BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is widely prevalent worldwide,with its high incidence and universality that considerably affects patients' quality of life.Previous studies have focused on a few immune cells or cytokines,whereas this study comprehensively provides a more complete view of the immune mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis using the Mendelian randomization method,thereby providing evidence of causality.METHODS:The 731 immune cell phenotypes used in this study were sourced from the GWAScatalog database,jointly developed by the National Human Genome Research Institute(NHGRI)and the European Bioinformatics Institute(EBI).The rheumatoid arthritis data were from the Finngen database,developed by the Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine(FIMM).The inverse variance weighting method was employed as the primary analytical approach.Additionally,multiple analytical methods,including MR-Egger,weighted mode,simple mode,and weighted median,were concurrently utilized to complement the final results.Sensitivity analyses(Cochran's Q test,MR-Egger regression,and MR-presso analysis)were also conducted to verify the stability and feasibility of the data.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After excluding results through heterogeneity testing,the inverse variance weighting analysis indicated that 10 absolute cell counts,15 median fluorescence intensities of surface antigen levels,1 morphological characteristic,and 9 relative cell counts had a causal relationship with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.(2)According to cell classification,this study found that seven types of B cells,seven types of classical dendritic cells,six types of mature T cells,four types of monocytes,three types of myeloid cells,three types of TBNK cells(lymphocyte subset T cells,B cells and natural killer cells),and five types of Tregs had a causal association with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Through comprehensive bidirectional two-sample MR analysis,we demonstrated the complex causal relationships between multiple immune phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis,highlighting the intricate interaction patterns between the immune system and rheumatoid arthritis.These results provide new biomarkers for the early screening and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in China,and help to improve the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity.

BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is widely prevalent worldwide,with its high incidence and universality that considerably affects patients' quality of life.Previous studies have focused on a few immune cells or cytokines,whereas this study comprehensively provides a more complete view of the immune mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis using the Mendelian randomization method,thereby providing evidence of causality.METHODS:The 731 immune cell phenotypes used in this study were sourced from the GWAScatalog database,jointly developed by the National Human Genome Research Institute(NHGRI)and the European Bioinformatics Institute(EBI).The rheumatoid arthritis data were from the Finngen database,developed by the Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine(FIMM).The inverse variance weighting method was employed as the primary analytical approach.Additionally,multiple analytical methods,including MR-Egger,weighted mode,simple mode,and weighted median,were concurrently utilized to complement the final results.Sensitivity analyses(Cochran's Q test,MR-Egger regression,and MR-presso analysis)were also conducted to verify the stability and feasibility of the data.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After excluding results through heterogeneity testing,the inverse variance weighting analysis indicated that 10 absolute cell counts,15 median fluorescence intensities of surface antigen levels,1 morphological characteristic,and 9 relative cell counts had a causal relationship with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.(2)According to cell classification,this study found that seven types of B cells,seven types of classical dendritic cells,six types of mature T cells,four types of monocytes,three types of myeloid cells,three types of TBNK cells(lymphocyte subset T cells,B cells and natural killer cells),and five types of Tregs had a causal association with the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Through comprehensive bidirectional two-sample MR analysis,we demonstrated the complex causal relationships between multiple immune phenotypes and rheumatoid arthritis,highlighting the intricate interaction patterns between the immune system and rheumatoid arthritis.These results provide new biomarkers for the early screening and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in China,and help to improve the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of eso-phageal fistula (EF) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 15 patients with EF after RFCA for atrial fibrillation who were admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2020 to December 2024 were collected. There were 11 males and 4 females, aged (64±7)years. All patients underwent surgical treatment. Observation indicators: (1) diagnosis and surgery; (2) postoperative situations; (3) follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD, measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M (range), and count data were represented as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Diagnodid and surgery. Of the 15 patients, radiofrequency catheter ablation included pulmonary vein isolation plus linear ablation in 13 cases and pulmonary vein isolation alone in 2 cases. The time to postoperative symptom onset of EF in 15 patients was (13±8)days. The main clinical manifestations included persistent chest pain in 14 cases, fever in 12 cases, dysphagia in 2 cases, and neurological symptoms in 2 cases (the same patient could have multiple symptoms). All patients presented with signs of infection of varying severity. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) or pulmonary vein CT angio-graphy revealed mediastinal emphysema, pneumopericardium with pericardial effusion, localized esophageal wall thickening with exudation, abnormalities in the posterior wall of the left atrium, or contrast extravasation in all patients. Cerebral imaging examination showed newly developed cerebral infarcts in 2 patients. The time from symptom onset to surgical intervention was 2(range, 1-10)days.All 15 patients underwent surgical treatment immediately after being diagnosed or highly suspected of EF via multidisciplinary collaboration. Among them, 11 patients with atrial-esophageal fistula (AEF) underwent left atrial defect repair plus left thoracic esophageal repair under cardio-pulmonary bypass through a median sternotomy, 3 patients with simple EF underwent left thoracic esophageal repair, 1 patient with AEF underwent atrial repair plus esophageal exclusion and drainage due to severe mediastinal infection. The diameter of the left atrial defect in the 15 patients was (12±5)mm, and the diameter of the esophageal defect was (11±4)mm. There was no patient cured with conservative treatment or converted to surgical treatment after failed conservative treatment.(2)Postoperative situations.Of the 15 patients, 3 cases developed pulmonary infection and were improved after anti-infective treatment. The duration of postoperative hospital stay was (21±5)days. (3) Follow-up. All 15 patients were followed up for 11(range, 3-18)months. Two of 15 patients died. One patient undergoing atrial repair plus esophageal diversion and drainage died postoperatively due to sepsis and multiple organ failure, and one patient undergoing left thoracic esophageal repair died of acute cardiac tamponade one week after surgery. The remaining 13 patients recovered well, without recurrence or new complications.Conclusions:The main clinical features of esophageal fistula after RFCA for atrial fibrillation include persistent chest pain, fever, accompanying signs of infection. Early contrast-enhanced chest CT or pulmonary vein CT angiography is helpful for diagnosis, and active surgical treatment after confirmation via multidisciplinary collaboration can improve patient prognosis.

