Objective To investigate the association of serum total testosterone(TT),free testosterone(FT),sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG),and estradiol(E_2)with all-cause mortality rate(AMR)in males and to evaluate their predictive value. Methods Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)cycles(1999—2004 and 2013—2016),the relationships between different sex hormones and AMR was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards regression models. The dose-response relationships between different sex hormones and male AMR were assessed with restricted cubic splines(RCS). The predictive performances of different sex hormones for male AMR were compared with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and the area under the curve(AUC). The survival differences across varying sex hormone levels were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests. Results This study involved 3632 adult male participants with a median follow-up of 6.5 years,during which 320 AMR occurred(8.8%). Cox univariate analysis indicated that TT,FT and SHBG were risk factors for AMR(P＜0.001). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that FT and SHBG were independent risk factors for AMR(FT:HR=0.90,95%CI:0.86-0.94; SHBG:HR=1.01,95%CI:1.01-1.02). RCS revealed a U-shaped nonlinear relationship between TT,FT and AMR(P＜0.001); SHBG showed a positive dose-response relationship with AMR(P＜0.001). The AUCs of FT predicting the 5-year,10-year,and 15-year AMR were 0.78(95%CI:0.73-0.82),0.80(95%CI:0.76-0.84),and 0.84(95%CI: 0.80-0.88),respectively,significantly outperforming other indicators. Subgroup analysis revealed that FT was negatively correlated with male AMR,but this association was modulated by age,race,smoking status and diabetes status(P_(interaction)＜0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that different levels of TT and FT(Q1-Q4)were significantly positively correlated with survival rate(P＜0.001),while different levels of SHBG were significantly negatively correlated with survival rate,with patients in the Q4 group having the highest risk of death(P＜0.001). Conclusion Based on US NHANES,studies have shown that the FT and SHBG are independent risk factors for male AMR,and FT demonstrates greater predictive value for male AMR than TT.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of stroke on diaphragmatic function by ultrasound. MethodsFrom April, 2024 to June, 2025, 40 stroke patients (stroke group) were recruited in Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University. Additionally, 40 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects (control group) were recruited without directional selection. Diaphragmatic excursion and diaphragmatic thickness during quiet breathing and deep breathing were assessed using ultrasound in both groups, and the diaphragmatic thickening fraction was calculated. The stroke group was further divided into two subgroups according to disease course: ≤ 30 days group and > 30 days group, for subgroup analysis. ResultsDuring both quiet and deep breathing, diaphragmatic excursion on the affected side in the stroke group was smaller than that on the unaffected side and in the control group (P < 0.05). During quiet breathing, diaphragmatic thickening fraction on the affected side in the stroke group was smaller than that on the unaffected side and in the control group (P < 0.05), while the diaphragmatic thickening fraction on the unaffected side was significantly smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.01). During deep breathing, the bilateral diaphragmatic thickening fraction in the stroke group was significantly smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.001), and the bilateral end-inspiratory diaphragmatic thickness was significantly smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.001). During quiet breathing, diaphragmatic excursion in both the ≤ 30 d group and the > 30 d group was smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.05); during deep breathing, diaphragmatic excursion in the ≤ 30 d group was smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In both quiet breathing and deep breathing, the diaphragmatic thickening fraction in the ≤ 30 d group and the >30 d group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). During deep breathing, end-inspiratory diaphragmatic thickness in both the ≤ 30 d group and the > 30 d group was significantly smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.01). ConclusionUltrasound can effectively identify the impact of stroke on patients' diaphragmatic function. In stroke patients, both diaphragmatic excursion and contractile performance are reduced on the affected side, while contractile performance is also reduced on the unaffected side.

Objective To investigate the impact of red blood cell suspension infusion across various perioperative periods on patients with valvular heart disease. Methods The patients with valvular heart disease admitted to Tianjin Chest Hospital from 2018 to 2020 were selected. Based on the timing of perioperative red cell suspension infusion, patients were categorized into three groups: a group 1 receiving intraoperative red cell suspension infusion, a group 2 receiving red cell suspension infusion within 24 hours after entering the ICU, and a group 3 receiving red cell suspension infusion at both time points. The laboratory results, perioperative blood component infusion volume, and other relevant parameters were retrospectively analyzed. After propensity score matching, the differences in different variables among the three groups were compared. Results After propensity score matching, 102 patients were enrolled, including 52 males and 50 females, with an average age of (61.74±10.58) years. There were 34 patients in each group. The preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) value of the group 2 was significantly higher than that of the group 1 and the group 3, and the amount of red cell suspension and autoblood transfusion was the lowest (P<0.05). Group 1 had the highest postoperative Hb, as well as the highest Hb and hematocrit (HCT) levels within 24 hours post-surgery (P<0.05). The group 1 had the lowest plasma, platelet and cryoprecipitate infusion volumes, and the shortest cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic occlusion time, postoperative ICU stay and hospital stay, and the least blood loss and total drainage volume (P<0.05). The difference between postoperative and preoperative Hb (△Hb1) was highest in group 1 (P<0.05). Conclusion For patients with valvular heart disease, intraoperative-only infusion of red blood cell suspension is associated with a better prognosis at discharge and during follow-up.

