Objectives: . Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a significant cause of hearing loss. Intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI) is commonly used as an initial or salvage treatment; however, the lack of a standardized treatment protocol has resulted in variability in clinical practice. In addition, no efficient prediction model currently exists to support personalized management. Therefore, this study aimed to develop tailored management strategies for ISSNHL using a machine-learning model. Methods: . This retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2020, with data analysis performed between January 2021 and March 2024. Patients were selected based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision criteria for ISSNHL, along with relevant medication and procedure codes. Patients with pure-tone audiogram results not meeting ISSNHL criteria, better initial hearing in the affected ear, an identifiable etiology, no post-treatment audiogram, or delayed treatment (>6 weeks) were excluded. We included 770 patients diagnosed with ISSNHL who received ITSI. The primary outcome was the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction performance. Recovery status was determined using the last pure-tone audiogram. Modeling was conducted on the Quanta for Medical Care AI platform using five machine-learning algorithms and a nested cross-validation framework, in which feature selection and hyperparameter tuning were performed in the inner folds and model performance was evaluated in the outer folds. Results: . A random forest classifier outperformed the other models in predicting hearing outcomes, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.788. Time to ITSI was the most influential treatment-related factor, with ITSI administered within 10 days of hearing loss being associated with better outcomes. This model can be used to provide personalized prognostic estimates under different treatment protocols. Conclusion . The machine-learning-based prediction model facilitates personalized treatment strategies and timely treatment adjustments for ISSNHL, thereby optimizing the likelihood of complete recovery.

The integration of multi-source data and the establishment of early warning indicator systems constitute pivotal elements for advancing surveillance and early warning capacities in respiratory infectious diseases. Given the multifaceted transmission mechanisms and complex contributing factors inherent in respiratory infectious diseases, surveillance datasets and associated early warning indicators demonstrate notable heterogeneity and sophisticated interrelationships. Furthermore, as surveillance and early warning requirements significantly vary across diverse epidemiological scenarios, accurate assessment of the value and applicability of distinct data types and indicators is imperative. This paper systematically reviews and synthesizes recent advancements in surveillance data and early warning indicators for respiratory infectious diseases, drawing on both domestic and international research. Particular attention is dedicated to analyzing the applicability and efficacy of various data types and indicators within multiple practical contexts, aiming to provide robust theoretical frameworks and methodological guidance to facilitate the development of resilient and efficient surveillance and early warning systems for respiratory infectious diseases.

ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.

Objective To explore the feasibility and corresponding implementation methods of constructing a sample resource bank based on individual-level data of completed clinical trials and using it to construct external controls for drug/device clinical trials.Methods Taking the pre-marketing clinical trial of transcatheter active valve replacement(TAVR)for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis as an example,the individual-level databases of multiple trials were standardized to form a sample bank.The original data of any trial in the sample bank were selected as the experimental group,and the remaining samples were selected as the control group.The potential confounding was handled by using the propensity score matching and stratification methods to clarify the process of constructing external controls based on the sample bank of individual-level data of clinical trials.Results This study included individual-level data of single-group trials of 4 TAVR devices,with a total of 569 subjects(59.2%male).The number of subjects in Trials 1 to 4 was 120,120,163,and 166,respectively.Propensity score matching enabled the matching of 113,117,125,and 147 subjects with comparable or similar characteristics from individual-level data from other trials,respectively,demonstrating a high matching success rate.The PS score distribution plot after stratification showed that the proportions of subjects in the experimental and control groups in strata 1 to 5 in scheme 1 were 4/103,11/103,22/92,32/87,and 51/64,respectively.For all constructed external controlled trials,a certain number of control samples with similar baseline characteristics to the experimental groups were distributed within each propensity score stratum.The results of the simulation test also reflected the potential differences between different devices in the 12-month all-cause mortality rate.Conclusions The sample bank constructed with individual-level data from clinical trials,as a high-quality data source,can serve as a source of external control for single-arm trials in the same field,and as a useful supplement to the external control scenario of real-world evidence to support drug and device development.At the same time,targeted research on research methods and bias control measures in related fields is also needed.

