BACKGROUND:Age-related macular degeneration and deep vein thrombosis may share common pathophysiological mechanisms,but there is a lack of direct evidence regarding their relationship.Traditional studies are confounded by confounding factors and reverse causation.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between age-related macular degeneration and deep vein thrombosis based on Mendelian randomization design.METHODS:Through a two-way Mendelian randomization analysis,single nucleotide polymorphisms of exposure and outcomes were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association studies,with deep vein thrombosis data from the FinnGen database in a European population with a sample size of 363 612 and 1 048 575 single nucleotide polymorphisms.In addition,we obtained data on age-related macular degeneration from the IEUOpenGWAS project,also from a European population sample of 105 248 cases covering 11 304 110 single nucleotide polymorphisms.In R4.4.1,we used the TwoSampleMR package(version 0.6.8)to explore the causal effects of exposure factors on outcomes.At the same time,we also conducted a sensitivity analysis via MR-Egger regression,weighted median,weighted model and simple model methods to ensure that the assessment results were robust and reliable.In addition,we used the"heterogeneity"function to test for heterogeneity,and the"horizontal pleiotropy"function and the MR-PRESSO test to further assess horizontal pleotropy.The Cochran's Q test was used to determine whether there was statistical heterogeneity between single nucleotide polymorphisms,and the leave-one-out method was used to assess whether single nucleotide polymorphisms would significantly interfere with Mendelian randomization analysis.Funnel plots were drawn to assess the potential bias of single nucleotide polymorphisms.Forest plots were plotted to show the effect estimates of single nucleotide polymorphisms on exposure and outcomes,and their confidence intervals were plotted.Scatter plots were plotted to evaluate the relationship between the potency of single nucleotide polymorphisms and their causal effect size on outcome estimates.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Both forward and reverse studies showed that there was no causal association between age-related macular degeneration and the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis(P＞0.05).Sensitivity analysis showed that the main analysis results were reliable and robust,with no outliers,heterogeneity,and horizontal pleiotropy,and no single nucleotide polymorphism significantly affected the overall effect estimate.Although it is based on European population data,it has methodological reference value for Chinese biomedical research on complex disease associations.In this field,China can carry out multi-center large-sample studies,accurately analyze the internal links between Chinese population-related diseases,and provide a basis for prevention and treatment strategies and clinical practice.

As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.

BACKGROUND:Age-related macular degeneration and deep vein thrombosis may share common pathophysiological mechanisms,but there is a lack of direct evidence regarding their relationship.Traditional studies are confounded by confounding factors and reverse causation.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between age-related macular degeneration and deep vein thrombosis based on Mendelian randomization design.METHODS:Through a two-way Mendelian randomization analysis,single nucleotide polymorphisms of exposure and outcomes were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association studies,with deep vein thrombosis data from the FinnGen database in a European population with a sample size of 363 612 and 1 048 575 single nucleotide polymorphisms.In addition,we obtained data on age-related macular degeneration from the IEUOpenGWAS project,also from a European population sample of 105 248 cases covering 11 304 110 single nucleotide polymorphisms.In R4.4.1,we used the TwoSampleMR package(version 0.6.8)to explore the causal effects of exposure factors on outcomes.At the same time,we also conducted a sensitivity analysis via MR-Egger regression,weighted median,weighted model and simple model methods to ensure that the assessment results were robust and reliable.In addition,we used the"heterogeneity"function to test for heterogeneity,and the"horizontal pleiotropy"function and the MR-PRESSO test to further assess horizontal pleotropy.The Cochran's Q test was used to determine whether there was statistical heterogeneity between single nucleotide polymorphisms,and the leave-one-out method was used to assess whether single nucleotide polymorphisms would significantly interfere with Mendelian randomization analysis.Funnel plots were drawn to assess the potential bias of single nucleotide polymorphisms.Forest plots were plotted to show the effect estimates of single nucleotide polymorphisms on exposure and outcomes,and their confidence intervals were plotted.Scatter plots were plotted to evaluate the relationship between the potency of single nucleotide polymorphisms and their causal effect size on outcome estimates.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Both forward and reverse studies showed that there was no causal association between age-related macular degeneration and the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis(P＞0.05).Sensitivity analysis showed that the main analysis results were reliable and robust,with no outliers,heterogeneity,and horizontal pleiotropy,and no single nucleotide polymorphism significantly affected the overall effect estimate.Although it is based on European population data,it has methodological reference value for Chinese biomedical research on complex disease associations.In this field,China can carry out multi-center large-sample studies,accurately analyze the internal links between Chinese population-related diseases,and provide a basis for prevention and treatment strategies and clinical practice.

