Objective To investigate the causal relationship between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer by using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for metabolic syndrome and breast cancer were acquired from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit GWAS database and the GWAS Catalog, with populations encompassing the United States and East Asia. A bidirectional causal design was employed: a forward analysis with metabolic syndrome as the exposure and breast cancer as the outcome, followed by a reverse analysis wherein their roles were interchanged. The inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method was primarily used for effect estimation, supplemented by MR-Egger regression, the weighted median method, the simple mode method, and the weighted mode method. Instrument variable strength was screened using the F-statistic (F>10). Robustness of the results was assessed through heterogeneity tests, horizontal pleiotropy tests, forest plots, and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses. Results The IVW analysis indicated no significant causal relationship between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer (OR=1.00, 95%CI: 0.97-1.03), P>0.05). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results, suggesting the good robustness of the study findings. Conclusion This study found no evidence to support a causal relationship, either positive or negative, between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis （AS）. MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group， low drug-containing serum group， medium drug-containing serum group， high drug-containing serum group， and positive drug group. After drug intervention， cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase （ALP） activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin （OCN）， osteopontin （OPN）， and runt-related transcription factor 2 （Runx2） was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a， β-catenin， and Dickkopf-1 （DKK-1） were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsCompared with the blank group， each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression （P<0.05）. The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect （P<0.01）. The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN， OPN， and Runx2 proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts， thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression， further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic immunoinflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine and the sacroiliac joint， the mechanism of which is closely related to signaling pathways， such as osteoprotegerin （OPG）/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB （RANK）/RANK ligand， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， Wnt/β-catenin （β-catenin）， phosphoinositide 3- kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR）. Traditional Chinese medicine has the characteristics of multiple components and targets， and is widely used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases due to its low toxicity， strong specificity， and high efficacy. This review found that monomers and compounds of traditional Chinese medicine can exert anti ankylosing spondylitis effects by intervening in the aforementioned signaling pathways， regulating immune inflammatory responses， and inhibiting biological processes such as bone destruction， ectopic osteogenic differentiation， cell apoptosis， and autophagy.

Objective: To investigate the trend of gastric cancer disease burden in Wenzhou City, Zhijiang Province from 2014 to 2023, so as to providing evidence for prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data on incidence and mortality of gastric cancer among household registered residents in Wenzhou City from 2014 to 2023 were collected through the Wenzhou Chronic Disease Monitoring and Management Information System, and the crude incidence and crude mortality were calculated. The disease burden of gastric cancer was evaluated by calculating years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD), and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) using the World Health Organization's disease burden methodology. Trends in YLL rate, YLD rate and DALY rate of gastric cancer from 2014 to 2023 were analyzed using the average annual percent change (AAPC). Results: A total of 28 122 cases of gastric cancer and 17 080 deaths were reported in Wenzhou City from 2014 to 2023. The crude incidence and crude mortality were 34.13/105 and 20.73/105, respectively. The YYL, YLD and DALY caused by gastric cancer were 181 816.78, 53 198.41, and 235 015.198 person-years, and the YLL rate, YLD rate and DALY rate were 2.21, 0.64 and 2.85 person-years per 1 000 people, respectively. The YLL rate and DALY rate showed a downward trend (AAPC=-4.608% and -2.552%,both P<0.05), while the YLD rate showed an upward trend (AAPC=4.657%, P<0.05). The DALY rate of gastric cancer in men was 3.82 person-years per 1 000 people, and that in women was 1.83 person-years per 1 000 people, with a downward trend (AAPC=-2.924% and -1.647%, both P<0.05). The DALY rate of gastric cancer was relatively low in the 15 to <45 years age group, increased starting from the age of 45 years, and peaked in the ≥70 years age group, reaching 14.09 person-years per 1 000 peoples. The DALY rate of gastric cancer among residents aged 15 to <45 years, 45 to <70 years and ≥70 years showed a downward trend (AAPC=-3.626%, -5.450% and -4.404%, all P<0.05). Conclusions From 2014 to 2023, the DALY rate of gastric cancer in Wenzhou City demonstrated a sustained decline, primarily driven by a the loss of life years due to premature death. Males and older people continue had a heavier disease burden. It is recommended to implement targeted prevention and control measures to reduce the disease burden of gastric canceron among residents.

