Objective: To analyze characteristics of hepatitis B infection in HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ blood donors in Taiyuan, so as to provide evidence for adjusting blood screening strategies. Methods: Blood samples of HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ donors were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescence assay, nucleic acid qualitative test, and nucleic acid quantitative test. Data on HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ donors in Taiyuan region from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2024 were statistically analyzed to evaluate the detection rate, demographic characteristics, influencing factors of detection rate, nucleic acid quantitative results, and serological patterns of HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ donors. Results: From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2024, 991 565 donor samples underwent nucleic acid testing in Taiyuan. A total of 309 HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ samples were detected, resulting in an HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ detection rate of 3.12 per 10 000. The detection rate varied significantly across different years (P<0.05). Males had a significantly higher HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ detection rate than females, first-time donors had a higher rate than repeat donors, and whole blood donors had a higher rate than apheresis donors (P<0.05). The detection rate also differed significantly among age groups (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, donation frequency, and donation type were all influencing factors for HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ detection (all P<0.05). The predominant serological patterns among HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ donors were HBsAb+/HBcAb+ (43.69%, 135/309) or HBcAb+ alone (24.27%, 75/309). Viral load was detectable in 53.40% (165/309) of the HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ donors. Among these, 61.21% (101/165) donors had a viral load<20 IU/mL, and 94.55% (156/165) had a viral load<200 IU/mL. Donors with viral load<200 IU/mL primarily exhibited HBsAb+/HBcAb+ (41.67%, 65/156) or HBcAb+alone (36.54%, 57/156) serological patterns. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ is low among blood donors in Taiyuan. Higher detection rates were observed in the 46-55 years age group, males, first-time donors, and whole blood donors. HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ donors exhibit specific serological patterns and generally have low viral loads, indicating a potential residual transfusion risk. It is recommended to add HBcAb testing, together with high-sensitivity nucleic acid testing technologies and donor follow-up, to ensure blood safety and guide donor reentry.

Thyroid cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world, accounting for the increased sensitivity of diagnostic assessments, the environment, and extensive imaging. While open thyroidectomy still forms the base surgical treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), its visible scarring and postoperative morbidity have mandatorily propelled a longitudinal shift to minimally invasive techniques. Robotic thyroidectomy using the bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) is an emerging transformative technique that combines robotic precision and visualization with oncologic efficacy and superior cosmetic outcomes to enhance recovery. Molecular diagnostics such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and microRNA classifiers have transformed preoperative planning. These tools aid in accurate risk stratification, enabling clinicians to determine the course of surgery and avoid overtreatment. Artificial intelligence (AI) enhances precision medicine by improving nodule classification, predicting surgical risks, providing intraoperative navigation guidance, and supporting postoperative histopathological evaluations. Despite these innovations, cost, accessibility, and ethical governance issues highlight persistent challenges. This review consolidates the current state of robotic-assisted surgery for thyroid cancer with molecular profiling and AI. It proposes future aims and strides toward precision surgery that is accessible worldwide.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze four patients with a 16q22 fragile site with miscarriage or infertility by using cytogenetic methods. METHODS: Four patients presented at Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital between January 2022 and December 2024 were selected as the study subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients and subjected to G-banded chromosomal karyotyping, among whom two were also subjected to copy number variation (CNV) sequencing. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No. 2020-022). RESULTS: The chromosomal karyotypes of the patients were mos 46,XX,fra(16)(q22)[26]/47,XX,del(16)(q22),+chrb(16)(q22)[4]/46,XX,del(16)(q22)[3]/46,XX[91], mos 46,XY,fra(16)(q22)[21]/46,XY,del(16)(q22)[3]/46,XY[76], mos 46,XX,fra(16)(q22)[21]/ 46,XX,del(16)(q22)[4]/46,XX[75] and mos 46,XX,fra(16)(q22)[16]/46,XX,del(16)(q22)[7]/47,XX,del(16)(q22),+chrb(16)(q22)[6]/47,XX,fra(16)(q22),+chrb(16)(q22)[3]/46,XX[68], respectively. CNV sequencing of patients 2 and 4 revealed no deletion or duplication on chromosome 16. CONCLUSION Identification of the 16q22 fragile site has facilitated genetic counseling for these patients.
Humans ; Chromosome Fragile Sites/genetics* ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16/genetics* ; DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics* ; Karyotyping

