The pain-evoked potential electroencephalogram (EEG) is an effective electrophysiological indicator for pain assessment, yet its extraction is challenging due to interference from background activity and involuntary blinks. Although existing blink artifact-removal methods show efficacy, they face limitations such as the need for reference signals, neglect of individual differences, and reliance on user input, hindering their practical application in clinical pain assessments. In this paper, we propose a novel framework applying adaptive quadrature mirror filter banks (AQMFB) with discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to remove blink artifacts in pain EEG. Unlike traditional DWT methods that apply fixed wavelets across subjects, our method adapts wavelet construction based on the characteristics of EEG. Experimental results demonstrate that AQMFB-DWT outperforms four leading methods in removing blink artifacts with minimal distortion of pain information, all within an acceptable processing time. This technique is a valuable preprocessing step for enhancing the extraction of pain-evoked potentials.
Humans ; Artifacts ; Blinking/physiology* ; Electroencephalography/methods* ; Pain/diagnosis* ; Male ; Wavelet Analysis ; Adult ; Female ; Evoked Potentials/physiology* ; Young Adult ; Brain/physiopathology* ; Pain Measurement/methods* ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted

This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) delivering quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronic acid (QG-EVs) in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). Targeted brain delivery of QG-EVs was confirmed, with neuron cells identified as pivotal in modulating CIRI through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Activating transcription factor 4 (Atf4) was highlighted as a critical regulatory factor, and in vitro studies revealed that silencing Atf4 diminished the neuroprotective effects of QG-EVs, increasing oxidative stress levels and neuronal apoptosis. In a CIRI mouse model, the knockdown of Atf4 attenuated the protective outcomes provided by QG-EVs, further affirming the role of Atf4 in mediating neuroprotection. Behavioral assessments and protein analysis showed that QG-EVs significantly reduced neuronal damage and pro-apoptotic markers, while improving neurological function via Atf4 upregulation. The outcomes hint at the potential of QG-EVs as a beneficial therapeutic modality to mitigate neuronal damage in CIRI by enhancing Atf4 expression, highlighting its potential for improving ischemic stroke outcomes.

Objective To investigate the impact of anti-reflux modified duodenal exclusion surgery on glucose metabolism in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to elucidate the role of the duodenum in maintaining glucose homeostasis. MethodsForty male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 5 weeks were fed a high-fat diet and induced with T2DM using low-dose streptozotocin. Thirty-six rats that met the T2DM model criteria were randomly divided into three groups: the simple duodenal exclusion surgery group (DE group), the anti-reflux modified duodenal exclusion group (MDE group), and the sham operation group (SO group), with 12 rats in each group. Gastroenterography was performed 4 weeks after surgery, and the body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, and serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations were measured before surgery and at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-surgery. Eight weeks post-surgery, the rats were euthanized, and a 1 cm segment of the biliopancreatic loop was collected from each group for pathological sectioning and HE staining to observe the intestinal mucosal villus length under an optical microscope. Results Gastroenterography showed that there was significant reflux of the contrast agent into the duodenal lumen in the DE group, while no reflux was observed in the MDE group. At one week post-surgery, the body weights of rats in all three groups significantly decreased compared to before surgery (P<0.05), and then the body weights of all groups increased over time, with no significant differences between the groups (P>0.05). Compared with the SO group, the fasting blood glucose levels in the MDE and DE groups significantly decreased at all time points post-surgery (P<0.05), while GLP-1 concentrations significantly increased (P<0.05). The fasting blood glucose levels in the MDE group were lower than those in the DE group at all time points post-surgery (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in serum GLP-1 concentrations between the MDE and DE groups (P>0.05). Regarding intestinal mucosal morphology, the villus lengths of the biliopancreatic loops in the MDE group were significantly shorter than those in the DE and SO groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Anti-reflux modified duodenal exclusion surgery effectively improves glucose metabolism in T2DM rats by preventing the reflux of chyme into the diverted duodenum, thereby enhancing its hypoglycemic effect.

