Objective To investigate the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)combined with human umbilical cord mesen-chymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)on ferroptosis following spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.Methods Allen percussion was used to estab-lish the SCI model.A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into sham,SCI,TMS,hUC-MSC,and TMS+hUC-MSC groups,with 12 rats in each group.Motor function was evaluated using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan(BBB)score.Spinal cord tissues were sampled and stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)as well as Nissl to observe tissue damage as well as the changes in neurons and Nissl bodies,respectively.The colorimetric method was used to detect the contents of ferrous ions(Fe2+)and reduced glutathione(GSH).Transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the ultrastructure of the mitochondria.Western blotting was performed to detect the expres-sion levels of SLC7A11,GPX4,and ACSL4.Results The SCI group had lower BBB scores,higher Fe2+and ACSL4 protein expression levels,and lower GSH,SLC7A11,and GPX4 protein expression levels than the sham group(P<0.05).The mitochondrial cristae reduced with membrane shrinkage,neuronal damage was severe,and Nissl bodies were absent in the SCI group.The TMS,hUC-MSC,and TMS+hUC-MSC groups had higher BBB scores,lower Fe2+and ACSL4 protein expression levels,and higher GSH,SLC7A11,and GPX4 protein expression levels than the SCI group(P<0.05).The mitochondrial cristae increased with an intact membrane structure,the pathological damage was attenuated,neuronal morphology was restored,and Nissl bodies were clearly visible in TMS,hUC-MSC,and TMS+hUC-MSC groups.Conclusion TMS combined with hUC-MSC inhibits ferroptosis through activating the SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 pathway,alleviates secondary injury after SCI,and promotes functional recovery and neural remodeling in rats.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical equivalence between a domestic calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment and the originator product in the treatment of stable plaque psoriasis.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, three-arm, parallel-group, active- and placebo-controlled study was conducted, and 449 patients aged 18 - 65 years with stable plaque psoriasis were enrolled from 25 hospitals (such as the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University). Eligible patients had a baseline physician's global assessment (PGA) score of ≥ 3 points, baseline body surface area (BSA) involvement of 5% - 30%, and a target lesion psoriasis area and severity index (TL-PASI) for plaque elevation of ≥ 3 points. Participants were randomly assigned in a 2:2:1 ratio to the test group ( n = 179), reference group ( n = 180), and placebo group ( n = 90), and applied the domestic calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment, originator product, and ointment base respectively, once daily in the evening for 4 weeks. Efficacy and safety were assessed at weeks 1, 2, and 4. The primary efficacy endpoints were the treatment success rates and clinical success rates in each group at week 4. The per-protocol set (PPS) was used for the primary efficacy analysis, and the intention-to-treat (ITT) set for supplementary efficacy analysis. Equivalence between the test and reference preparations was tested using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method adjusted for randomization strata. Superiority of the test and reference preparations over the placebo was also tested. Measurement data were compared among the 3 groups using analysis of variance or non-parametric tests, while treatment success rates, clinical success rates, and incidence rates of adverse reactions were compared using the chi-square test. Results:The ITT, PPS, and safety sets included 447, 420, and 448 patients, respectively. In the ITT set, patients were aged 43.6 ± 12.8 years, including 320 (71.6%) males and 127 (28.4%) females, and the disease duration was 11.21 ± 9.05 years; 316 (70.7%) had a PGA score of 3 points and 131 (29.3%) had a PGA score of 4 - 5 points. No significant differences in the baseline characteristics (including age, sex, disease duration and disease severity) were observed