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of prenatal diagnosis for fetuses with a high risk for sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) indicated by non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), and to assess the influence of maternal chromosomal factors on the results of NIPT. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 454 pregnant women with a high risk for SCAs indicated by NIPT undergoing invasive prenatal diagnosis at the Medical Genetics Center of Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital from January 2022 to September 2024. The data has included prenatal diagnosis indications, results, pregnancy outcomes, and the chromosomal results of pregnant women. RESULTS: Among the 454 women (including 10 with twin pregnancy) with a high risk for SCAs indicated by NIPT, 149 (including 4 twin cases) were diagnosed with SCAs through invasive prenatal diagnosis. These had included 47,XXX (37 cases), 47,XXY (56 cases), 47,XYY (29 cases), 45,X (1 case), 48,XXYY (1 case), mosaicism (20 cases), sex chromosome structural abnormalities (6 cases), and small-scale pathogenic copy number variations (3 cases). 383 pregnant women (including 7 with twin pregnancy) had accepted chromosomal karyotyping analysis. In total 49 cases of SCAs abnormalities were detected. Among them, 41 cases were pregnant women with SCAs but normal fetal chromosomes, which yielded a false positive rate for NIPT caused by maternal factors by 10.7%. In addition, 8 cases (including 1 twin case) had SCAs abnormalities in both the pregnant woman and the fetus. Among the 383 pregnant women, 129 cases (including 3 twin cases) of fetal SCAs were diagnosed, which yielded an overall positive predictive value (PPV) of NIPT for SCAs by 33.7% (129/383). With the 41 false positive cases caused by maternal SCAs abnormalities excluded, the PPV of NIPT for SCAs will be increased to 37.7% (129/342). Among the 454 pregnant women, twin pregnancies have accounted for 2.2% (10/454). Among the confirmed cases of SCAs abnormalities, twin cases accounted for 2.7% (4/149). Among the 383 pregnant women undergoing chromosomal karyotyping, twin cases accounted for 1.8% (7/383). Among the detected cases of chromosomal abnormalities, twin cases accounted for 2.0% (1/49). By calculation, the proportion of singleton pregnant women with a high risk for SCAs indicated by NIPT was approximately 32.1%, and the proportion of twin pregnant women was approximately 38.6%, indicating that twin pregnancies could increase the positive rate of NIPT. CONCLUSION NIPT can improve the screening efficiency for SCAs, but its PPV is limited. Therefore, pregnant women with a high risk for SCAs indicated by NIPT need to undergo invasive prenatal diagnosis for a definite diagnosis, and twin pregnancies can increase the positive rate of NIPT. The study confirmed that chromosomal abnormalities in pregnant women can significantly affect the accuracy of NIPT in detecting fetal SCAs. Therefore, when NIPT indicates SCAs abnormalities, it is recommended to simultaneously conduct chromosomal testing on the pregnant women. The combined application of chromosomal karyotyping analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and copy number variation detection techniques can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy for SCAs, especially for the detection of mosaicisms.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Sex Chromosome Aberrations ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; False Positive Reactions ; Prenatal Diagnosis/methods* ; Noninvasive Prenatal Testing/methods* ; Aneuploidy ; Male ; Sex Chromosome Disorders/genetics*

The control and utilization of microorganisms in space-based animal culture constitute a pivotal challenge underpinning research domains such as space life sciences and extraterrestrial life-support system.This paper systematically examines the origins,transmission routes,and latent risks of microbial contamination in space-based animal culture facilities.A comprehensive analysis is conducted on the advancements in on-orbit implementation of microbial containment strategies,including physical filtration systems,antimicrobial surface coatings,and environmental parameter optimization.Additionally,the study evaluates the prospective applications of probiotic consortia and functionally engineered microorganisms in enhancing animal welfare,stabilizing biosphere conditions,and enabling closed-loop waste recycling.Notably,this work highlights the paradigm shift from reactive microbial suppression to proactive microbiome engineering in space-based animal husbandry,thereby establishing a theoretical framework for sustainable development of space-based animal culture.