Objective:To explore the strategy of prostate biopsy in patients with prostate specific antigen(PSA)gray zone based on prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS).Methods:The clinical data of 427 patients who underwent transperineal prostate biopsy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The median age was 66 (61, 72) years old. The median PSA was 6.62 (5.46, 8.19) ng/ml. The median PSA density (PSAD) was 0.15 (0.11, 0.21) ng/ml 2. The median prostate volume (PV) was 43.68 (31.12, 56.82) ml. PSA velocity (PSAV) data were available in 65 patients with negative MRI examination(PI-RADS <3), and the median PSAV was 1.40 (0.69, 2.89) ng/(ml· year). Among the patients with positive MRI(PI-RADS≥3), there were 174 patients with only 1 lesion and 83 patients with ≥2 lesions. A total of 170 patients with negative MRI underwent systematic biopsy, and 257 patients with positive MRI underwent systematic combined targeted biopsy. The PI-RADS score, regions of interest(ROI), PSAD, f/tPSA and PSAV were analyzed to explore the biopsy strategy for patients with PSA gray area based on bpMRI imaging. Results:Of the 427 patients included in the study, 194 were positive and 233 were negative. Among the patients with positive biopsy pathology, 140 cases were clinically significant prostate cancer (CsPCa). Among the MRI-negative patients, there were 33 cases with PSAV ≥1.4 ng/(ml·year), and 10 cases of prostate cancer and 6 cases of CsPCa were detected by systematic biopsy.In 32 cases with PSAV <1.4 ng/(ml·year), 3 cases of prostate cancer and 0 case of CsPCa were detected by systematic biopsy. The sensitivity of systematic biopsy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and CsPCa in patients with PSAV≥1.4 ng/(ml·year) were 76.9% (10/13) and 100.0% (6/6) respectively, the specificity were 55.8% (29/52) and 54.2% (32/59) respectively, the negative predictive value were 90.6% (29/32) and 100.0% (32/32) respectively, and the positive predictive value were 30.3% (10/33) and 18.2% (6/33) respectively. In MRI-positive patients with PI-RADS 3, the prostate cancer detection rates of targeted biopsy combined with systematic biopsy, systematic biopsy and targeted biopsy were 41.7% (45/108), 32.4% (35/108) and 35.2% (38/108), respectively ( P=0.349). The detection rates of CsPCa were 27.8% (30/108), 21.3% (23/108) and 25.0% (27/108), respectively ( P=0.541). In patients with PI-RADS 4-5 and PSAD > 0.15 ng/ml 2, the detection rates of CsPCa in targeted biopsy combined with systematic biopsy, systematic biopsy and targeted biopsy were 67.8% (61/90), 58.9% (53/90) and 67.8% (61/90), respectively ( P=0.354). Conclusions:For MRI-negative patients, all CsPCa could be detected by perineal systematic biopsy when PSAV ≥1.4 ng/(ml·year), and active observation could be performed when PSAV <1.4 ng/(ml·year). For MRI-positive patients, targeted combined systemic biopsy was required when PI-RADS score was 3, and targeted biopsy only could be performed when PI-RADS score ≥4 and PSAD >0.15 ng/ml 2, otherwise targeted combined systemic biopsy was required.

【Objective】 To analyze the composition of urinary calculi in Longnan, Gansu province, and the relationship between the composition and clinical characteristics of patients, so as to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of this disease. 【Methods】 The composition of 500 cases of urinary calculi hospitalized in our department during Apr. 2021 and Feb.2023 were analyzed using the infrared spectrum stone composition analyzer. The clinical characteristics of the patients were evaluated and analyzed. 【Results】 The male-to-female ration of patients was 2.70∶1. Most patients aged 21 to 60 years (437, 87.4%). Most cases were ureteral calculi (72.8%), followed by renal calculi (22.2%), and bladder calculi (5.0%). There were 166 cases of calcium oxalate calculi, 293 cases of calcium oxalate + carbonated apatite calculi, 24 cases of calcium oxalate + carbonated apatite + hydroxyl apatite calculi, 4 cases of calcium oxalate + calcium bicarbonate calculi, 7 cases of urate calculi, 6 cases of carbonated apatite + struvite calculi. Oxalate calculi were the most common in all age groups, and urate calculi were the most common in the 21 to 40 age group. Calcium oxalate calculi were most common in the ureter (127, 76.5%), significantly higher than in other sites (χ²=3.222, P=0.020). Calcium oxalate + calcium hydrogen phosphate calculi was the least common in the bladder, significantly different from the other parts (χ²=2.092, P=0.037). Magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate and/or calcium carbonate or calcium oxalate calculi were the most common in the kidney (50.0%), significantly different from the other parts (χ²=9.448, P=0.007). 【Conclusion】 In Longnan area, the incidence of urinary calculi is significantly higher in male than in female. Ureteral calculi are mainly composed of calcium oxalate + carbonated apatite and calcium oxalate. According to different risk factors, individual prevention programs should be developed.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features and magnetic resonance imaging of non-malignant patients assigned to Prostate Imaging Reporting And Data System (PI-RADS) 5 score.