ObjectiveTo quantitatively analyze and evaluate the content of China's assistive technology industry policies. MethodsBased on the three-dimensional framework of policy "objectives-instruments-intensity", this study examined 101 national-level assistive technology industry policies issued between 2011 and 2024. Policy text analysis was conducted to assess the matching and coordination among policy objectives, policy instruments and policy intensity. Furthermore, the policy modeling consistency (PMC) index model was applied to establish an evaluation system consisting of nine primary indicators and 35 secondary indicators, and six key policies were quantitatively evaluated. ResultsThe policy objectives mainly focused on optimizing the industrial development structure, also emphasized supportive environments for industrial development and the enhancement of innovation capacity. Policy instruments were dominated by supply-oriented and environment-oriented instruments, supplemented by demand-oriented instruments, aiming to strengthen technological foundations and competitiveness, promote standardized development, and facilitate industrial development and upgrading. Regarding the matching between policy objectives and instruments, multiple instruments were adopted to support different objectives, with different priorities. In terms of the matching between policy objectives and policy intensity, policies mainly emphasized improving the accessibility of assistive technology products and meeting the rehabilitation needs of different populations. Regarding the matching between policy instruments and policy intensity, supply-oriented instruments were more frequently adopted and showed higher policy intensity, indicating strong governmental efforts to optimize production factor allocation and enhance the capacity of market entities. The average PMC index score was 6.45, indicating relatively high policy quality, strong internal consistency, stable policy orientation, and clear objectives. The PMC scores for policy evaluation and policy instrument dimensions were relatively high, while some policies showed relatively narrow objectives. ConclusionChina's assistive technology industry policies demonstrate relatively high quality. Future policy development should further strengthen industrial innovation capacity, optimize the structure of policy instruments, and improve the alignment between policy objectives and instruments.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between intraoperative mechanical power and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing long-duration neurosurgery.Methods:This was a case-control study. Based on the duration of mechanical ventilation>8 h, the clinical data(baseline characteristics, intraoperative information and hospitalization) of patients underwent first elective craniotomy under general anesthesia at Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into pulmonary complication group (group P) and non-pulmonary complication group (group N) based on the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Ventilation-related risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications were identified by the multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the accuracy of intraoperative tidal volume, peak airway pressure, respiratory rate and mechanical power in predicting postoperative pulmonary complications was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results:A total of 555 patients were finally included, with 247 patients in group P and 308 patients in group N. The duration of mechanical ventilation, tidal volume, peak airway pressure, respiratory rate, mechanical power, length of hospitalization and mortality during hospitalization were significantly higher in group P than in group N ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intraoperative peak airway pressure, respiratory rate and mechanical power were risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications ( P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) of intraoperative peak airway pressure, respiratory rate and mechanical power in predicting postoperative pulmonary complications was 0.726(0.572-0.666), 0.619(0.684-0.768) and 0.958(0.942-0.974)respectively. Conclusions:Intraoperative mechanical power is an independent risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications and an important ventilation parameter for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing long-duration neurosurgery.