among the 3 groups (all P > 0.05). Based on the PPS analysis, the treatment success rates were 57.9% (99/171) in the test group, 50.3% (86/171) in the reference group, and 7.7% (6/78) in the placebo group, and the clinical success rates were 57.9% (99/171), 50.3% (86/171), and 10.3% (8/78), respectively; both the test and reference groups were superior to the placebo group in both treatment and clinical success rates (all P < 0.001) ; the rate differences for treatment success (90% confidence interval [ CI]: -1.3% - 16.4%) and clinical success (90% CI: -1.3% - 16.3%) between the test and reference groups were entirely within the pre-defined equivalence margin (-20% - 20%). Subgroup analyses by baseline PGA scores: for patients with a baseline PGA score of 3 points, the treatment success rates in the test, reference, and placebo groups were 60.8% (73/120), 52.1% (62/119), and 11.1% (6/54), respectively, and the corresponding clinical success rates were 61.7% (74/120), 53.8% (64/119), and 13% (7/54), respectively; the test and reference groups did not differ significantly in treatment or clinical success rates (both P > 0.05), but both showed higher success rates than the placebo group (all P < 0.001) ; the results of statistical comparisons among the 3 groups in patients with a baseline PGA score of 4 - 5 points were consistent with those observed in patients with a baseline PGA score of 3 points. The percentage reductions in PGA and TL-PASI scores from baseline to weeks 1, 2, and 4 showed significant differences among the 3 groups, which were significantly higher in the test and reference groups than in the placebo group (all P < 0.001), but did not differ between the test and reference groups (all P > 0.05). The primary adverse reactions were local skin reactions, such as pruritus, pain, and erythema. The incidence rates of adverse reactions were 8.9% (16/179) in the test group, 7.3% (13/179) in the reference group, and 7.8% (7/90) in the placebo group, with no significant difference among the 3 groups ( P > 0.05) . Conclusions:The domestic calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment demonstrated clinical equivalence to the originator product in the treatment of stable plaque psoriasis, and the two agents exhibited comparable efficacy for patients with varying degrees of disease severity, and were comparable in the speed and degree of clinical improvement, with similar favorable safety profiles.

Objective:To investigate the early predictive value of ECG PR interval for the risk of coronary heart disease(CHD) in patients with T2DM.Methods:A total of 7 886 participants from Guiyang who enrolled in the REACTION study between May and August 2011 were included. Baseline data were collected, and participants were followed for 10 years to monitor the occurrence of CHD. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for CHD, and a Cox proportional hazards model was employed to assess the predictive value of the PR interval for CHD incidence. Results:Over 10 years of follow-up, the overall incidence of CHD was 4.22%(245/5 812). The incidence was significantly higher in the T2DM group(7.57%, 96/1 268) than in the non-T2DM(3.28%, 149/4 544), and the shortened PR group(3.19%, 36/1 130; all P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified both T2DM and prolonged PR interval as significant risk factors for CHD, with HR(95% CI) of 1.98(1.64-2.42) and 1.07(1.04-1.10), respectively(both P<0.01). The Cox proportional hazards model further revealed that the risk of CHD was significantly higher in the prolonged PR group than in the normal PR group, with an HR of 2.82(95% CI 2.34-3.12, P<0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of CHD was elevated in the non-T2DM with prolonged PR group, T2DM with normal PR group, and T2DM with prolonged PR group compared to the non-T2DM with normal PR group, with HRs(95% CI) of 1.43(1.14-1.82), 2.16(1.78-2.56), and 5.24(3.12-7.94), respectively. A significant interaction was observed between T2DM status and PR prolongation in predicting CHD risk(all P<0.01). Conclusions:Both T2DM and prolonged PR interval are independent risk factors for 10-year CHD incidence. Moreover, an interaction exists between T2DM and prolonged PR interval in predicting CHD risk. The PR interval may serve as an early predictor of CHD risk in patients with T2DM.

