ObjectiveTo investigate the perceived experience and acceptance of intrapartum ultrasound （IPUS） as a novel method for labor progress assessment among pregnant women. MethodsFrom February 2023 to December 2024， a total of 180 pregnant women admitted to the Labor Ward of Lingnan Hospital， the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University， who were planned for vaginal trial of labor ， were accessed for labor progress using IPUS and vaginal examination （VE） after the onset of labor and prior to the initiation n of labor analgesia. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the women's perceived experiences with both examination methods and their acceptance of IPUS. The pain intensity associated with the examinations was evaluated using the visual analogue pain scale （VAS）. Differences in the women's experiences and pain intensity between the two labor progress assessment methods were compared. ResultsThe acceptance rate of IPUS was 96.67% （174/180）， with the remaining 6 cases undecided. Over 60% of the pregnant women reported IPUS assessment as comfortable and none of them felt discomfort， whereas 32.8% felt uncomfortable with VE （χ²=196.02， P＜0.001）. Nearly two-thirds of the pregnant women believed that VE would cause psychological distress， while none reported such effect with IPUS （χ²=261.52， P＜0.001）. Approximately 77.78% （140/180） of the pregnant women believed that IPUS could reduce their fear of vaginal delivery and enhance their confidence if it replaced VE. The VAS score for IPUS ［0 （0， 2）］ was significantly lower than that for VE ［4 （4， 6）］ （Z=-14.62， P＜0.001）. Further stratified analysis showed that over 90% （164/180） of the pregnant women found IPUS painless， with no moderate or severe pain reported， compared to 43.33% （78/180） experienced moderate or severe pain with VE （P＜0.001）. ConclusionAs a novel approach for labor progress assessment， IPUS not only alleviates the pain and discomfort associated with traditional VE and reduces the fear of childbirth but also enhances women's confidence in delivery， thereby achieving a high level of acceptance among parturient women in China.

BACKGROUND: The contraction behaviors of cardiomyocytes (CMs), especially contraction synchrony, are crucial factors reflecting their maturity and response to drugs. A wider field of view helps to observe more pronounced synchrony differences, but the accompanied greater computational load, requiring more computing power or longer computational time. METHODS: We proposed a method that directly correlates variations in optical field brightness with cardiac tissue contraction status (CVB method), based on principles from physics and photometry, for rapid video analysis in wide field of view to obtain contraction parameters, such as period and contraction propagation direction and speed. RESULTS: Through video analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) cultured on aligned and random nanofiber scaffolds, the CVB method was demonstrated to obtain contraction parameters and quantify the direction and speed of contraction within regions of interest (ROIs) in wide field of view. The CVB method required less computation time compared to one of the contour tracking methods, the LucasKanade (LK) optical flow method, and provided better stability and accuracy in the results. CONCLUSION This method has a smaller computational load, is less affected by motion blur and out-of-focus conditions, and provides a potential tool for accurate and rapid analysis of cardiac tissue contraction synchrony in wide field of view without the need for more powerful hardware.

BACKGROUND: The contraction behaviors of cardiomyocytes (CMs), especially contraction synchrony, are crucial factors reflecting their maturity and response to drugs. A wider field of view helps to observe more pronounced synchrony differences, but the accompanied greater computational load, requiring more computing power or longer computational time. METHODS: We proposed a method that directly correlates variations in optical field brightness with cardiac tissue contraction status (CVB method), based on principles from physics and photometry, for rapid video analysis in wide field of view to obtain contraction parameters, such as period and contraction propagation direction and speed. RESULTS: Through video analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) cultured on aligned and random nanofiber scaffolds, the CVB method was demonstrated to obtain contraction parameters and quantify the direction and speed of contraction within regions of interest (ROIs) in wide field of view. The CVB method required less computation time compared to one of the contour tracking methods, the LucasKanade (LK) optical flow method, and provided better stability and accuracy in the results. CONCLUSION This method has a smaller computational load, is less affected by motion blur and out-of-focus conditions, and provides a potential tool for accurate and rapid analysis of cardiac tissue contraction synchrony in wide field of view without the need for more powerful hardware.