Objective To explore the value of serum matrix metalloproteinase 7 combined with glutamyl transferase and total bile acids in the diagnosis of biliary atresia.Methods 112 children hospitalized in Kunming Children's Hospital with the cholestatic jaundice from July 2023 to September 2024 were selected as the research subjects.According to the surgical exploration,intraoperative cholangiography,liver biopsy and follow-up,the children were divided into the biliary atresia group(BA)(n=52)and non-biliary atresia group(Non-BA)(n=60)respecvely.The age,gender,serum matrix metalloproteinase 7(MMP-7),glutamyl transferase(GGT),alanine aminative aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(TB),direct bilirubin(DB),total bile acid(TBA)and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet index(APRI)were compared between the two groups.Statistically significant indicators were included in receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)analysis,and the area under the ROC curve(AUC)and optimal diagnostic margin(Youden index)were calculated.Results There was no significant difference in age,ALT,AST,DB,TB and APRI levels between the two groups of patients(P>0.05);There was a difference in gender composition ratio between the two groups(P=0.006);MMP-7,GGT,TBA levels in the BA group were significantly higher than those in the Non-BA group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the AUC of MMP-7,GGT,and TBA in diagnosing BA were 0.946(95%CI 0.897～0.996),0.857(95%CI 0.789～0.926),0.654(95%CI 0.552～0.755)respectively;When the cut-off value of MMP-7 was 22.37 ng/ml,the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing BA were 0.923 and 0.933 respectively;When the cut-off value of GGT was 151.5 U/L,the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing BA were 0.885 and 0.733 respectively;When the cut-off value of TBA was 119.5 μmol/L,the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing BA were 0.788 and 0.500,respectively.The AUC of MMP-7+GGT and MMP-7+TBA combined to diagnose BA were 0.971(95%CI 0.946～0.997)and 0.943(95%CI 0.889～0.996)respectively.Conclusion Serum MMP-7 has the good diagnostic value as a single indicator for diagnosing BA;MMP-7 combined with GGT is better than a single indicator for diagnosing BA;MMP-7 combined with TBA cannot improve the diagnostic efficiency.

Objective:To summarize and evaluate the temporal trends of the burden of congenital heart disease (CHD) in China and globally from 1990 to 2021, and to predict the burden of the disease up to 2035.Methods:The Joinpoint regression method was used to study the time trend of congenital heart disease, and the Bayesian age-period-cohort method (BAPC) was used to predict the change in disease burden due to congenital heart disease in China and globally between 2022 and 2035. Results:From 1990 to 2021, the disability-adjusted life years and mortality burdens of congenital heart disease have decreased in China and globally. Although the disease burden is higher in men than in women, the difference is gradually decreasing. BAPC estimates that the burden of congenital heart disease is expected to continue to decline in China and globally in 2022-2035, but congenital heart disease remains a major health problem. China has made remarkable progress in reducing the burden of congenital heart disease, which reflects the positive impact of rapid advances in medical technology and improved public health policies.Conclusion:Although congenital heart disease will remain a significant disease burden over the past three decades and into 2035, it is critical to focus on disease-specific differences to develop more targeted interventions to further reduce the disease burden of congenital heart disease and improve the quality of life and living standards of patients.