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of intraosseous regional administration (IORA) of vancomycin for preventing infection in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A total of 124 patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA between February 2024 and May 2024 at nine hospitals were enrolled. Preoperative infection prophylaxis involved either IORA (0.5 g vancomycin administered via intraosseous regional infusion before incision) or intravenous infusion (1 g vancomycin via peripheral vein). The IORA group included 15 males and 47 females with a median age of 66.5 years (range, 60.0-70.0 years), while the intravenous group included 14 males and 48 females with a median age of 66.0 years (range, 61.8-70.3 years) years. Intraoperative samples were collected including fat and synovium tissues after incision, before prosthesis placement, and after tourniquet release; distal femoral cancellous bone during femoral osteotomy; proximal tibial cancellous bone during tibial osteotomy; proximal intercondylar cancellous bone before prosthesis placement; and peripheral blood from non-infused arms at surgery initiation and after tourniquet release. Vancomycin concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Vital sign changes were recorded from admission to 5~10 minutes post-IORA (IORA group) or post-incision (intravenous group). Follow-ups were conducted on postoperative day 1 and 3, and at 1 and 3 months, to document complications including IORA-related adverse events, periprosthetic joint infections, surgical site infections, red man syndrome, acute kidney injury, deep vein thrombosis and so on.Results:Vancomycin concentrations in bone, fat, and synovial tissue samples were significantly higher in the IORA group than in the intravenous group ( P<0.05), while vancomycin concentrations in blood samples were significantly lower in the IORA group than in the intravenous group ( P<0.05). Only 7.3%(41/558) of tissue samples in the IORA group had vancomycin concentrations below 2.0 μg/g (the minimum inhibitory concentration of vancomycin against coagulase-negative staphylococcus), compared to 59.3%(331/558) in the intravenous group (χ 2=11.285, P<0.001). In the intravenous group, 16.9%(21/124) of blood samples had vancomycin concentrations exceeding 15.0 mg/L (the threshold associated with a significantly increased risk of nephrotoxicity), while all concentrations in the IORA group were below this threshold, the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=22.943, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05) in vital signs changes before and after vancomycin administration between the two groups. Two patients in the intravenous group experienced incision exudate, while no other related complications occurred in either group. Conclusions:Compared to the traditional intravenous infusion of 1 g vancomycin, intraosseous injection of a low dose (0.5 g) of vancomycin achieves higher local tissue concentrations in the knee joint with a lower incidence of adverse reactions and is safe for infection prophylaxis. Despite guidelines not recommending the routine use of vancomycin for preventing infection after primary TKA, intraosseous injection of 0.5 g vancomycin may be considered intraoperatively for primary TKA in the following scenarios: patients in medical institutions with a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, patients with potential preoperative MRSA colonization, or patients with cephalosporin allergy.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)with U2 small nuclear RNA cofactor 1(U2AF1)mutation in different age groups,as well as the efficacy and prognosis of an arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)compound prescription(Qinghuang Capsules combined with Bushen Yijing Formula).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with MDS who were hospitalized in the Hematology Department Ward of Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and received arsenic-containing TCM compound treatment from November 30,2020,to September 30,2023.Stratified by age,the U2AF1 mutation and wild-type groups aged＜65 years and≥65 years were compared in terms of sex,TCM syndrome,World Health Organization classification,MDS Revised International Prognostic Score System(IPSS-R)score,blood routine indicators,serum lactate dehydrogenase content,nephroblastoma 1(WT1)expression level,bone marrow puncture and biopsy indicators,and chromosomal prognostic grades,et al.Furthermore,the efficacy of arsenic-containing TCM compound were compared in the U2AF1 mutation and wild-type groups among different age groups,as well as the influence of age on the survival prognosis of MDS patients with U2AF1 mutation.Results A total of 201 patients with MDS were included.104 patients were under 65 years old,among whom 20 had U2AF1 mutation,and 84 had wild-type.Ninety-seven patients were aged 65 years or older,among whom 19 patients had the U2AF1 mutation and 78 had the wild-type.Among patients aged＜65 years,the U2AF1 mutation group had a higher proportion of male patients and very low-risk/low-risk patients with an IPSS-R score≤3(P＜0.05),a lower mean corpuscular volume(MCV)(P＜0.05),and a relatively higher proportion of peripheral blood cell line 1 reduction than the wild-type group(P＜0.05).Among patients aged≥65 years,the MCV in the U2AF1 mutation group was lower(P＜0.05),and the expression level of the bone marrow WT1 gene and the proportion of patients with reticular fiber grade 4 were relatively higher than in the wild-type group(P＜0.05).The total effective rate of the arsenic-containing TCM compound for patients with U2AF1 mutation was 61.5％(24/39),and the total response rate was 30.8％(12/39).The total effective rate for the wild-type patients was 67.9％(110/162),and the total response rate was 29.6％(48/162).No significant difference was observed in the total effective and response rates.