Objective:To design a novel model for experiments on in vitro irradiation with radioactive seeds using a treatment planning system (TPS) and 3D printing technology and to preliminarily validate the design scientific rigor of the model via experiments on isodose brachytherapy (BT) and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) on glioma cells in mice. Methods:The TPS was employed to design the model′s shape and calculate the number and positions of radioactive seeds, and 3D printing technology was utilized to fabricate the experimental model. The GL261 cell line was selected for in vitro irradiation experiments, with the mice divided into the control, EBRT, and BT groups. Mice in the EBRT and BT groups were treated with EBRT and BT, respectively, at doses of 2, 4, and 6 Gy. Then, changes in their cell viability, proliferation, and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed. Results:The model for in vitro irradiation with radioactive seeds was successfully designed and fabricated. The single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) verified a uniform radioactive distribution within the model, with no significant cold spots. The BT and EBRT groups displayed decreased cell viability with an increase in the radiation dose. Compared to the EBRT group, the BT group exhibited significantly reduced cell viability (51.33% vs. 22.00%, t = 10.94, P < 0.05) and clone counts (172.67 ± 13.11 vs. 53.67 ± 10.22, t = 8.73, P < 0.05), but a significantly increased level of ROS (102.52 ± 6.87 vs. 144.81 ± 6.01, t = -5.26, P < 0.05) at a dose of 6 Gy. Conclusions:An effective model of in vitro irradiation with radioactive seeds is designed based on TPS and 3D printing technology. This provides an experimental model tool and target for research on the BT and EBRT mechanisms.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between intraoperative mechanical power and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing long-duration neurosurgery.Methods:This was a case-control study. Based on the duration of mechanical ventilation>8 h, the clinical data(baseline characteristics, intraoperative information and hospitalization) of patients underwent first elective craniotomy under general anesthesia at Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into pulmonary complication group (group P) and non-pulmonary complication group (group N) based on the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Ventilation-related risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications were identified by the multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the accuracy of intraoperative tidal volume, peak airway pressure, respiratory rate and mechanical power in predicting postoperative pulmonary complications was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results:A total of 555 patients were finally included, with 247 patients in group P and 308 patients in group N. The duration of mechanical ventilation, tidal volume, peak airway pressure, respiratory rate, mechanical power, length of hospitalization and mortality during hospitalization were significantly higher in group P than in group N ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intraoperative peak airway pressure, respiratory rate and mechanical power were risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications ( P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) of intraoperative peak airway pressure, respiratory rate and mechanical power in predicting postoperative pulmonary complications was 0.726(0.572-0.666), 0.619(0.684-0.768) and 0.958(0.942-0.974)respectively. Conclusions:Intraoperative mechanical power is an independent risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications and an important ventilation parameter for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing long-duration neurosurgery.

Objective:To design a novel model for experiments on in vitro irradiation with radioactive seeds using a treatment planning system (TPS) and 3D printing technology and to preliminarily validate the design scientific rigor of the model via experiments on isodose brachytherapy (BT) and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) on glioma cells in mice. Methods:The TPS was employed to design the model′s shape and calculate the number and positions of radioactive seeds, and 3D printing technology was utilized to fabricate the experimental model. The GL261 cell line was selected for in vitro irradiation experiments, with the mice divided into the control, EBRT, and BT groups. Mice in the EBRT and BT groups were treated with EBRT and BT, respectively, at doses of 2, 4, and 6 Gy. Then, changes in their cell viability, proliferation, and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed. Results:The model for in vitro irradiation with radioactive seeds was successfully designed and fabricated. The single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) verified a uniform radioactive distribution within the model, with no significant cold spots. The BT and EBRT groups displayed decreased cell viability with an increase in the radiation dose. Compared to the EBRT group, the BT group exhibited significantly reduced cell viability (51.33% vs. 22.00%, t = 10.94, P < 0.05) and clone counts (172.67 ± 13.11 vs. 53.67 ± 10.22, t = 8.73, P < 0.05), but a significantly increased level of ROS (102.52 ± 6.87 vs. 144.81 ± 6.01, t = -5.26, P < 0.05) at a dose of 6 Gy. Conclusions:An effective model of in vitro irradiation with radioactive seeds is designed based on TPS and 3D printing technology. This provides an experimental model tool and target for research on the BT and EBRT mechanisms.