Objective:To analyze the current policy design of outpatient benefit policies for patients with hypertension and diabetes(H&D)in urban and rural residents in China,and to provide references for optimizing the outpatient benefit mechanism for patients with H&D.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on the basic features of General Outpatient Benefit(GOB),Outpatient Medication Guarantee Mechanisms for Hypertension and Diabetes(OMGM-H&D)and Outpatient Benefit for Patient with Chronic and Special Diseases(OB-C&S),focusing on deductibles,policy reimbursement ratios,and maximum payment limits.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the data.Results:A total of 334 regions were surveyed,of which 253 regions(75.34％)had implemented all three policies.Regional analysis revealed significant differences(P<0.001)in reimbursement ratios for GOB and the OMGM-H&D between the eastern,central,and western regions,with the western region having notably higher ratios than the eastern and central regions.However,no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the reimbursement ratios for OB-C&S across regions. Regarding deductibles,no significant regional difference (P>0.05) was found for GOB,but significant differences (P<0.05) existed for the OMGM-H&D and OB-C&S. Additionally,the annual maximum payment limits for all three policies showed significant regional variations (P<0.001). Conclusions:The outpatient benefits policy for patients with H&D have achieved full coverage nationwide among urban and rural residents in China,but regional equity in benefit levels requires improvement. It is recommended to strengthen data feedback mechanisms and promote provincial-level pooling of medical insurance.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of eso-phageal fistula (EF) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 15 patients with EF after RFCA for atrial fibrillation who were admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2020 to December 2024 were collected. There were 11 males and 4 females, aged (64±7)years. All patients underwent surgical treatment. Observation indicators: (1) diagnosis and surgery; (2) postoperative situations; (3) follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD, measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M (range), and count data were represented as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Diagnodid and surgery. Of the 15 patients, radiofrequency catheter ablation included pulmonary vein isolation plus linear ablation in 13 cases and pulmonary vein isolation alone in 2 cases. The time to postoperative symptom onset of EF in 15 patients was (13±8)days. The main clinical manifestations included persistent chest pain in 14 cases, fever in 12 cases, dysphagia in 2 cases, and neurological symptoms in 2 cases (the same patient could have multiple symptoms). All patients presented with signs of infection of varying severity. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) or pulmonary vein CT angio-graphy revealed mediastinal emphysema, pneumopericardium with pericardial effusion, localized esophageal wall thickening with exudation, abnormalities in the posterior wall of the left atrium, or contrast extravasation in all patients. Cerebral imaging examination showed newly developed cerebral infarcts in 2 patients. The time from symptom onset to surgical intervention was 2(range, 1-10)days.All 15 patients underwent surgical treatment immediately after being diagnosed or highly suspected of EF via multidisciplinary collaboration. Among them, 11 patients with atrial-esophageal fistula (AEF) underwent left atrial defect repair plus left thoracic esophageal repair under cardio-pulmonary bypass through a median sternotomy, 3 patients with simple EF underwent left thoracic esophageal repair, 1 patient with AEF underwent atrial repair plus esophageal exclusion and drainage due to severe mediastinal infection. The diameter of the left atrial defect in the 15 patients was (12±5)mm, and the diameter of the esophageal defect was (11±4)mm. There was no patient cured with conservative treatment or converted to surgical treatment after failed conservative treatment.(2)Postoperative situations.Of the 15 patients, 3 cases developed pulmonary infection and were improved after anti-infective treatment. The duration of postoperative hospital stay was (21±5)days. (3) Follow-up. All 15 patients were followed up for 11(range, 3-18)months. Two of 15 patients died. One patient undergoing atrial repair plus esophageal diversion and drainage died postoperatively due to sepsis and multiple organ failure, and one patient undergoing left thoracic esophageal repair died of acute cardiac tamponade one week after surgery. The remaining 13 patients recovered well, without recurrence or new complications.Conclusions:The main clinical features of esophageal fistula after RFCA for atrial fibrillation include persistent chest pain, fever, accompanying signs of infection. Early contrast-enhanced chest CT or pulmonary vein CT angiography is helpful for diagnosis, and active surgical treatment after confirmation via multidisciplinary collaboration can improve patient prognosis.