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of 39 patients with U2AF1 mutation revealed that the median overall survival(mOS)of patients older than 65 years had not been reached.The 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates were 93.8％,84.4％,and 84.4％,respectively.The mOS of the patients aged≥65 years was 35 months(95％confidence interval[CI]:7.559-62.441),and the 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates were 66.2％,58.9％,and 29.4％,respectively.The mOS of patients in the aged≥65 years group was significantly lower than that in the aged＜65 years group(P＜0.05),and no significant difference was observed in median progression-free survival between the two groups.Conclusion The U2AF1 mutation is closely associated with the clinical characteristics of MDS.However,age and the presence of U2AF1 mutation have no significant effect on the total effective and response rates of arsenic-containing TCM compound.Age is a significant factor influencing the prognosis of patients with MDS with U2AF1 mutation.Patients aged 65 years or older have a shorter survival time than those younger than 65 years.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)with U2 small nuclear RNA cofactor 1(U2AF1)mutation in different age groups,as well as the efficacy and prognosis of an arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)compound prescription(Qinghuang Capsules combined with Bushen Yijing Formula).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with MDS who were hospitalized in the Hematology Department Ward of Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and received arsenic-containing TCM compound treatment from November 30,2020,to September 30,2023.Stratified by age,the U2AF1 mutation and wild-type groups aged＜65 years and≥65 years were compared in terms of sex,TCM syndrome,World Health Organization classification,MDS Revised International Prognostic Score System(IPSS-R)score,blood routine indicators,serum lactate dehydrogenase content,nephroblastoma 1(WT1)expression level,bone marrow puncture and biopsy indicators,and chromosomal prognostic grades,et al.Furthermore,the efficacy of arsenic-containing TCM compound were compared in the U2AF1 mutation and wild-type groups among different age groups,as well as the influence of age on the survival prognosis of MDS patients with U2AF1 mutation.Results A total of 201 patients with MDS were included.104 patients were under 65 years old,among whom 20 had U2AF1 mutation,and 84 had wild-type.Ninety-seven patients were aged 65 years or older,among whom 19 patients had the U2AF1 mutation and 78 had the wild-type.Among patients aged＜65 years,the U2AF1 mutation group had a higher proportion of male patients and very low-risk/low-risk patients with an IPSS-R score≤3(P＜0.05),a lower mean corpuscular volume(MCV)(P＜0.05),and a relatively higher proportion of peripheral blood cell line 1 reduction than the wild-type group(P＜0.05).Among patients aged≥65 years,the MCV in the U2AF1 mutation group was lower(P＜0.05),and the expression level of the bone marrow WT1 gene and the proportion of patients with reticular fiber grade 4 were relatively higher than in the wild-type group(P＜0.05).The total effective rate of the arsenic-containing TCM compound for patients with U2AF1 mutation was 61.5％(24/39),and the total response rate was 30.8％(12/39).The total effective rate for the wild-type patients was 67.9％(110/162),and the total response rate was 29.6％(48/162).No significant difference was observed in the total effective and response rates.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of 39 patients with U2AF1 mutation revealed that the median overall survival(mOS)of patients older than 65 years had not been reached.The 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates were 93.8％,84.4％,and 84.4％,respectively.The mOS of the patients aged≥65 years was 35 months(95％confidence interval[CI]:7.559-62.441),and the 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates were 66.2％,58.9％,and 29.4％,respectively.The mOS of patients in the aged≥65 years group was significantly lower than that in the aged＜65 years group(P＜0.05),and no significant difference was observed in median progression-free survival between the two groups.Conclusion The U2AF1 mutation is closely associated with the clinical characteristics of MDS.However,age and the presence of U2AF1 mutation have no significant effect on the total effective and response rates of arsenic-containing TCM compound.Age is a significant factor influencing the prognosis of patients with MDS with U2AF1 mutation.Patients aged 65 years or older have a shorter survival time than those younger than 65 years.