Objective:To investigate the 10-year incidence of reproductive system malignancies and their associated risk factors among overweight and obese women with different metabolic phenotypes aged 40 years and older in Guiyang City.Methods:A total of 6 444 female residents in Yunyan District, Guiyang City were included from the 2011 " Epidemiological Study on the Risk of Malignancy in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus(REACTION)". Based on body mass index(BMI) and the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome(MetS), participants were categorized into four groups: metabolically healthy normal weight(MHNW, n=2 373), metabolically unhealthy normal weight(MUNW, n=1 098), metabolically healthy overweight/obese(MHO, n=2 229), and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese(MUO, n=744). Baseline data were collected, and participants were followed up for 10 years to document the incidence of female reproductive system malignancies, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between metabolic phenotype and the 10-year risk of developing reproductive system malignancies. Results:Over a mean follow-up period of (9.89±0.77) years, the overall incidence of reproductive system malignancies was 1.15%(74/6, 444). Baseline characteristics such as age, BMI, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C), and triglycerides(TG) differed significantly among the groups( P<0.05). The cumulative incidence of reproductive system malignancies in each group was: MHNW 0.93%(22/2 373), MUNW 0.73%(8/1 098), MHO 1.57%(35/2 229), and MUO 1.21%(9/744). There were no statistically significant differences in incidence across the four groups( P>0.05). However, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with the MHNW group, the adjusted HR (95% CI) were: MUNW 0.787(0.349-1.774, P>0.05), MHO 4.835(1.708-13.688, P<0.05), and MUO 3.719(1.144-12.089, P<0.05). Conclusion:Overweight and obesity are significant risk factors for reproductive system malignancies in women aged 40 and above. The presence of metabolic abnormalities in overweight or obese women further increases the risk of developing such malignancies.

Objective:To explore the influencing factors for pathological upgrading in prostate cancer patients with a Gleason score of 3 + 3 undergoing targeted biopsy，and to establish a nomogram prediction model.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 191 patients with localized prostate cancer diagnosed with a Gleason score of 3 + 3 through targeted biopsies at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to June 2024. The age of the patients was 67（61，73）years，with prostate-specific antigen（PSA）level of 7.44（5.53，10.19）ng/ml，prostate volume of 35.64（26.59，48.97）ml，and PSA density（PSAD）of 0.20（0.14，0.31）ng/ml 2. Among them，61 cases（31.94%）had a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System（PI-RADS）score of 3，104 cases（54.45%）had a score of 4，and 26 cases（13.61%）had a score of 5. The diameter of the main lesion was 10.75（7.86，14.00）mm. The lesions were located in the peripheral zone in 78 cases（40.84%），the transition zone in 99 cases（51.83%），and the anterior fibromuscular stroma in 14 cases（7.33%）. The lesions were found at the apex in 56 cases（29.32%），in the body in 120 cases（62.83%），and at the base in 15 cases（7.85%）. MRI revealed only one lesion with a PI-RADS score ≥ 3 in 131 cases，two suspected lesions in 43 cases，three suspected lesions in 12 cases，and four suspected lesions in 5 cases. Systematic biopsy was positive in 121 cases（63.4%）and negative in 70 cases（36.6%）. The lesions were confined to the left lobe in 63 cases（32.98%），right lobe in 68 cases（35.60%），and involved both lobes in 60 cases（31.41%）. The interval between biopsy and surgery was 9.0（7.0，14.0）days. Univariate analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U tests or χ2 tests，and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of pathological upgrading. A nomogram model was constructed based on these independent predictors. The model’s discriminative ability was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curve（AUC），and internal validation of the model’s consistency was conducted using the bootstrap resampling method. Decision curve analysis（DCA）was performed to assess clinical utility. Results:Among the 191 cases，60（31.4%）had no pathological upgrading after surgery，while 131（68.6%）showed upgrading. Univariate analysis showed that the maximum diameter of the main lesion［9.0（6.0，13.2）mm vs. 11.0（8.4，14.0）mm］，number of suspicious lesions on MRI［1.0（1.0，1.0）vs. 1.0（1.0，2.0）］，number of positive systematic biopsy cores［1.0（0，2.0）vs. 1.0（0，3.0）］，percentage of positive systematic biopsy cores［0.08（0，0.17）vs. 0.12（0，0.25）］，number of positive targeted biopsy cores［2.0（1.0，3.0）vs. 3.0（1.0，4.0）］，percentage of positive targeted biopsy cores［0.37（0.24，0.75）vs. 0.50（0.38，0.85）］，level of the index lesion，location of the index lesion，and PI-RADS score were associated with pathological upgrading（ P < 