Objective This research was performed to identify rodent-borne pathogens in Hekou Port,Yunnan Province.Methods Rodents were captured using cages and dissected to collect their lungs,liver,spleen,and other viscera.Eight pathogens,including Yersinia pestis,Leptospira,Bartonella,and Anaplasmataceae,were identified using polymerase chain reaction amplification.Amplified pathogen sequences from positive samples were sequenced,and BLAST homology searches were conducted using GenBank to confirm pathogen identities.A phylogenetic tree of the identified pathogens was constructed using the neighbor joining method.Results The total of 31 rodents,identified as Rattus tanezumi,R.norvegicus,and Mus musculus,were captured.Among these,R.tanezumi was the dominant species,accounting for 64.52％of the total.Two pathogens,Leptospira interrogans and Neoehrlichia mikurensis,were detected,with positivity rates of 9.68％and 29.03％,respectively.No other pathogens were detected.The overall positivity rate for rodent-borne pathogens was 35.48％.Conclusions The single 16S rRNA gene fragment is insufficient for the molecular identification of all Neoehrlichia species.Accurate species identification should be based on a combined analysis of multiple genes.The prevalence of rodent-borne pathogens in Hekou Port indicates the necessity for enhanced surveillance of rodent-borne diseases and implementation of additional prevention and control measures in border ports.

Objective:To understand the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its risk factors in Fujian Province during 1990-2019.Methods:Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, the incidence rate, mortality rate and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of CKD in Fujian from 1990 to 2019 were calculated. An age-period-cohort model was used to estimate the effects of age, period, and cohort on age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of CKD. Comparative risk assessment theory was used to calculate the potential attributable DALYs due to risk factors.Results:In 2019, the ASIR of CKD in Fujian exceeded the national average. The ASIR of CKD showed an increasing trend from 1990 to 2019, but the ASMR and ASDR of CKD exhibited decreasing trends during the same period. In 2019, the ASIR of CKD was higher in women than in men, while the ASMR and ASDR were higher in men than in women. Age-period-cohort analysis indicated that ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR of CKD increased with age. The period effect for ASIR decreased first before increase, while the period effect for ASMR and ASDR displayed fluctuating trends. The cohort effect showed an upward trajectory for ASIR, but a stable status before downward trajectories for ASMR and ASDR. Compared with 1990, except the increase in the ASDR of CKD attributed to high BMI and high temperatures, the ASDR of CKD attributed to other risk factors all showed decreases in 2019. However, the ASDR attributed to high sodium intake remained higher compared with the global average.Conclusion:The burden of CKD remains heavy in Fujian, and it is necessary to reduce the attributable risk factors, such as high sodium intake and high BMI, to address this problem.