Brain’s neural activities encompass both periodic rhythmic oscillations and aperiodic neural fluctuations. Rhythmic oscillations manifest as spectral peaks of neural signals, directly reflecting the synchronized activities of neural populations and closely tied to cognitive and behavioral states. In contrast, aperiodic fluctuations exhibit a power-law decaying spectral trend, revealing the multiscale dynamics of brain neural activity. In recent years, researchers have made notable progress in studying brain aperiodic dynamics. These studies demonstrate that aperiodic activity holds significant physiological relevance, correlating with various physiological states such as external stimuli, drug induction, sleep states, and aging. Aperiodic activity serves as a reflection of the brain’s sensory capacity, consciousness level, and cognitive ability. In clinical research, the aperiodic exponent has emerged as a significant potential biomarker, capable of reflecting the progression and trends of brain diseases while being intricately intertwined with the excitation-inhibition balance of neural system. The physiological mechanisms underlying aperiodic dynamics span multiple neural scales, with activities at the levels of individual neurons, neuronal ensembles, and neural networks collectively influencing the frequency, oscillatory patterns, and spatiotemporal characteristics of aperiodic signals. Aperiodic dynamics currently boasts broad application prospects. It not only provides a novel perspective for investigating brain neural dynamics but also holds immense potential as a neural marker in neuromodulation or brain-computer interface technologies. This paper summarizes methods for extracting characteristic parameters of aperiodic activity, analyzes its physiological relevance and potential as a biomarker in brain diseases, summarizes its physiological mechanisms, and based on these findings, elaborates on the research prospects of aperiodic dynamics.

Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.