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of intraosseous regional administration (IORA) of vancomycin for preventing infection in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A total of 124 patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA between February 2024 and May 2024 at nine hospitals were enrolled. Preoperative infection prophylaxis involved either IORA (0.5 g vancomycin administered via intraosseous regional infusion before incision) or intravenous infusion (1 g vancomycin via peripheral vein). The IORA group included 15 males and 47 females with a median age of 66.5 years (range, 60.0-70.0 years), while the intravenous group included 14 males and 48 females with a median age of 66.0 years (range, 61.8-70.3 years) years. Intraoperative samples were collected including fat and synovium tissues after incision, before prosthesis placement, and after tourniquet release; distal femoral cancellous bone during femoral osteotomy; proximal tibial cancellous bone during tibial osteotomy; proximal intercondylar cancellous bone before prosthesis placement; and peripheral blood from non-infused arms at surgery initiation and after tourniquet release. Vancomycin concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Vital sign changes were recorded from admission to 5~10 minutes post-IORA (IORA group) or post-incision (intravenous group). Follow-ups were conducted on postoperative day 1 and 3, and at 1 and 3 months, to document complications including IORA-related adverse events, periprosthetic joint infections, surgical site infections, red man syndrome, acute kidney injury, deep vein thrombosis and so on.Results:Vancomycin concentrations in bone, fat, and synovial tissue samples were significantly higher in the IORA group than in the intravenous group ( P<0.05), while vancomycin concentrations in blood samples were significantly lower in the IORA group than in the intravenous group ( P<0.05). Only 7.3%(41/558) of tissue samples in the IORA group had vancomycin concentrations below 2.0 μg/g (the minimum inhibitory concentration of vancomycin against coagulase-negative staphylococcus), compared to 59.3%(331/558) in the intravenous group (χ 2=11.285, P<0.001). In the intravenous group, 16.9%(21/124) of blood samples had vancomycin concentrations exceeding 15.0 mg/L (the threshold associated with a significantly increased risk of nephrotoxicity), while all concentrations in the IORA group were below this threshold, the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=22.943, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05) in vital signs changes before and after vancomycin administration between the two groups. Two patients in the intravenous group experienced incision exudate, while no other related complications occurred in either group. Conclusions:Compared to the traditional intravenous infusion of 1 g vancomycin, intraosseous injection of a low dose (0.5 g) of vancomycin achieves higher local tissue concentrations in the knee joint with a lower incidence of adverse reactions and is safe for infection prophylaxis. Despite guidelines not recommending the routine use of vancomycin for preventing infection after primary TKA, intraosseous injection of 0.5 g vancomycin may be considered intraoperatively for primary TKA in the following scenarios: patients in medical institutions with a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, patients with potential preoperative MRSA colonization, or patients with cephalosporin allergy.

Background/Aims: Treatment indications for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain contentious, particularly for patients with mild alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. We aimed to evaluate treatment effects in this patient population. Methods: This rollover study extended a placebo-controlled trial that enrolled non-cirrhotic patients with CHB and ALT levels below two times the upper limit of normal. Following 3 years of randomized intervention with either tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or placebo, participants were rolled over to open-label TDF for 3 years. Liver biopsies were performed before and after the treatment to evaluate histopathological changes. Virological, biochemical, and serological outcomes were also assessed (NCT02463019). Results: Of 146 enrolled patients (median age 47 years, 80.8% male), 123 completed the study with paired biopsies. Overall, the Ishak fibrosis score decreased in 74 (60.2%), remained unchanged in 32 (26.0%), and increased in 17 (13.8%) patients (p<0.0001). The Knodell necroinflammation score decreased in 58 (47.2%), remained unchanged in 29 (23.6%), and increased in 36 (29.3%) patients (p=0.0038). The proportion of patients with an Ishak score ≥ 3 significantly decreased from 26.8% (n=33) to 9.8% (n=12) (p=0.0002). Histological improvements were more pronounced in patients switching from placebo. Virological and biochemical outcomes also improved in placebo switchers and remained stable in patients who continued TDF. However, serum HBsAg levels did not change and no patient cleared HBsAg. Conclusions In CHB patients with minimally raised ALT, favorable histopathological, biochemical, and virological outcomes were observed following 3-year TDF treatment, for both treatment-naïve patients and those already on therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the genomic characteristics and prognostic factors of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) with RAS mutations. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of JMML children with RAS mutations treated at the Hematology Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from January 2008 to November 2022. RESULTS: A total of 34 children were included, with 17 cases (50%) having isolated NRAS mutations, 9 cases (27%) having isolated KRAS mutations, and 8 cases (24%) having compound mutations. Compared to children with isolated NRAS mutations, those with NRAS compound mutations showed statistically significant differences in age at onset, platelet count, and fetal hemoglobin proportion (P<0.05). Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis revealed that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and hepatomegaly (≥2 cm below the costal margin) were factors affecting the survival rate of JMML children with RAS mutations (P<0.05); hepatomegaly was a factor affecting survival in the non-HSCT group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Children with NRAS compound mutations have a later onset age compared to those with isolated NRAS mutations. At initial diagnosis, children with NRAS compound mutations have poorer peripheral platelet and fetal hemoglobin levels than those with isolated NRAS mutations. Liver size at initial diagnosis is related to the prognosis of JMML children with RAS mutations. HSCT can improve the prognosis of JMML children with RAS mutations.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Juvenile/therapy* ; Mutation ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Child ; Infant ; GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Adolescent ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; Prognosis