theater Command General Hospital from June 2021 to May 2025 were analyzed retrospectively.All patients had at least one suspicious lesion with a PI-RADS score ≥3 and subsequently underwent targeted prostate biopsy.The results of targeted biopsy combined with systematic biopsy were defined as the combined biopsy re-sults.The PCa detection rate,clinically significant PCa(csPCa)detection rate and incidence of complications were compared be-tween the two groups.Diagnostic performances of systematic,targeted and combined biopsies were also compared between the two approaches.Results In targeted biopsy,the transperineal group had significantly higher PCa and csPCa detection rates than those of the transrectal group(48.11％vs 38.19％,and 39.31％vs 29.17％,P＜0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups in PCa and csPCa detection rates for systematic or combined biopsy(P＞0.05).The inci-dence rate of postoperative complications in the transperineal group was significantly lower than that of the transrectal group(14.78％vs 23.61％,P＜0.05).The detection rate of combined approach was significantly higher than that in either systemat-ic or targeted biopsy alone(P＜0.05).Conclusion Compared to the transrectal approach,transperineal mpMRI-TRUS image fusion-guided prostate biopsy demonstrates greater safety and higher accuracy in targeted biopsy.The combined biopsy strategy can effectively reduce the risk of missed diagnoses in patients with PCa.

Objective The aim of this study is to discuss the causal relationship between periodontal disease(PD)and prostate cancer(PCa).Methods A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis based on publicly statistical data from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)was conducted.MR Egger,weighted medium,simple mode and weighted mode were supplemented,while inverse variance weighted analysis(IVW)was the main method of analysis.Heterogeneity testing,pleiotropy testing and leave-one-out testing were used to assess the sensitivity and stabili-ty.Results The results of MR analysis showed that PD had no significant impact on the occurrence of PCa:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=1.07,P=0.48);European(IVW,PD:OR=1.00,P=0.37,periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.14,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.99,P=0.37,chronic periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.22).The reverse MR analysis also did not show a causal relationship between PCa and PD:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=0.97,P=0.22);European(IVW,PD:OR=0.84,P=0.44,periodontitis:OR=1.01,P=0.75,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.93,P=0.23,chronic periodontitis:OR=0.99,P=0.80).The results of other analysis were consistent with those of IVW analysis.Conclusions The results of our two-sample bidirectional MR analysis do not support a causal relationship between PD and PCa.

Objective The aim of this study is to discuss the causal relationship between periodontal disease(PD)and prostate cancer(PCa).Methods A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis based on publicly statistical data from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)was conducted.MR Egger,weighted medium,simple mode and weighted mode were supplemented,while inverse variance weighted analysis(IVW)was the main method of analysis.Heterogeneity testing,pleiotropy testing and leave-one-out testing were used to assess the sensitivity and stabili-ty.Results The results of MR analysis showed that PD had no significant impact on the occurrence of PCa:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=1.07,P=0.48);European(IVW,PD:OR=1.00,P=0.37,periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.14,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.99,P=0.37,chronic periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.22).The reverse MR analysis also did not show a causal relationship between PCa and PD:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=0.97,P=0.22);European(IVW,PD:OR=0.84,P=0.44,periodontitis:OR=1.01,P=0.75,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.93,P=0.23,chronic periodontitis:OR=0.99,P=0.80).The results of other analysis were consistent with those of IVW analysis.Conclusions The results of our two-sample bidirectional MR analysis do not support a causal relationship between PD and PCa.

Objective To compare the detection rate and safety of transrectal cognitive fusion prostate biopsy and trans-perineal multiparametric MRI-transrectal ultrasound(mpMRI-TRUS)fusion-guided prostate biopsy.Methods The clinical data of 462 patients who underwent mpMRI at the Eastern Theater Command General Hospital from June 2021 to May 2025 were analyzed retrospectively.All patients had at least one suspicious lesion with a PI-RADS score ≥3 and subsequently underwent targeted prostate biopsy.The results of targeted biopsy combined with systematic biopsy were defined as the combined biopsy re-sults.The PCa detection rate,clinically significant PCa(csPCa)detection rate and incidence of complications were compared be-tween the two groups.Diagnostic performances of systematic,targeted and combined biopsies were also compared between the two approaches.Results In targeted biopsy,the transperineal group had significantly higher PCa and csPCa detection rates than those of the transrectal group(48.11％vs 38.19％,and 39.31％vs 29.17％,P＜0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups in PCa and csPCa detection rates for systematic or combined biopsy(P＞0.05).The inci-dence rate of postoperative complications in the transperineal group was significantly lower than that of the transrectal group(14.78％vs 23.61％,P＜0.05).The detection rate of combined approach was significantly higher than that in either systemat-ic or targeted biopsy alone(P＜0.05).Conclusion Compared to the transrectal approach,transperineal mpMRI-TRUS image fusion-guided prostate biopsy demonstrates greater safety and higher accuracy in targeted biopsy.The combined biopsy strategy can effectively reduce the risk of missed diagnoses in patients with PCa.