BACKGROUND: The contraction behaviors of cardiomyocytes (CMs), especially contraction synchrony, are crucial factors reflecting their maturity and response to drugs. A wider field of view helps to observe more pronounced synchrony differences, but the accompanied greater computational load, requiring more computing power or longer computational time. METHODS: We proposed a method that directly correlates variations in optical field brightness with cardiac tissue contraction status (CVB method), based on principles from physics and photometry, for rapid video analysis in wide field of view to obtain contraction parameters, such as period and contraction propagation direction and speed. RESULTS: Through video analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) cultured on aligned and random nanofiber scaffolds, the CVB method was demonstrated to obtain contraction parameters and quantify the direction and speed of contraction within regions of interest (ROIs) in wide field of view. The CVB method required less computation time compared to one of the contour tracking methods, the LucasKanade (LK) optical flow method, and provided better stability and accuracy in the results. CONCLUSION This method has a smaller computational load, is less affected by motion blur and out-of-focus conditions, and provides a potential tool for accurate and rapid analysis of cardiac tissue contraction synchrony in wide field of view without the need for more powerful hardware.

Objective:To determine the genetic causes of dystonic cerebral palsy (DCP) of unknown etiology by using whole exome and mitochondrial gene detection methods, and to analyze clues for early identification of DCP.Methods:This was a retrospective analysis of clinical data describing 21 children with unknown etiology and DCP-like phenotypes. It involved collecting a detailed medical history, biochemical testing, neuroimaging, electroencephalography and hematuria metabolic screening. Peripheral blood was collected from the children, their parents and their siblings. Genomic DNA was extracted, and whole exome and/or mitochondrial gene sequencing was performed to obtain variant sites and annotations. The candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.Results:No clear perinatal risk factors were found in the 21 cases, though there was 1 case of family history. Laboratory tests found increased lactic acid in 3 and abnormal thyroid function in 2 cases. The neuroimaging showed lesions in the basal ganglia in 2 cases, delayed myelination in 6 cases, sometimes with cortical dysplasia, a wide extracerebral space and/or a thin corpus callosum. The images of 11 of the children were normal. Later follow-up showed changes in the brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of 2 of the children. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic candidate variants were identified in 15 of the 21 children (71%) within 12 genes: TH, SLC16 A2, RHOBTB2, FOXG1, IFIH1, WDR45, MT- ATP6, KIAA2022, GNB1, GNAO1, SLC2 A1 or NACC1. Fifteen of the children received a precise diagnosis. Genetic testing found heterozygous variants of ATP1 A2, SPR, ATP1 A3, MED13 L or NR4 A2 genes in the remaining six children, all of which were non-pathogenic variants. Conclusions:The absence of perinatal high-risk factors, a positive family history, and a normal or progressive brain MRI can be used as early clues to identify atypical DCP cases. TH, SLC16 A2, RHOBTB2, FOXG1, IFIH1, WDR45, MTATP6, KIAA2022, GNB1, GNAO1, SLC2 A1 and NACC1 variants belong to the spectrum of DCP-related pathogenic genes, and attention should be paid to the interpretation of genomic analysis results.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of Nepetoidin B on rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods:DBA/1 mice were divided into four groups using the random number method, namely the control group, model group, methotrexate group, and Nepetoidin B group. The collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was prepared. Mice were treated from day 21th to day 60th. Arthritis symptoms were evaluated every three days during treatment. At the end of treatment, pathological changes of joint tissue were observed through HE staining. Serum IL-17, IL-6, MDA, and NO levels were measured using ELISA and biochemical colorimetric assays. The Nrf2/HO1 pathway in joint tissues was detected using western blot. A group of CIA mice was treated with Nepetoidin B, followed by an Nrf2 inhibitor to validate the mechanism. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare between multiple groups with homogeneity of variance, pairwise comparison using LSD- t test. Results:The study found that mice treated with methotrexate and Nepetoidin B exhibited a significant reduction in arthritis scores(CIA+Meth group 5.2±1.3, CIA+NepB group 6.8±1.2 vs. CIA group 11.0±1.7, t=6.69, P=0.004; t=5.00, P=0.009), and joint histopathology compared to the CIA mice(CIA+Meth group 1.5±1.0, CIA+NepB group 2.2±0.8 vs. CIA group 4.0±0.9, t=4.44, P<0.001; t=3.84, P=0.005). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in serum IL-17[CIA+Meth group(257±69)ng/ml, CIA+NepB group (279±103)ng/ml vs. CIA group(414±71)ng/ml, t=3.86, P=0.006; t=2.63, P=0.020], IL-6[CIA+Meth group(32±6)ng/ml, CIA+NepB group (44±5)ng/ml vs. CIA group(56±11)ng/ml, t=4.69, P<0.001; t=2.48, P=0.040) ,MDA [CIA+Meth group(22±4)μmol/L, CIA+NepB group(22±8)μmol/L vs. CIA group(34±11)μmol/L, t=2.77, P=0.038; t=2.29, P=0.049]and NO[ CIA+Meth group(37±12)μmol/L, CIA+NepB group(37±11)μmol/L vs. CIA group(56±12)μmol/L, t=2.71, P=0.040; t=2.90, P=0.035] levels, and a significant elevation in the Nrf2( 0.263±0.021, 0.273±0.022 vs. 0.221±0.034, t=3.18, P=0.044; t=2.70, P=0.049)/HO1 (0.524±0.021, 0.501±0.014 vs. 0.453±0.033, t=3.95, P=0.006; t=3.41, P=0.032) pathway in methotrexate and Nepetoidin B treated group. It was also observed that Nrf2 inhibitors could counteract the treatment effects of Nepetoidin B on arthritis (1.8±0.8 vs. 3.2±0.8, t=3.07, P=0.024). Conclusion:Nepetoidin B has the ability to inhibit oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO1 pathway, which alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

Objective:To analyze the association between moderate-to-vigorous-physical activity (MVPA) and obesity, poor sleep quality, as well as multimorbidity in 7- to 8-year-old children in Shanghai City.Methods:From September to November 2023, a cluster sampling method was used to select second-grade students from four primary schools in Jinshan District, Shanghai. Three-axis acceleration motion sensors (GT3X+, Acti-graph) were used to monitor daily physical activity for seven consecutive days. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between MVPA duration characteristics and obesity, poor sleep quality and multimorbidity in school-age children.Results:Of the 937 study participants, 512 (54.64%) were boys and 425 (45.36%) were girls. Among them, 89 (9.50%) were obese and 782 (83.46%) had poor sleep quality. A total of 77 cases (8.22%) were affected by obesity and poor sleep quality. The average daily MVPA time was (45.97±15.87) minutes, and the MVPA attainment rate was 17.18%. The multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that, after adjusting for covariates, the daily average MVPA time was negatively associated with the risk of obesity ( OR=0.982, 95% CI: 0.968-0.997), as well as multimorbidity ( OR=0.981, 95% CI: 0.965-0.997). The risk of obesity, poor sleep quality and multimorbidity in <1 d was 2.228 ( OR=2.228, 95% CI: 1.398-3.549), 1.702 ( OR=1.702, 95% CI: 1.141-2.540) and 2.150 ( OR=2.150, 95% CI: 1.310-3.528) times higher than that in ≥1 d. Conclusion:Obesity, poor sleep quality and multimorbidity of school-age children are closely related to the level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Objective:To understand the tobacco use situation and related factors among the occupational population in Beijing in 2018.Methods:The data were obtained from a special survey on “Healthy Beijing People—Ten-year Action Plan for Health Promotion (2009—2018)”. From June to September 2018, 12 908 participants were recruited from 16 districts of Beijing using the stratified sampling method combined with the typical sampling method. Questionnaires were conducted to collect basic information, work situations, tobacco exposure in public places, and smoking cessation. The Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in current smoking rates, smoking cessation rates and second-hand smoke exposure rates among participants with different characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the related factors of tobacco use.Results:The present smoking rate of the occupational population in Beijing was 18.0% (95% CI: 17.3%-18.7%), and the passive smoking exposure rate of non-smokers was 61.0% (95% CI: 60.1%-61.9%). The smoking cessation rate among the working population was 22.2% (95% CI: 20.7%-23.7%), and the proportion of current smokers with the intention to quit was 63.9% (1 485/2 325). The present smoking rate of employees of different genders, ages, education levels and occupational nature showed statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that in males, compared with the age group of 16-29 years old, the risk of smoking increased in the age groups of 30-39 years old, 40-49 years old and over 50 years old [ OR (95% CI) values were 1.49 (1.27-1.74), 1.34 (1.13-1.59) and 1.30 (1.06-1.59)]. Compared with those with junior high school or lower education, participants with high school/vocational/college education group had a higher risk of smoking ( OR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.13-1.69), while those with master′s degree or above had a lower risk of smoking ( OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.22-0.42). The physical workers ( OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.11-1.47) had a higher risk of smoking than the mental workers. Conclusion:The current smoking rate among the occupational population in Beijing is lower than the national level during the same period, but the exposure rate to second-hand smoke is relatively high. Age, educational level, job nature and gender are related factors of smoking.