Objective:To clarify the natural course of renal angiomyolipoma and the risk factors for its progression.Methods:This was a retrospective case-control study that included 401 patients diagnosed several times by ultrasound examination in the hospital physical examination system from January 2012 to June 2024. All patients were untreated. There were 128 male cases (31.90%) and 273 female cases (68.10%). The average age at initial diagnosis was (44.04 ± 10.24) years (range 22-78 years). The median longest diameter of the tumor at initial diagnosis was 9.0 (7.0, 11.5) mm. There were 359 cases (89.50%) with single tumors and 42 cases (10.50%) with multiple tumors. The patients were divided into the progression group(≥1 mm/year) and the non-progression group (<1 mm/year)based on the average growth rate of tumor. The differences in gender, age at initial diagnosis, initial tumor size, number of lesions and lesion site between the two groups were compared. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between the above factors and the progression of renal angiomyolipoma. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors for progression.Results:A total of 401 cases were followed up for an average of (88.15 ± 21.09) months (range 48-140 months). The median maximum diameter of the tumors at the initial diagnosis was 9.0 (7.0, 11.5) mm, and at the end of the follow-up, it was 11 (8, 14) mm. The average growth rate was 0.38 mm/year, and the median growth rate was 0.25 (0, 0.60) mm/year. Among them, 341 cases (85.04%) were in the non-progression group with an average growth rate of 0.14 mm/year, and 60 cases (14.96%) were in the progression group with an average growth rate of 1.74 mm/year. The age of the progression group was lower than that of the non-progression group [(41.43 ± 9.64) years vs. (44.50±10.29) years], the initial maximum diameter of the tumors in the progression group was larger than that in the non-progression group [11.0 (8.0, 16.0) mm vs. 9.0 (7.0, 11.0) mm], and the proportion of multiple tumors in the progression group was higher than that in the non-progression group [14 cases (23.30%) vs. 28 cases (8.20%)], and the differences were all statistically significant ( P<0.05). Age at initial diagnosis( OR=0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99), initial tumor size ( OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.12) and number of lesions ( OR=2.96, 95% CI 1.38-6.34) were the risk factors for the growth of renal angiomyolipoma ( P<0.05), according to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusions:The natural history of most renal angiomyolipoma shows slow growth or relative quiescence, with a small number showing a significant increasing trend. Age at initial diagnosis, initial tumor size and number of lesions were independent risk factors for the growth of renal angiomyolipoma.

Objectives:This study aims to investigate the correlation between urinary crystals and the components of urinary calculi in patients with urinary calculi，as well as the accuracy of urine crystals in predicting stone components.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 280 patients with positive urine crystal and urinary calculi from January 2022 to December 2024. There were a total of 280 patients consisting of 185 males and 95 females，aged from 23 to 80 years，with an average age of（49.1 ± 12.3）years. Among them，there were 243 cases of renal stones or both renal and ureteral stones，25 cases of ureteral stones，and 12 cases of bladder stones. In all cases，10 ml of morning urine was collected preoperatively and sent for examination within one hour. After centrifuging at 400 g for 1 minute，the urine sediment was examined under a microscope. All positive crystals were categorized into calcium oxalate，uric acid，calcium phosphate，magnesium ammonium phosphate，and cystine based on the morphology of the crystals. Calculi were collected after endoscopic surgery，calculi composition was analyzed using infrared spectroscopy，and the main component（the first predominant component）was recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using a 5×5 contingency table to analyze the correlation and contingency coefficient，and the positive predictive values of the urinary crystals for predicting calculi components were calculated. Results:Among the 280 patients，calcium oxalate crystals were found in 241 cases，uric acid in 25 cases，calcium phosphate in 7 cases，magnesium ammonium phosphate in 5 cases，and cystine in 2 cases. The main components of 280 calculi were calcium oxalate in 232 cases，uric acid in 21 cases，calcium phosphate in 24 cases，magnesium ammonium phosphate in 1 case，and cystine in 2 cases. There was a statistically significant correlation between urinary crystals and stone components（ χ2 = 152.46， P < 0.01），and the contingency coefficient between crystals and calculi components was 0.809. The overall positive expected value of urine crystals was 87.5%（245/280），among which the positive expected value of calcium oxalate crystals was 91.7%（221/241），uric acid crystals was 72.0%（18/25），calcium phosphate was 42.9%（3/7），magnesium ammonium phosphate was 20.0%（1/5），and cystine was 100.0%（2/2）. Conclusions:The urinary crystals of patients with calculi are significantly related to the main components of the calculi. Using urinary crystals to predict the components of the calculi has a relatively high accuracy.