Abstract: Objective To explore the dynamic characteristics of stigmatization in HIV/AIDS patients and provide scientific evidence for psychological care. Methods HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment in Nanning Fourth People's Hospital were randomly selected for baseline and 1 year follow-up questionnaire survey including internalized HIV stigma, anticipated HIV stigma, exposure to HIV stigma. The differences between the two groups at different time points were dynamically compared to analyze the changing characteristics of stigma in HIV/AIDS patients. Results After one year of ART treatment, among the eight items of internalizing stigma, five items including the proportion of feeling ashamed of being infected with HIV/AIDS, feeling unclean because of being infected with HIV/AIDS, feeling inferior to others because of having HIV/AIDS, feeling guilty because of having HIV/AIDS, and having a poorer self-perception due to how others view HIV/AIDS decreased significantly from 34.0% to 43.5% at the baseline to 19.5% to 29.5%, showing significant improvement with statistical significance (χ2=18.586, 14.277, 10.473, 12.219, 9.934, P<0.05); among the nine items of anticipated stigma, four items including the proportion of community/community workers not taking my needs seriously, discriminating against me, refusing to provide services for me, and healthcare workers avoiding contact with me decreased significantly from 16.0% to 27.5% at the baseline to 7.0% to 15.5%, respectively, showing significant improvement with statistical significance (χ2=13.690, 15.787, 12.034, 12.593, P<0.05); among the 16 items of exposure to HIV stigma, six items including the proportion of experiencing physical attacks, psychological pressure from spouses/partners, being refused sexual relationships, losing jobs or other economic sources, being rejected or losing a job opportunity due to HIV/AIDS, changing job nature due to HIV/AIDS, or being refused medical services decreased significantly from 2.5% to 15.0% at the baseline to 1.0% to 8.0%, respectively, showing significant improvement with statistical significance (χ2=8.619, 15.558, 6.061, 9.049, 5.432, 8.156, P<0.05). Physical assaults on people with HIV/AIDS increased by 5.5 percent(χ2=5.368, P<0.05). Conclusions Through 1-year dynamic monitoring, 48.48% of the three dimensions of stigma of HIV/AIDS patients were alleviated. Treatment intervention, self-acceptance and the creation of a good non-discriminatory social environment have an important impact on the stigma of HIV/AIDS patients and deserve the attention of society as a whole.

Objective To explore the effects of low centrifugal force on sperm morphology analysis of normal and non-liquefied semen samples.Methods A total of 169 patients who underwent semen routine examination and sperm morphology analysis at the Reproduc-tive Center of the 904th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA from January 2021 to December 2021 were collected as the study subjects.Among them,126 were the patients with normal semen routine parameters,and 43 with non-liquefied semen.The mor-phological analysis results of 126 normal semen samples treated by the direct smear method and centrifugation methods under two differ-ent of low centrifugal force were compared.The results of morphological analysis for the 43 non-liquefied semen samples treated by the direct smear method after promoting liquefaction and centrifugation were compared.Results The percentage of normal morphological sperm[(9.39±0.50)％]obtained by centrifugation of 340xg centrifugal force for 10 min was significantly lower than that[(11.08± 0.41)％]obtained by the direct smear method,and the abnormal rate of sperm in the middle segment[(62.05±1.44)％]obtained by centrifugation of 340xg centrifugal force was significantly higher than that[(57.17±0.82)％]obtained by the direct smear method.The percentage of normal morphological sperm[(9.41±0.57)％]obtained by centrifugation at 151×g centrifugal force was significantly lower than that obtained by the direct smear method,and the abnormal rate of sperm in the middle segment[(60.95±1.17)％]ob-tained by centrifugation at 151×g centrifugal force was significantly higher than that obtained by the direct smear method.For non-lique-fied semen samples,the percentage of normal morphological sperm obtained by centrifugation at 340xg centrifugal force for 10 min was[(9.61±0.60)％],while that obtained by the direct smear method after promoting liquefaction was[(11.10±0.73)％].The difference was not statistically significant between the two methods.The abnormal rate of sperm in the middle segment[(60.21±1.51)％]ob-tained by the centrifugation method was also not significantly different from that[(57.36±1.34)％]obtained by the direct smear meth-od after promoting liquefaction.Conclusion Both kinds of low centrifugal force affected the sperm morphology.However,the low cen-trifugal force has no significant effect on the non-liquefied semen.In the clinical application of sperm morphology analysis,the nature of male semen should be referred to determine whether the centrifugation is need or not and the magnitude of centrifugal force.

Objective To analyze the MRI features of Ewing sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors(pPNETs) arising from the meninges.Methods The MRI imaging of 9 patients with Ewing sarcoma/pPNET were reviewed retrospectively,and imaging features and pathological characteristics were analyzed.Results The age of most patients ranged from 10 to 20 years.Magnetic resonance revealed a spindle-like lesion with a wide base in 8 cases.The lesions showed heterogenous iso-or hypo-intense signal on T1 WI in 7 cases,heterogenous hypo-iso-intense signal on T1 WI in 2 case,and iso-or mildly hypderisointense on T2WI in all cases.The solid part of the tumor was heterogeneously enhanced after injection of gadolinium with cyst degeneration or necrosis.The dural tail sign could be seen in 3 cases.The adjacent skull erosion could be seen in 6 cases.The breakthrough of the plate of cranium and soft-tissue invasion was present in 2 cases.The right eye proptosis was present in 1 case.The distant metastasis was found in 3 cases.Pathology showed that the lesions had high cell density.Hemorrhage and necrosis could be observed.The cells were like lymphocytes and spindle cells with transparent cytoplasm.CD99 and Vimentin were expressed in all tumor cells.Conclusion The imaging findings of the meningeal pPNET are different from meningiomas,which could be useful for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.