Streptococcus equinus is a zoonotic disease that can cause illness in various animals under specific environmental condi-tions.No reports have described isolation of this bacterium from the liver in affected sheep.This study successfully isolated and identi-fied a strain of Streptococcus equinus through bacterial isolation and culture,Gram staining,drug sensitivity testing,mouse sensitivity testing,bacterial biochemical testing,and whole genome sequencing.The strain was found to have pathogenicity toward Kunming white mice,and to be sensitive to four antibiotics(penicillin,ampicillin,ceftiofur sodium,and ceftriaxone sodium)but resistant to four antibiotics(streptomycin,amoxicillin,tetracycline,and gentamicin).On the basis of drug sensitivity testing,targeted treatment of the affected sheep flock with ceftiofur sodium effectively controlled the disease within 2 days,and no new cases occurred.This study provides a reference for biological characterization of ovine Streptococcus equinus;public health;and the investigation of disease pre-vention,control,and epidemiology.

Since the emergence of thoracoscopic surgery in the 1990s,innovations in surgical approaches for thoracic surgery have never ceased.During this process,the subxiphoid approach has gradually stood out due to its distinctive perspective advantages,superior cosmetic outcomes,and significant reduction in postoperative pain.After entering the 21st century,multi-center research teams,both domestically and internationally,have continuously expanded the application scope of the subxiphoid approach,transforming it from an early exploratory technique into one of the conventional surgical methods in thoracic surgery.Currently,the subxiphoid approach has demonstrated its unique value in clinical settings,including mediastinal tumor resection,lung surgery,chest wall surgery and diverse biopsies.This article aims to provide a systematical elaboration on the latest progress in the application of the subxiphoid approach and explore its future development trends.

Objective:To analyze the predictive role of WT1 expression levels pre-and early post-transplantation on relapse and overall survival(OS)in patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML)undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT)during their first complete remission(CR1).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 107 adult AML patients who underwent allo-HSCT during their CR1 at our center between May 2012 and December 2021.The predictive role of bone marrow WT1 expression levels before transplantation and at 3 and 6 months post-transplantation on relapse and OS was explored in combination with relevant clinical factors.Results:The median follow-up time for the 107 patients was 70(range:11-117)months.Among the patients,15 cases died.Kaplan-Meier survial analysis showed that the 3-year overall survival(OS)rate was 85.0％.20 patients experienced relapse,with a median time to relapse of 8(range:0.5-44)months and a l-year cumulative relapse rate of 13.1％.The overall median value of WT1 before transplantation,3 months after transplantation,and 6 months after transplantation was 0.26％(range:0％-23.64％),with an upper quartile value of 0.74％.No statistically significant differences in WT1 expression levels were observed among the pre-transplantation,3-month post-transplantation,and 6-month post-transplantation time points(P=0.227).Univariate analysis showed that patients with WT1 levels＞0.74％at 3 months post-transplantation had a higher 1-year relapse rate(P=0.029)and lower 3-year OS rate(P＜0.001)compared to patients with WT1 levels ≤0.74％.Other significant factors affecting 1-year relapse included stem cell source(P=0.041)and chronic graft-versus-host disease(cGVHD)(P=0.013).For 3-year OS,additional influencing factors were genetic high risk(P=0.048)and stem cell source(P=0.016).Multivariate analysis revealed that WT1 level＞0.74％at 3 months post-transplantation had a trend to affect 1-year relapse rate(HR=3.309,95％CI:0.958-11.431,P=0.058),while the absence of cGVHD was an independent risk factor for 1-year relapse(HR=3.473,95％CI:0.749-16.100,P=0.037).Only WT1 level＞0.74％at 3 months post-transplantation was an independent risk factor for 3-year OS(HR=6.886,95％CI:2.402-19.738,P＜0.001).Conclusion:High WT1 expression level at 3 months post-transplantation in AML patients undergoing allo-HSCT during CR1 affects the 1-year relapse rate and 3-year OS,and is an independent risk factor affecting 3-year OS.These findings suggest that dynamic monitoring of WT1 expression levels has certain value in prognostic assessment of AML patients who received allo-HSCT during CR1.