This study explores the diagnosis and treatment of needle knife therapy for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at middle and advanced stage based on the theory of meridian tendons, from a holistic perspective and syndrome differentiation. The treatment strategy includes "harmonizing yin and yang" to address root causes and "tendons-based release" to harmonize qi and blood, with the "tendons nodule points" as the core acupoint selection criterion. Based on this approach, the study systematically elaborates on two needle knife methods for AS: "governor vessel bone-piercing technique" and "below-the-umbilicus release technique", covering indications, acupoint location, and procedures. Clinical case examples are provided to enrich needle knife therapy guided by the theory of meridian tendons, offering insights for clinical and research work on AS.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Meridians ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing/physiopathology* ; Tendons/physiopathology*

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of albumin (Alb) administration on the prognosis of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: Clinical data of AKI patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) were retrospectively analyzed from the American Medical Information Mart of Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV), including demographic data, acute physiology score (APS), comorbidities, vital signs, laboratory indicators, treatment status, ICU length of stay, and outcome indicators. The main outcome measure is ICU mortality. AKI patients were divided into Alb infusion group and Alb non infusion group based on whether they received Alb treatment. Multiple imputation was used to process missing data and eliminate variables that missing more than 30%. To ensure the stability of the results, propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability weighting (IPW) were used to correct the results. Using Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards regression model to evaluate the effect of Alb infusion on ICU survival rate in AKI patients. Perform subgroup analysis based on patient age, gender, and comorbidities to evaluate the prognostic effects of Alb on different patient subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 6 390 AKI patients were included, including 1 721 in the Alb infusion group and 4 669 in the Alb non infusion group. After adjusting for key covariates in the Cox regression model, compared with the Alb non infusion group, patients in the Alb infusion group were significantly younger in age, with APS III score, proportion of vasoactive drugs and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) use, sepsis proportion, heart rate, respiratory frequency, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (Cr), lactic acid (Lac), and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) levels significantly higher. The proportion of hypertension, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure, as well as blood pressure, urine output, platelet count (PLT), and Alb levels were significantly lower. The results of univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis on the raw data showed that the risk of death in the Alb infusion group was significantly lower than that in the Alb non infusion group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.60-0.80, all P < 0.05]. The results after propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability weighting (IPW) processing are consistent with the original data trend (both P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the cumulative survival rate during ICU stay in the Alb infusion group was significantly higher than that in the Alb non infusion group (24.48% vs. 12.17%, Log-Rank test: χ² = 74.26, P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis shows that Alb infusion has a more significant survival benefit for AKI patients who use vasoactive drugs, have concurrent sepsis, and do not have liver disease. CONCLUSION Albumin infusion can decrease the ICU mortality of AKI patients.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Acute Kidney Injury/mortality* ; Prognosis ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Intensive Care Units ; Albumins/therapeutic use* ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Adult ; Databases, Factual