Objective:To explore the risk factors for complications of facial autologous fat transplantation.Methods:A total of 51 female patients (case group) with moderate to severe complications following facial autologous fat transplantation at the Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from November 2016 to October 2022 were included in this retrospective study. The median age was 31.0 (27.0, 40.0) years. After age and surgical date were matched with ratio of 1∶1, a total of 51 female patients who received autologous fat transplants at several official medical facilities and experienced no complications within a year after the procedure made up the control group. The median age of the control group was 32.0 (26.0, 41.0) years. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared, and the factors for complications of facial autologous fat transplantation were examined using a multivariate logistic regression model.Results:In the case group, complications included facial artery embolism (7 cases), ophthalmic artery embolism (19 cases), infection (19 cases), and fat necrosis (6 cases), with 26 severe and 25 moderate cases. No significant differences were found between the two groups in age, body mass index (BMI), marital status, history of hypertension, infectious diseases, allergies, smoking, or alcohol consumption (all P>0.05). However, significant differences were observed in a history of facial surgery, perimenstrual phase, surgical site, and fat donor site (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a history of facial surgery ( OR=17.289, 95% CI: 4.851-61.616, P<0.001) and the surgical site being a clinic/outpatient department (compared to a hospital, OR=7.708, 95% CI: 2.482-23.939, P<0.001) were risk factors for postoperative complications after facial autologous fat transplantation. Conclusion:A history of facial surgery and the surgical site being a clinic/outpatient department (compared to a hospital) are risk factors for complications of facial autologous fat transplantation.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of microplasma radiofrequency combined with oral traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Babao Dan capsule to improve damp-heat TCM constitution in the treatment of hypertrophic scar.Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial method was used to recruit patients diagnosed with damp-heat TCM constitution and suffering from hypertrophic scar who admitted to the Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from March to July 2024. All patients were randomly divided into microplasma radiofrequency combined with TCM treatment group (combination group), microplasma radiofrequency (RF) treatment group (RF group), and oral TCM treatment group (TCM group). Both the combination group and the RF group were treated with a microplasma radiofrequency instrument. Transverse, longitudinal and oblique scar grinding were performed three times with 90 W power, and regular scabs appeared in the treatment area as the treatment end point. After RF treatment in the combination group and the TCM group, Babao Dan capsule was taken with regular warm water, 0.6 g each time, 3 times/day, for 3 months. The Vancouver scar scale (VSS) score (higher score indicating more severe scar), visual analogue scale (VAS) of scar pain and itch (higher score indicating more severe symptom), and TCM constitution score (higher score indicating more severe moist heat constitution) were compared before treatment and 3 months after the first treatment. SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Measurement data conforming to normal distribution were expressed as Mean±SD, ANOVA was used for comparison among groups, and LSD- t method was used for pair comparison between groups. Paired sample t test was used before and after treatment in the same group. Counting data were expressed as cases (%), and the χ2 test was used for inter-group comparison. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 60 patients were included, 20 in each group. There were no significant differences in gender distribution, disease course, scar area and distribution among the three groups ( P>0.05), indicating comparability. Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in VSS, VAS and TCM physique scores among the 3 groups ( P>0.05). After treatment, VAS scores in the 3 groups, VSS scores in combination group and RF group, TCM physique scores in combination group and TCM group were improved compared with those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The VSS score of the combination group was significantly lower than that of the RF group and the TCM group ( P<0.05), but there was no statistical significance between the RF group and the TCM group ( P>0.05). The pruritus VAS score of the combination group was significantly lower than that of TCM group and RF group ( P<0.05), but there was no statistical significance between RF group and TCM group ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in pain VAS scores among the three groups after treatment ( P>0.05). The TCM physique scores of the combination group and TCM group were significantly lower than those of the RF group ( P<0.01), but there was no statistical significance between the combination group and TCM group ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Microplasma radiofrequency combined with oral Babao Dan capsule can effectively improve the VSS score, pain and pruritus of hypertrophic scars in patients with damp-heat constitution, and the effect is better than that of radiofrequency or TCM alone.

BACKGROUND:The highest incidence of spinal fracture is in the thoracolumbar segment,and its symptoms are back pain,posterior convexity deformity,activity limitation,or with spinal cord nerve injury causing lower limb pain,numbness,and even paraplegia and other complications.The finite element method is a digital computer modeling technique,which can simulate the physical model and carry out force analysis realistically.OBJECTIVE:To review the application of finite element method in thoracolumbar spine fractures.METHODS:We searched the Chinese and English literature databases PubMed,Web of Science,and CNKI for relevant literature on the application of the finite element analysis method in spinal thoracolumbar fracture published before March 2024.The search terms in Chinese and English were:finite element analysis methods,biomechanical phenomena,stress analysis,thoracolumbar fractures,spinal fractures.Finally,55 papers were included.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The exploration of thoracolumbar fractures caused by different etiologies(osteoporotic,traumatic,and pathological)through the finite element method is conducive to a deeper understanding of the biomechanics of various types of thoracolumbar fractures,and to improve the individualized and fine-tuned treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.(2)The finite element analysis of a single sample or a small number of samples has the chance,and a larger number of samples are required for the future finite element analysis to reduce the chance caused by the sample.(3)The rigid structure of bones alone cannot meet the biomechanical working conditions of the integrity of the physical object,and future finite element models need to incorporate all the structures of the physical object(e.g.,soft tissues,such as muscles and ligaments)as far as possible.(4)The finite element method has been used in more studies on osteoporotic and traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures,which will need to be more in-depth in the future,and less in the field of pathologic thoracolumbar fractures,which has a wider scope for future research.