Objective:To establish and optimize a novel method, focus forming assay (FFA), for quantitation of influenza A virus (FluA) and compare its application performance with traditional plague forming assay (PFA).Methods:The foci chromogenic effects of three peroxidase substrates in immunostaining were compared. The PFA and FFA methods were used to explore FluA incubation times and plaque morphology on 12-well plates, and to determine optimal incubation times and virus adsorption volumes for different FluA subtypes on 96-well plates. The correlation between FFA and PFA was evaluated, and the optimized FFA was applied to the in vitro antiviral efficacy analysis of Favipiravir and neutralization test against different subtypes of FluA. Results:TRUEBLUE substrate was identified as the optimal substrate for foci visualization. Compared with the PFA, the FFA showed improved sensitivity and reduced detection time in FluA titration, and good correlation was shown between the two methods′ results. By replacing the 96-well plate with the 12-well plate for FFA titration of different subtypes of FluA, the detection time was shortened, and the amount of serum samples used could be further reduced by optimizing the virus adsorption volume. The half-maximal effective concentration of favipiravir against influenza viruses assessed by the FFA and PFA methods showed no significant difference, and was consistent with the results obtained from quantitative PCR. Additionally, the focus reduction neutralization test and hemagglutination inhibition assays demonstrated strong correlation in determining antibody titers against FluA in serum neutralization assays.Conclusions:The improved FFA method developed here provides a more efficient experimental tool for FluA titration, antiviral drug screening and broad-spectrum vaccine evaluation.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy,safety,and cost-effectiveness of berberine-based quadruple therapy vs.the clarithromycin-based quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication in treatment-na?ve patients.Methods This was a single-center,prospective,open-label randomized controlled trial.A total of 404 treatment-naive patients with H.pylori infection who visited the Outpatient Department of Gastroenterology,the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from September 2021 to May 2024 were enrolled.The patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to two groups:berberine quadruple therapy group(berberine+amoxicillin+esomeprazole+colloidal bismuth pectin;n=202)and clarithromycin quadruple therapy group(clarithromycin+amoxicillin+esomeprazole+colloidal bismuth pectin;n=202).Both groups received a 14-day treatment course.The H.pylori eradication rate,incidence of adverse reactions,medication compliance,and treatment costs were compared between the two groups.Results By intention-to-treat(ITT)analysis,eradication rate did not differ significantly between the two groups[89.1%(180/202)in berberine quadruple therapy group vs.89.6%(181/202)in clarithromycin quadruple therapy group,P=0.872].The per-protocol(PP)analysis also showed no significant difference in the eradication rate between the two groups[90.4%(179/198)vs.91.3%(178/195),P=0.763].The incidence of adverse reactions in berberine quadruple therapy group was significantly lower than that in clarithromycin quadruple therapy group[18.2%(36/198)vs.38.5%(75/195),P<0.001].Specifically,the incidence of taste disturbance in berberine quadruple therapy group was significantly lower than that in clarithromycin quadruple therapy group(3.0%vs.15.4%,P<0.001).There was no statistically significant difference in medication compliance between the two groups[98.5%(195/198)in berberine quadruple therapy group vs.97.9%(191/195)in clarithromycin quadruple therapy group,P=0.688].The fixed direct medical cost per patient was significantly lower in berberine quadruple therapy group than that in clarithromycin quadruple therapy group(402.08 yuan vs.693.94 yuan).Conclusions The berberine-based quadruple therapy is as effective as traditional clarithromycin-based quadruple therapy for eradicating H.pylori,with the advantages of a lower incidence of adverse reactions and lower cost.It represents a safe,effective,and economical treatment option worthy of further promotion and application.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis, and prognosis of renal solitary fibrous tumor (SFT).Methods:Five cases of renal SFT with unequivocal diagnoses at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2011 and July 2025 were subject to analyses of their clinical, morphological, immunophenotypic, and molecular characteristics, accompanied by a literature review.Results:Two males and three females aged between 45 and 62 years were included, all of whom presented with the discovery of a renal mass during routine physical examinations. Gross examination showed that the five tumors were all confined in the kidney. The tumors were nodular with maximum diameters ranging from 2.5 cm to 11.0 cm (mean, 5.8 cm). Upon cross-sectioning, they exhibited gray-white or gray-yellow cut surface. Histologically, the tumor cells exhibited oval or short spindle shapes in four cases, presenting with varying densities and arranged in short bundles, woven patterns, and irregular formation. Various amounts of coarse collagen and scattered staghorn blood-vessels were found in the stroma. In one case (case 5), the tumor cells were long spindle-shaped, densely organized in bundles, and interwoven, exhibiting inconspicuous boundaries, moderate nuclear atypia, and at least 4 mitotic figures per 10 high-power fields. Irregular patchy collagen deposition was particularly prominent at the edges of the tumor tissue. In two cases (cases 3 and 5), scattered and various amounts of renal tubules were observed in the tumor. Two cases (cases 4 and 5) demonstrated focal invasion of the renal parenchyma, although no necrosis was noted. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor cells were diffusely and strongly positive for vimentin and STAT6 in all 5 cases, and positive for CD34. Bcl-2 positivity was present in 4 of the 5 cases. All cases were negative for CKpan, EMA, PAX8, HMB45, Melan A, SMA, and S-100 protein. The p53 status was wild type, and the Ki-67 index ranged from 1% to 8%. Next-generation sequencing was conducted on one case (case 4), revealing the NAB2 (exon 3)::STAT6 (exon 18) gene fusion. The 5 patients were followed up for 1 to 158 months (mean, 56 months), and all were alive with no recurrence or metastasis.Conclusions:SFT of the kidney are rare and morphologically similar to extrarenal SFT. Key morphological features include short spindle-shaped tumor cells arranged in bundles, interwoven patterns or irregularly, accompanied by staghorn blood-vessels and scattered coarse hyaline collagen fibers. SFT with epithelial inclusions may represent a relatively common histological subtype in the kidney. Immunohistochemical staining that demonstrates diffuse and strong positivity for STAT6 and CD34 is instrumental in diagnosing this tumor. The pathogenesis is linked to the centromeric inversion of chromosome 12q, resulting in the fusion of the NAB2 and STAT6 genes. Most of these tumors exhibit favorable prognosis.

Objective To investigate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of common pathogens isolated from cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)in CHINET program from 2015 to 2021.Methods The bacterial strains isolated from CSF were identified in accordance with clinical microbiology practice standards.Antimicrobial susceptibility test was conducted using Kirby-Bauer method and automated systems per the unified CHINET protocol.Results A total of 14 014 bacterial strains were isolated from CSF samples from 2015 to 2021,including the strains isolated from inpatients(95.3％)and from outpatient and emergency care patients(4.7％).Overall,19.6％of the isolates were from children and 80.4％were from adults.Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 68.0％and 32.0％,respectively.Coagulase negative Staphylococcus accounted for 73.0％of the total Gram-positive bacterial isolates.The prevalence of MRSA was 38.2％in children and 45.6％in adults.The prevalence of MRCNS was 67.6％in adults and 69.5％in children.A small number of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium(2.2％)and linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis(3.1％)were isolated from adult patients.The resistance rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to ceftriaxone were 52.2％and 76.4％in children,70.5％and 63.5％in adults.The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant E.coli and K.pneumoniae(CRKP)was 1.3％and 47.7％in children,6.4％and 47.9％in adults.The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CRPA)was 74.0％and 37.1％in children,81.7％and 39.9％in adults.Conclusions The data derived from antimicrobial resistance surveillance are crucial for clinicians to make evidence-based decisions regarding antibiotic therapy.Attention should be paid to the Gram-negative bacteria,especially CRKP and CRAB in central nervous system(CNS)infections.Ongoing antimicrobial resistance surveillance is helpful for optimizing antibiotic use in CNS infections.