Objective:To investigate the prognostic value of the combined use of central venous-arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure difference/arterial-central venous oxygen content difference ratio (Pv-aCO 2/Ca-vO 2) combined with peripheral perfusion index (PI) for prognosis in middle-aged and elderly patients with acute heart failure (AHF) complicated by hypoperfusion. Methods:A case-control study was conducted, enrolling middle-aged and elderly AHF patients with tissue hypoperfusion admitted to the Emergency Intensive Care Unit of Nanjing First Hospital from May 2022 to May 2024. The primary endpoint was 28-day all-cause mortality. Patients were divided into survival and death groups based on prognosis. Baseline characteristics and clinical data were compared between groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive performance of risk factors. Stratified analysis based on optimal cutoff values was performed, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare prognostic differences between subgroups.Results:A total of 70 patients with AHF and hypoperfusion were enrolled, with 36 deaths (28-day mortality rate: 51.43%). No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-myocardial band, cardiac troponin I,central venous pressure, or left ventricular ejection fraction between groups(all P>0.05). Compared with the survival group, the death group exhibited significantly higher APACHEⅡ scores, lactate levels, and Pv-aCO 2/Ca-vO 2 ratios, along with lower PI values (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUCs) for PI, Pv-aCO 2/Ca-vO 2, and their combination in predicting 28-day mortality were 0.804 (95% CI: 0.701-0.908), 0.848 (95% CI: 0.758-0.938), and 0.922 (95% CI: 0.859-0.985), respectively. The optimal cutoff value for PI was 1.17 (sensitivity 83.3% and specificity 67.6%), and for Pv-aCO 2/Ca-vO 2 was 1.59 (sensitivity 77.8% and specificity 79.4%). Stratified analysis revealed that the PI≤1.17 group had a significantly higher 28-day mortality rate than the PI>1.17 group ( P<0.01), and the Pv-aCO 2/Ca-vO 2>1.59 group had a markedly higher mortality rate than the Pv-aCO 2/Ca-vO 2≤1.59 group ( P<0.01) ,consistent with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Conclusion:Early assessment of Pv-aCO 2/Ca-vO 2 combined with PI demonstrates superior predictive performance for prognosis in AHF patients with hypoperfusion.

Objective In order to clarify the identification path and the followed principles in this kind of pathological-related medical damage identification,explore the prevention and resolution ideas of pathological medical disputes in the medical and health departments,and build a path for the people's court to hear the cases of pathological medical injury liability disputes.Methods Taking the judgement of medical damage liability disputes that took effect in 2019-2023 and published on the judgement document network as a sample,conduct a retrospective analysis in terms of the site of lesion,medical fault,the consequences of the damage,the causal relationship and the degree of cause(degree of participation),the degree of accident classification and responsibility,the selection of appraisal method,and the acceptancde of appraisal opinions.Results From the analysis of the lesion site,there is a high proportion of misdiagnosis in breast,lung,thyroid,skin and uterus;from the analysis of medical fault,58.4%of delayed treatment and 41.6%of overtreatment due to improper selection of treatment plan;from the analysis of the consequences of damage,the consequences of death only account for about 20%.Most of them are in the category of living appraisal;from the analysis of responsibility division,medical institutions bear secondary reasons,accounting for 30.3%;from the analysis of appraisal and acceptance,medical damage identification methods are mostly used,and the court's acceptance of appraisal opinions reaches 92.1%.Conclusion(1)There are more pathological disputes involving women's bodies,and misdiagnosis is the most in the type of fault;(2)Forensic clinical professional appraisers can also participate in the identification of medical damage involving pathological diagnosis;(3)For cases of medical damage liability disputes involving pathological diagnosis and the consequences of death,the cause of death should be identified;(4)Medical damage identification should be in accordance with the principle of peer review.

Ankylosing spondylitis （AS） is an inflammatory autoimmune disease with chronic low back pain as the main clinical manifestation， which mainly affects the axial joints， peripheral joints and various organs. In severe cases， the spine is stiff or deformed， which affects the quality of life and health of patients. The pathogenic factors of AS are complex， which are related to heredity， immunity and intestinal flora. The pathogenesis of AS is not clear yet. Among them， inflammatory reaction， bone destruction and heterotopic ossification are the main pathological features of AS， which play an important role in the disease process of AS. Traditional Chinese medicine has multi-target， multi-channel and multi-component pharmacological effects， which can prevent and treat AS by anti-inflammation， inhibiting bone destruction and preventing heterotopic ossification， and the clinical effect is remarkable， but there is no relevant literature report. Therefore， this review expounds the relationship between inflammatory reaction， bone destruction and heterotopic ossification and the occurrence and development of AS， and summarizes the latest research reports of traditional Chinese medicine in treating AS from anti-inflammatory， inhibiting bone destruction and preventing heterotopic ossification， aiming at providing reference and new ideas and directions for further research on the prevention and treatment of AS by traditional Chinese medicine.