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of 289 patients who underwent magnetic resonance ultrasound targeted combined system biopsy with PI-RADS 5 lesions in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between May 2019 and July 2021. The median age 72 (66, 77)years, median body mass index 24.4(22.3, 27.1)kg/m 2, median prostate volume (PV) 37.39(29.39, 48.86) ml, median PSA 22.24(10.91, 62.69) ng/ml, and median PSAD 0.53(0.30, 1.52)ng/ml 2 were recorded. According to the biopsy pathological results, all patients were divided into benign lesion group and prostate cancer group. PSA, PSAD, PV, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared, and magnetic resonance imaging and clinical characteristics of patients with biopsy benign lesions were analyzed. Results:There were 11 cases (3.8%) with benign lesion and 278 cases (96.2%) with prostate cancer. The characters of 11 negative biopsy cases were displayed as follows: median age 69(66, 79)years, median body mass index 22.0(21.0, 25.5)kg/m 2, median PV 62.90(38.48, 71.96)ml, median PSA 5.55(2.99, 20.52)ng/ml, median PSAD 0.16(0.07, 0.24) ng/ml 2, median ADC 714.47(701.91, 801.26)×10 -6 mm 2/s, abnormal digital rectal and amination in 5 cases, smoking in 7 cases, and alcohol consumption in 4 cases. The median PV [62.90(38.48, 71.96) vs. 37.21(29.22, 47.82)ml, P<0.01], the PSA value [5.55(2.99, 20.52) vs. 23.53(11.14, 65.98)ng/ml, P<0.01], and the PSAD value [0.16(0.07, 0.24) vs. 0.58(0.31, 1.57)ng/ml 2, P<0.01] were significantly different between benign condition group and prostate carcinoma group. Benign condition group included 5 chronic prostatitis, 2 acute prostatitis (1 with focal adenocarcinoma), 2 granulomatous inflammation, and 2 tuberculous granulomatous inflammation. In 7 benign cases, PSA was less than 10 ng/ml, combined with frequent urination, urgency of urination and incontinence were founded. In 8 benign cases, the area of lesion was more than 50% of the total prostate area in the axial position and the imaging of magnetic resonance were diffused, with regular shape and uniform signal. The imaging of symmetrical distribution was in 6 cases. Conclusions:The benign condition with PI-RADS 5 lesions included chronic prostatitis, acute prostatitis, granulomatous inflammation and tuberculous granulomatous inflammation, among which prostatitis was the most common cause. The PSA value were less than 10 ng/ml in most benign cases, with symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency of urination and incontinence. The imaging of magnetic resonance were diffused, symmetrically distributed, with regular shape and uniform signal.

Objective:To assess the changes of selenium nutrition of school-age children in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) areas of Linzhou County, Lhasa City and Xietongmen County, Shigatse City in Tibet Autonomous Region (referred to as Tibet), and provide a scientific basis for evaluating the effectiveness of prevention and control measures.Methods:According to the historical condition of KBD, a total of 344 children's hair samples were collected to determine the content of selenium in Kazi (KBD area) and Jiangxia townships (non-KBD area) of Linzhou County in 2013 and 2021, Renqinze (KBD area) and Tongmen townships (non-KBD area) of Xietongmen County in 2015 and 2021.Results:Compared to 2013/2015, in 2021, the hair selenium level of children in the four townships increased ( P < 0.001). The selenium nutritional level of more than 90% of the children reached medium or above (hair selenium > 0.25 μg/g) in 2021. The hair selenium levels of girls in the two KBD areas (Kazi and Renqinze townships) were lower than those of boys ( Z = - 2.83, - 2.83, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The selenium nutrition level of school-age children in KBD areas in Linzhou and Xietongmen counties has increased rapidly in recent years. However, the selenium nutrition level of girls is significantly lower than that of boys. It is necessary to strengthen prevention, controlling and monitoring, and to further improve the dietary structure of school-age children through the joint efforts of families and schools, to increase the proportion of exogenous high selenium food intake.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of single-plane bi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (bpMRI) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.Methods:The clinical data of 343 patients who underwent transperineal template prostate magnetic resonance-transrectal ultrasound (MRI-TRUS) cognitive fusion biopsy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, with median age of [65.0(59.0, 72.0)] years, median body mass index (BMI) of [24.1(22.2, 25.6)]kg/m 2, median prostate volume (PV) of [41.7(29.1, 53.3)]ml, median PSA[6.9 (5.5, 8.4) ng/ml], median PSAD of[0.17(0.12, 0.22) ng/ml 2], and abnormal rate of digital rectal examination (DRE) [6.4%(22/343)]. All patients underwent initial biopsy and bi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (bpMRI) examination before biopsy, and the images were interpreted using prostate image reporting and data system version 2.1 (PI-RADS v2.1). The detection rates of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) were compared between single-plane bpMRI and bpMRI. When PI-RADS≥3 score, MRI