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between terminal soft tissue infection of the diabetic foot and glucose and lipid metabolism as well as inflammatory factors.Methods:A total of 126 patients with diabetes mellitus combined with foot-soft tissue infections, who hospitalized in our hospital from March 2018 to February 2023 were divided into mild group (46 cases), moderate group (43 cases) and severe infections group (37 cases) according to the degree of foot-soft tissue infection before treatment. The glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammatory factors of patients among the different groups were compared, and the effects of glycolysis and lipid metabolism and inflammatory factors on the soft tissue infection at the end of diabetic foot were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Patients were treated with antimicrobial therapy and other treatments. After 2 weeks of anti-infective treatment, if three consecutive cultures of secretions were negative for bacteria, antibiotic therapy was discontinued and glucose-lipid metabolism and inflammatory factors after treatment were compared. Patients were followed up for 1 year, and the changes in glucose-lipid metabolism and inflammatory factors were observed in toe or limb amputations group ( n=38) and non-toe or limb amputations group ( n=88). Results:Before treatment, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acids (FFA), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), glycosylated hemoglobin typeA1c (HbA 1c), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), C reactive protein (CRP,) tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the mild group were significantly lower than those in the moderate and severe group, and the adiponectin (APN) level was significantly higher than that in the moderate and severe group (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that FFA, FPG, FINS, APN, VCAM-1, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 were risk factors of terminal soft tissue infection ( P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of TC, LDL-C, FFA, FPG, FINS, HbA1c, VCAM-1, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly decreased, and the APN was significantly increased (all P<0.05). The levels of TC, LDL-C, FFA, FPG, FINS, HbA1c, VCAM-1, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly higher in the toe/limb amputation group than in the non-toe/limb amputation group, and the APN levels were significantly lower in the toe/limb amputation group than in the non-toe/limb amputation group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:There is a close relationship between glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors and terminal soft tissue infection of the diabetic foot.

Objective To establish a prognostic model that predicts the survival and prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma patients by studying the LncRNAs related to iron death in gastric cancer cells,thereby providing a theoretical basis for the development of their biomarkers and therapeutic targets.Methods The transcript sequencing data of gastric adenocarcinoma patients in the TCGA database were analyzed and intersected with iron death-related genes,which were screened for iron death-related LncRNAs by co-expression and differential analysis methods.One-way and multifactorial Cox regression analyses were used to screen out the prognostic-related LncRNAs in gastric adenocarcinoma patients,so as to establish the prognostic scoring models.On this basis,risk values were calculated for each sample,and the reliability of the model was fully verified.According to the model results,differences in the immune infiltration and immune response between the high-and low-risk groups were analyzed.Results Tumor tissues were screened for 503 LncRNAs(431 up-regulated and 72 down-regulated)associated with iron death compared to the normal tissues;univariate Cox regression analysis yielded 33 LncRNAs that could be used as the independent risk factors,whereas multivariate Cox regression analysis constructed a predictive model consisting of 17 LncRNAs.Survival curves indicated that patients with the high risk had the significantly lower survival rates than those with the low risk(P<0.001).Unifactorial and multifactorial independent prognostic analyses showed that age,stage,and risk value were independent risk factors for patients;Time-dependent ROC curves suggested that the predicted AUC values of the model's 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates were 0.751,0.799,and 0.779 respectively,proving that the model was reliable and stable.There were significant differences in multiple immune activation responses,the degree of immune cell infiltration,and the expression levels of immune check points between the high-and low-risk groups.Conclusion The established prognostic prediction model based on iron death-related lncRNAs for gastric adenocarcinoma patients can better assess the prognosis of patients,and the lncRNAs included in the model have the feasibility of being developed into biomarkers and therapeutic targets.