0.05）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PI-RADS score 4（ OR = 5.88，95% CI 2.41 - 14.35），number of suspicious lesions on MRI（ OR = 4.15，95% CI 1.88 - 9.17），location of the index lesion in the transition zone（ OR = 6.86，95% CI 2.81 - 16.73），and percentage of positive targeted biopsy cores（ OR = 4.37，95% CI 1.38 - 14.90）were independent risk factors for pathological upgrading（ P < 0.05）. The nomogram model constructed using these predictors had an AUC of 0.845. Internal validation using the Bootstrap method yielded an AUC value of 0.812，indicating high predictive accuracy of the model. The calibration curve indicated good calibration. Decision curve analysis showed that the threshold range for net benefit in the model was between 12% - 100%. Conclusions:The PI-RADS score 4，the number of lesions with PI-RADS ≥ 3，the location of the main lesion in the transition zone，and the percentage of positive needles in targeted biopsy are independent risk factors for pathological upgrading from Gleason score 3 + 3. The nomogram model constructed from these factors demonstrates good predictive performance and provides a reference for clinical decision-making.

This study aims to analyze the screening results and epidemiological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City, through the implementation of a preliminary prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening based on a community-linkage model, and to explore an effective screening approach. A retrospective observational study design was employed to collect data from residents who underwent PSA screening at Songjiang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in collaboration with multiple community health service centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai City, between June 2022 and June 2024, through free clinics and annual health examinations. Prostate biopsy was recommended for individuals with total PSA (tPSA) levels >10 ng/ml and those with 4 ng/ml≤tPSA≤10 ng/ml and abnormal free-to-total PSA (f/tPSA) ratios. Clinical characteristics of detected PCa patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted through phone calls and home visits by family doctors, coupled with enhanced health education. The results indicated that a total of 17 198 residents participated in the screening, among which 2 234 (12.99%) had tPSA levels between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, and 257 (1.49%) had tPSA levels >10 ng/ml. Ultimately, 417 residents underwent prostate biopsy, with 171 being diagnosed with PCa, yielding a positive biopsy rate of 41.00% and a PCa detection rate of 0.99%. The predominant pathological subtype among PCa patients was adenocarcinoma (168 cases, 98.24%). Of the 146 PCa patients who received treatment, the majority were classified as intermediate or high-risk (124 cases, 84.93%). Furthermore, with the optimization of the screening model, there was a significant increase in the proportion of subsequent outpatient visits. In conclusion, the community-linkage-based PSA screening model demonstrated high effectiveness in screening for PCa among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City. Epidemiological findings revealed that PCa patients in this region are primarily composed of intermediate and high-risk groups, highlighting the need for intensified early screening and health education.

Objective To explore the effectiveness of"near peer learning"(NPL)in the electromyo-graphy(EMG)teaching module for neurology residents.Methods The Department of Neurology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital implemented an NPL instructional design for a course on EMG for residents from November 2020 to March 2024.This teaching session was held annually,in which senior residents in-structed juniors who were 1 or 2 years earlier in their training.The residents participated in the pre-course/post-course tests and completed a feedback survey at the end of the session.This evaluation method was used to un-derstand the effectiveness of the NPL intervention in EMG teaching.Results Over four years,a total of 83 residents participated.Among them,there were 24 postdoctoral students,52 postgraduates and 7 junior resi-dents.The results showed that the post-course test scores were significantly improved compared with pre-course test scores(74.33±2.43 vs.70.11±2.49,P=0.005),with the most remarkable improvements seen for"tu-tees"(73.84±20.53 vs.70.29±21.46,P=0.020),postgraduates(74.04±22.51 vs.68.97±21.40,P=0.009),first-year residents(70.19±4.02 vs.63.59±3.59,P=0.040)and first-time participating resi-dents(65.23±3.24 vs.60.97±3.21,P=0.030).The post-program feedback showed that both tutors and tu-tees thought highly of NPL,believing that it enabled them to gain knowledge and helped them to improve teaching skills.Conclusions The NPL intervention is suitable for the teaching of EMG,because of its contri-bution to knowledge acquisition and basic clinical skills improvement.The NPL is worth replicating in other teaching and learning programs.

Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans) is an extremely poisonous plant that is widely distributed in southern China and southeastern Asia. G. elegans poisoning events occur frequently in southern China, and are therefore an urgent public health problem requiring multidisciplinary action. However, the toxic components and toxicological mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we describe a systematic investigation on the toxic components of G. elegans, resulting in the isolation and identification of 120 alkaloids. Based on acute toxicity screening, the structure-toxicity relationship of Gelsemium alkaloids was proposed for the first time. Moreover, gelsedine- and humantenine-type alkaloids were detected in the clinical blood sample, and were confirmed to be causative in the poisoning. The most toxic compound, gelsenicine (1), had selective inhibitory effects toward ventral respiratory group (VRG) neurons in the medulla, which is the main brain region controlling respiration in the central nervous system. Gelsenicine (1) strongly inhibited the firing of action potentials in VRG neurons through its ability to stimulate GABA_A receptors, the main receptors involved in inhibitory neurotransmission. Application of GABA_A receptor antagonists successively reversed action potential firing in gelsenicine (1)-treated VRG neurons. Importantly, the GABA_A receptor antagonists securinine and flumazenil significantly increased the survival of poisoned animals. Our findings provide insight into the components and mechanisms of G. elegans toxicity, and should assist the development of effective emergency treatments for G. elegans poisoning.

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Gallstones/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms/etiology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*

ObjectiveTo investigate the pathogenic spectrum and epidemiological characteristics of diarrheal disease in Fengxian District of Shanghai, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of diarrheal diseases. MethodsBasic information of the initial adult cases visited diarrheal disease surveillance sentinel hospital in Fengxian District, Shanghai, was collected from August 2013 to 2023, and fecal samples were collected at 1∶5 sampling intervals to isolate and identify 5 kinds of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC), Salmonella (SAL), Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Campylobacter, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella and Yersinia enterocolitica (YE). Simultaneously, nucleic acid detection was performed for 3 kinds of rotavirus, 2 kinds of norovirus, intestinal adenovirus, astrovirus and sapovirus. ResultsA total of 1 861 cases of newly diagnosed diarrheal disease were reported, with the peak in July to August. Additionally, 704 surveillance samples were detected, with a total positive detection rate of 50.57%. The detection rates of bacterial, viral and mixed infection were 25.14%, 21.02% and 4.40%, respectively. Among the pathogens detected, DEC accounted for the highest (17.61%, 124/704), followed by norovirus (16.48%, 116/704), rotavirus (6.39%, 45/704), SAL (5.97%, 42/704) and Campylobacter (3.84%, 27/704). DEC detected were mainly enteroaggregative Escherichia coli and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, with no detection of Vibrio cholerae, Shigella and YE. The highest total pathogen detection rate was observed from June to September, and the detection peaks of norovirus were from March to June and from October to December, whereas that of DEC was from June to October. The detection rate of rotavirus peaked from January to February, but which was not detected between 2020‒2023. The SAL positive rate peak was in September, whereas that of Campylobacter was from July to September. ConclusionThe main pathogens detected in Fengxian District from 2013‒2019 are DEC, norovirus, rotavirus, SAL and Campylobacter. Different pathogens have different detection peaks, with bacteria predominating in summer and viruses in winter and spring. Prevention and control measures should be carried out according to the epidemiological characteristics of different seasons.