results were positive; when PI-RADS ≤2 score, MRI results were negative. Results:In the single-plane bpMRI group, 121 MRI results were negative and 222 were positive. Positive patients included 95 with PI-RADS 3 score, 94 with PI-RADS 4 score, and 33 with PI-RADS 5 score. In bpMRI group, 141 MRI results were negative and 202 were positive. Among the positive patients, 67 patients with PI-RADS 3 score, 102 patients with PI-RADS 4 score, and 33 patients with PI-RADS 5 score. The detection rates of single-plane bpMRI and bpMRI for prostate cancer were 22.3% (27/121) and 15.6% (22/141) in MRI negative cases[22.3% (27/121) and 15.6% (22/141), P=0.17], and PI-RADS scores with 3 points [35.8% (34/95) vs. 44.8% (30/67), P=0.25], 4 points [89.4% (84/94)vs. 90.2% (92/102), P=0.85] and 5 points [90.9% (30/33) vs. 93.9% (31/33), P=1.00] showed no significant difference in stratification. The detection rate of csPCa in the single-plane bpMRI group and bpMRI group was significantly different in the MRI negative cases [7.4% (9/121) and 2.1% (3/141), P=0.04]. PI-RADS scores with 3 points [22.1% (21/95) vs. 29.9% (20/67), P=0.27], 4 points [80.9% (76/94) vs. 79.4% (81/102), P=0.80] and 5 points [84.9% (28/33) vs. 90.9% (30/33), P=0.71] showed no significant difference in stratification. Conclusions:For those suspected of prostate cancer patients with PSA 4-10 ng/ml and PI-RADS score ≥3, single-plane bpMRI or bpMRI examination has the same efficacy in term of the detection rate of prostate cancer and csPCa.

Objective:To evaluate arthroscopy-assisted tibial bone tunnel fixation combined with double-row anchors in the treatment of tibial eminence fracture.Methods:The 23 patients were retrospectively analyzed who had been treated at Department of Orthopedics, Beiing Shunyi District Hospital for tibial eminence fractures by arthroscopy-assisted tibial bone tunnel fixation combined with double-row anchors from October 2015 to December 2019. They were 15 males and 8 females, aged from 12 to 55 years (average, 35.5 years). All the injuries were unilateral (14 right and 9 left sides). According to the modified Meyers-McKeever classification, 2 cases belonged to type Ⅱ, 18 cases to type Ⅲ and 3 cases to type Ⅳ. Range of motion of the knee, Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were observed before surgery, 1 month and 12 months after surgery. The anterior tibial slope angle (ATSA) on CT was measured preoperatively and 1 month after surgery for evaluation of fracture reduction.Results:All the 23 patients were followed up for an average of 23 months (from 12 to 52 months). Postoperatively, limited knee movement was observed in 2 patients and non-anatomic reduction in one patient. At 1 month and 12 months after operation, the Lysholm scores (61.4 ± 3.5 and 90.4 ± 4.3) and IKDC scores (69.6 ± 4.2 and 88.5 ± 3.0) were significantly improved compared with the preoperative values (45.4 ± 6.8 and 49.6 ± 3.9, respectively) ( P<0.05). ATSA was significantly restored from preoperative 4.2° ± 5.7° to -11.7° ± 2.9° at 1 month after operation ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of tibial eminence fracture, arthroscopy-assisted tibial bone tunnel fixation combined with double-row anchors can achieve anatomical reduction and firm fixation, leading to satisfactory surgical outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the effects of miRNA-499a-5p targeting CD38 on cardiomyocyte injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2) and the possible mechanism. Methods:H9c2 cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro and induced with H 2O 2 to establish the cardiomyocyte injury model. Four groups including control, H 2O 2, H 2O 2+ negative control (NC) and H 2O 2+ miRNA-499a-5p groups were set up. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miRNA-499a-5p and CD38 in cardiomyocytes, respectively. MTT assay was used to measure the survival rates of cardiomyocytes. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed with test kits. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining method was used to detect the apoptosis rates of cardiomyocytes. Western blot was used to detect the expression of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-related X protein (Bax), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt). Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between miRNA-499a-5p and CD38. Results:Compared with the control group, the expression of miRNA-499a-5p, Bcl-2, p-PI3K and p-Akt and the survival rate of cardiomyocytes were significantly reduced in the H 2O 2 group ( P<0.05), while the expression of CD38 and Bax, ROS level, LDH activity and the apoptosis rate were significantly increased ( P<0.05). Compared with the H 2O 2 group, the expression of miRNA-499a-5p, Bcl-2, p-PI3K and p-Akt and the survival rate of cardiomyocytes were significantly increased in the H 2O 2+ miRNA-499a-5p group ( P<0.05), while the expression of CD38 and Bax, ROS level, LDH activity and the apoptosis rate were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that CD38 was a target gene of miRNA-499a-5p. Conclusions:miRNA-499a-5p could alleviate H 2O 2-induced cardiomyocyte injury by inhibiting the expression of CD38 and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway might be involved.