Objective To investigate the relationship between serum levels of plasminogen activator inhibi-tor-1(PAI-1)and annexin A2(ANXA2)and the carotid atherosclerosis stability(CAS)plaque in patients with transient ischemic attack(TIA).Methods A total of 131 patients with TIA admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected as the TIA group,and 46 healthy people in the same period were selected as the control group.According to the CAS plaque stability of TIA patients,they were divided into unstable plaque group(64 cases)and stable plaque/no plaque group(67 cases).The serum levels of PAI-1 and ANXA2 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and chemiluminescence immunoassay,respectively.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors of CAS plaque stability in TIA patients.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the predictive value of serum PAI-1 and ANXA2 levels for CAS instability in TIA patients.Results Compared with the control group,the levels of PAI-1 and ANXA2 in TIA group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the stable plaque/no plaque group,the unstable plaque group was significant increaseed in the serum levels of PAI-1 and ANXA2(P<0.05).Smoking,high risk of TIA,elevated PAI-1 and ANXA2 were independent risk factors for CAS plaque stability in patients with TIA(P<0.05).The area under the curve predicted by serum PAI-1 and ANXA2 levels combined was 0.879,which was larger than 0.788 and 0.783 predicted by serum PAI-1 and ANXA2 levels alone(P<0.05).Conclusion The increased levels of serum PAI-1 and ANXA2 are closely re-lated to CAS plaque instability in patients with TIA.The combination of serum PAI-1 and ANXA2 levels has a higher value in predicting CAS plaque instability in patients with TIA.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical predictive value of SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in the occurrence of cardiac death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods:A retrospective follow-up was performed for 160 patients (109 males, 51 females; age: 68.5(61.0, 74.0) years) who underwent MPI in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University between June 2017 and March 2024. The 17-segment 5-point method was used for image analysis to obtain the left ventricular myocardial perfusion and functional parameters. The patients were followed up for cardiac death, and divided into death group and survival group. Clinical data of those 2 groups were compare by χ2 test, the independent-sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyze the predictors related to cardiac death. The ROC curve was used to analyze the performance of predictors. Survival curves were obtained by the Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank test was performed to compare the difference between 2 groups. Results:The follow-up time of 160 patients with CKD was 26.0(10.0, 46.5) months. Of 160 patients, 17 died and 143 survived. There were statistically significant differences in body mass index (BMI), previous myocardial infarction, previous revascularization, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), positive MPI, left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score (SRS) and summed difference score (SDS) between the death group and the survival group ( χ2 values: 4.58-16.13, t values: -2.34, -3.97, Z values: from -2.81 to 5.02, all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that SSS (hazard ratio ( HR)=1.153, 95% CI: 1.062-1.252, P=0.001) and hs-CRP ( HR=1.031, 95% CI: 1.004-1.058, P=0.023) were independent risk factors for cardiac death in patients with CKD. The optimal cut-off value of SSS for predicting cardiac death in those patients was determined to be 8 with the AUC of 0.815, and the incidence of cardiac death in the SSS ≥8 group was significantly higher than that in the SSS<8 group (33.3%(12/36) vs 4.0%(5/124); χ2 = 25.44, P<0.001). Conclusion:MPI is an important imaging method for the evaluation of cardiac death in patients with CKD, SSS and hs-CRP are important risk factors in predicting cardiac death in those patients.

Objective To study the expression levels of karyopherin β1(KPNB1) and Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MERTK) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and their correlation with clinical pathological features,as well as the prognosis of progression-free survival. Methods A total of 118 NSCLC patients who visited Ordnance Industry 521 Hospital from February 2018 to February 2020 were selected. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of KPNB1 and MERTK in NSCLC cancer and paracancer tissue. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was conducted to assess the impact of KPNB1 and MERTK on the progression-free survival prognosis of NSCLC patients. COX regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting the prognosis of progression-free survival in NSCLC patients. Results The positive rates of KPNB1 (61.02％) and MERTK (62.71％) in cancer tissues were higher than those in adjacent tissues (8.48％,6.78％),and the differences were statistically significant (x2=69.945,81.408,all P<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between KPNB1 and MERTK expression in the organization (r=0.744,P<0.001). The positive rates of KPNB1(84.21％,82.50％),MERTK (84.21％,85.00％)in NSCLC tissues with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage ⅢA were higher than those without lymph node metastasis(50.00％,52.50％) and TNM stage Ⅰ～Ⅱ(50.00％,51.28％),and the differences were statistically significant (x2=11.078～12.855,all P<0.001). The 3-year progression-free survival rates of KPNB1and MERTK positive and negative groups were 26.39％ (19/72) and 56.52％ (26/46),27.03％ (20/74) and 56.82％ (25/44),respectively,with statistically significant differences (Log Rankx2=0.980,8.463,P=0.001,0.004) . KPNB1 positive,MERTK positive,lymph node metastasis and TNM stage ⅢA were risk factors for progression free survival prognosis in NSCLC patients (waldx2=7.810～10.906,all P<0.001). Conclusion The expression of KPNB1 and MERTK is elevated in NSCLC,both of which are related to TNM staging and lymph node metastasis. They are new biomarkers for evaluating the progression-free survival prognosis of NSCLC.

Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition characterized by central sensitivity to pain, and it is universally acknowledged as a recalcitrant disease. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of the Roujin formula in treating FMS patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome, aiming to provide more scientific and effective treatment options. Methods: Forty-eight eligible participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the Roujin formula group (n = 24) or the placebo group (n = 24). The Roujin formula group received 150 mL of the Roujin formula twice daily, whereas the placebo group was given a tenth of the Roujin formula dosage, twice daily. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks, with a follow-up extending to 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the improvement in the pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, whereas secondary outcomes included enhancements in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores. These measures were assessed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC) was collected at week 12. Safety assessments were based on routine blood tests, urine tests, and liver and kidney function evaluations. Results: The improvement in the pain VAS score was significantly greater in the Roujin formula group than that in the placebo group at the 4-, 8-, and 12-week follow-ups (p < 0.05). At the 8-week treatment and the 12-week follow-up, improvements in PSQI and FIQR scores were also superior in the Roujin formula group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). There were no differences between the 2 groups in the improvement of BDI-II scores, SF-36 physical component summary, and mental component summary scores at any observation time points. At the 12-week follow-up, PGIC ratings were significantly better in the Roujin formula group (p < 0.05). There were 4 adverse events, all of which occurred in the Roujin formula group, including 3 cases of diarrhea and 1 case of stomach pain; no serious adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusion: The Roujin formula can effectively enhance the overall condition of FMS patients, relieve pain, improve sleep quality, and elevate physical and mental well-being. Only mild gastrointestinal reactions were observed. The Roujin formula may be a viable candidate for clinical implementation.

Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition characterized by central sensitivity to pain, and it is universally acknowledged as a recalcitrant disease. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of the Roujin formula in treating FMS patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome, aiming to provide more scientific and effective treatment options. Methods: Forty-eight eligible participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the Roujin formula group (n = 24) or the placebo group (n = 24). The Roujin formula group received 150 mL of the Roujin formula twice daily, whereas the placebo group was given a tenth of the Roujin formula dosage, twice daily. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks, with a follow-up extending to 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the improvement in the pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, whereas secondary outcomes included enhancements in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores. These measures were assessed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC) was collected at week 12. Safety assessments were based on routine blood tests, urine tests, and liver and kidney function evaluations. Results: The improvement in the pain VAS score was significantly greater in the Roujin formula group than that in the placebo group at the 4-, 8-, and 12-week follow-ups (p < 0.05). At the 8-week treatment and the 12-week follow-up, improvements in PSQI and FIQR scores were also superior in the Roujin formula group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). There were no differences between the 2 groups in the improvement of BDI-II scores, SF-36 physical component summary, and mental component summary scores at any observation time points. At the 12-week follow-up, PGIC ratings were significantly better in the Roujin formula group (p < 0.05). There were 4 adverse events, all of which occurred in the Roujin formula group, including 3 cases of diarrhea and 1 case of stomach pain; no serious adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusion: The Roujin formula can effectively enhance the overall condition of FMS patients, relieve pain, improve sleep quality, and elevate physical and mental well-being. Only mild gastrointestinal reactions were observed. The Roujin formula may be a viable candidate for clinical implementation.

Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition characterized by central sensitivity to pain, and it is universally acknowledged as a recalcitrant disease. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of the Roujin formula in treating FMS patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome, aiming to provide more scientific and effective treatment options. Methods: Forty-eight eligible participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the Roujin formula group (n = 24) or the placebo group (n = 24). The Roujin formula group received 150 mL of the Roujin formula twice daily, whereas the placebo group was given a tenth of the Roujin formula dosage, twice daily. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks, with a follow-up extending to 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the improvement in the pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, whereas secondary outcomes included enhancements in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores. These measures were assessed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC) was collected at week 12. Safety assessments were based on routine blood tests, urine tests, and liver and kidney function evaluations. Results: The improvement in the pain VAS score was significantly greater in the Roujin formula group than that in the placebo group at the 4-, 8-, and 12-week follow-ups (p < 0.05). At the 8-week treatment and the 12-week follow-up, improvements in PSQI and FIQR scores were also superior in the Roujin formula group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). There were no differences between the 2 groups in the improvement of BDI-II scores, SF-36 physical component summary, and mental component summary scores at any observation time points. At the 12-week follow-up, PGIC ratings were significantly better in the Roujin formula group (p < 0.05). There were 4 adverse events, all of which occurred in the Roujin formula group, including 3 cases of diarrhea and 1 case of stomach pain; no serious adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusion: The Roujin formula can effectively enhance the overall condition of FMS patients, relieve pain, improve sleep quality, and elevate physical and mental well-being. Only mild gastrointestinal reactions were observed. The Roujin formula may be a viable candidate for clinical implementation.

ObjectiveThe proteome of biological evidence contains rich genetic information, namely single amino acid polymorphisms (SAPs) in protein sequences. However, due to the lack of efficient and convenient analysis tools, the application of SAP in public security still faces many challenges. This paper aims to meet the application requirements of SAP analysis for forensic biological evidence’s proteome data. MethodsThe software is divided into three modules. First, based on a built-in database of common non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) and SAPs in East Asian populations, the software integrates and annotates newly identified exonic nsSNPs as SAPs, thereby constructing a customized SAP protein sequence database. It then utilizes a pre-installed search engine—either pFind or MaxQuant—to perform analysis and output SAP typing results, identifying both reference and variant types, along with their corresponding imputed nsSNPs. Finally, SAPTyper compares the proteome-based typing results with the individual’s exome-derived nsSNP profile and outputs the comparison report. ResultsSAPTyper accepts proteomic DDA mass spectrometry raw data (DDA acquisition mode) and exome sequencing results of nsSNPs as input and outputs the report of SAPs result. The pFind and Maxquant search engines were used to test the proteome data of 2 hair shafts of2 individuals, and both obtained SAP results. It was found that the results of the Maxquant search engine were slightly less than those of pFind. This result shows that SAPTyper can achieve SAP fingding function. Moreover, the pFind search engine was used to test the proteome data of 3 hair shafts from 1 European person and 1 African person in the literature. Among the sites fully matched by the literature method, sites detected by SAPTyper are also included; for semi-matching sites, that is, nsSNPs are heterozygous, both literature method and SAPTyper method had the risk of missing detection for one type of the allele. Comparing the analysis results of SAPTyper with the SAP test results reported in the literature, it was found that some imputed nsSNP sites identified by the literature method but not detected by SAPTyper had a MAF of less than 0.1% in East Asian populations, and therefore they were not included in the common nsSNP database of East Asian populations constructed by this software. Since the database construction of this software is based on the genetic variation information of East Asian populations, it is currently unable to effectively identify representative unique common variation sites in European or African populations, but it can still identify SAP sites shared by these populations and East Asian populations. ConclusionAn automated SAP analysis algorithm was developed for East Asian populations, and the software named SAPTyper was developed. This software provides a convenient and efficient analysis tool for the research and application of forensic proteomic SAP and has important application prospects in individual identification and phenotypic inference based on SAP.

Liver cirrhosis is a common chronic progressive liver disease， and such patients often have coagulation disorders， which may lead to thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. While traditional anticoagulant therapies have various limitations， the emergence of novel oral anticoagulants （NOAC） provides new options for anticoagulation treatment in patients with liver cirrhosis. This article comprehensively reviews the application of NOAC in patients with liver cirrhosis， discusses their advantages and potential risks， analyzes their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics， and evaluates their efficacy and safety in the prevention and treatment of cirrhosis-associated thrombosis based on clinical evidence， in order to provide a reference for clinical decision-making.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate urban-rural disparities in its prevalence and management in elderly Chinese. METHODS: Consecutive participants aged ≥ 65 years attending outpatient clinics were enrolled for AF screening using handheld single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) from April 2017 to December 2022. Each ECG rhythm strip was reviewed from the research team. AF or uninterpretable single-lead ECGs were referred for 12-lead ECG. Primary study outcome comparison was between rural and urban areas for the prevalence of AF. The Student's t-test was used to compare mean values of clinical characteristics between rural and urban participants, while the Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare between-group proportions. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between AF and various patient characteristics. RESULTS: The 29,166 study participants included 13,253 men (45.4%) and had a mean age of 72.2 years. The 7073 rural participants differed significantly (P ≤ 0.02) from the 22,093 urban participants in several major characteristics, such as older age, greater body mass index, and so on. The overall prevalence of AF was 4.6% (n = 1347). AF was more prevalent in 7073 rural participants than 22,093 urban participants (5.6% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.01), before and after adjustment for age, body mass index, blood pressure, pulse rate, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and prior medical history. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified overweight/obesity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17-1.54) in urban areas and cigarette smoking (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.17) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.04-1.93) in rural areas as specific risk factors for prevalent AF. In patients with known AF in urban areas (n = 781) and rural areas (n = 338), 60.6% and 45.9%, respectively, received AF treatment (P < 0.01), and only 22.4% and 17.2%, respectively, received anticoagulation therapy (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In China, there are urban-rural disparities in AF in the elderly, with a higher prevalence and worse management in rural areas than urban areas. Our study findings provide insight for health policymakers to consider urban-rural disparity in the prevention and treatment of AF.