BackgroundInvasive vagus nerve stimulation therapy has been approved for the adjunctive treatment of treatment-resistant depression， which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of vagus nerve stimulation （VNS）， whereas the efficacy of non-invasive transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation （tcVNS） in treating major depressive disorder （MDD） and its impact on plasma inflammatory factors remain unclear. ObjectiveTo observe the effect of escitaloprom combined with tcVNS on the status of depression， anxiety and sleep quality as well as the plasma levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-10 （IL-10） in MDD patients， in order to provide references for the recovery and treatment of MDD patients. MethodsFrom August 21， 2019 to April 17， 2024， 45 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for MDD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fifth edition （DSM-5） were recruited from the psychosomatic outpatient clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University. Subjects were divided into study group （n=23） and control group （n=22） using random number table method. All patients were treated with escitalopram. On this basis， study group added a 30-minute tcVNS therapy once a day for 4 weeks. While control group was given corresponding sham stimulation， and the duration of each stimulation lasted 30 seconds. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment， Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item （HAMD-17） was used to assess depressive symptoms， and HAMD-17 anxiety/somatization subfactor and insomnia subfactor were used to assess patients' anxiety/somatization symptoms and sleep quality. Levels of plasma IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. ResultsThe generalized estimating equation model yielded a significant time effect for HAMD-17 total score， anxiety/somatization subfactor score and insomnia subfactor score in both groups （Wald χ²=315.226， 495.481， 82.420， P<0.01）. After 4 weeks of treatment， HAMD-17 total score and anxiety/somatization subfactor score of study group were lower than those of control group， with statistically significant differences （Wald χ²=4.967， 32.543， P<0.05 or 0.01）， while no statistically significant difference was found in the insomnia subfactor score between two groups （Wald χ²=0.819， P=0.366）. Significant time effects were reported on plasma IL-6 and IL-10 levels in both groups （Wald χ²=21.792， 5.242， P<0.05 or 0.01）. Compared with baseline data， a reduction in plasma IL-6 levels was detected in both groups （Wald χ²=22.015， 6.803， P<0.01）， and an increase in plasma IL-10 levels was reported in study group （Wald χ²=5.118， P=0.024） after 4 weeks of treatment. ConclusionEscitalopram combined with tcVNS therapy is effective in improving depressive symptoms， anxiety/somatization symptoms and sleep quality in patients with MDD. Additionally， it helps reduce plasma IL-6 levels and increase IL-10 levels. ［Funded by Shaanxi Provincial Key Research and Development Program-General Project （number， 2023-YBSF-185）， www.clinicaltrials.gov number， NCT04037111］

OBJECTIVE To know about the perception and current status of drug risk management among pharmacists in Chinese medical institutions， providing insights and recommendations for enhancing the drug risk management system in medical institutions. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted across 28 provinces， cities， and autonomous regions； stratified radom sampling was employed to study the population of medical workers and pharmaceutical professionals in medical institutions nationwide. The survey included information on the survey population， the current status of drug risk management implementation in medical institutions， the cognition， definition and process of drug risk management related concepts， and the content and mode of drug risk management work in medical institutions. Finally， suggestions were collected from various medical institutions on the system construction of drug risk management. Descriptive statistical analysis was adopted to summarize the obtained data. RESULTS A total of 446 questionnaires were collected in this survey， including 420 valid questionnaires and 26 invalid questionnaires. The questionnaire collection rate was 100%，and the effective rate was 94.17%. 51.19% of the respondents No.2020YFC2009001）。 based their understanding of drug risk management on Management Measures for Adverse Drug Reaction Reports and Monitoring， while 87.38% recognized the need for drug risk management throughout the drug use process. 63.33% of the participants stated that their medical institutions had dedicated positions related to drug risk management， with the highest proportion （72.17%） was in third-grade class A medical institutions. 66.43% reported implementing risk management across all drug use stages. Suggestions for the development of drug risk management systems in medical institutions by the research participants focused on enhancing guiding documents， clarifying concepts， establishing information-sharing mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS The overall awareness of drug risk management in China’s medical institutions is high， with practices in place across various stages in multiple forms. However， there remains a need to strengthen institutional documents， management regulations， system development， and information-sharing mechanisms to improve collaborative governance， improve drug management levels， and ensure patient safety.

Abstract In order to explore the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a new perspective, it is found through literature review that vitamin D(Vit D) may play a significant role in the onset and development of ASD by inhibiting early brain overgrowth, regulating metabolism of central nervous system, modulating immune responses, reducing inflammation and influencing genome stability. Furthermore, Vit D supplementation in individuals with ASD has shown to alleviate symptoms. However, the mechanisms by which Vit D affects ASD remains unclear, and the effectiveness of Vit D treatment in improving ASD symptoms remains controversial due to variations in sample sizes, detection methods, dosage and confounding factors. Future research needs to focus on multi center, large scale randomized controlled trials and ASD animal models with Vit D deficiency to further explore the specific role of Vit D in the pathogenesis and treatment of ASD, which could provide reliable evidence for the early detection, intervention and treatment of ASD.

Lung transplantation is currently the only recognized effective treatment for end-stage lung disease and has improved the quality of life for patients. However, lung transplantation still faces many challenges, including rejection, infection, post-transplant acute kidney injury, post-transplant diabetes mellitus, ischemia-reperfusion injury and donor shortage, etc. Chinese lung transplantation scholars made a series of important progress in the field of clinical research in 2024, focusing on the study and solution of the above problems, and providing new ideas for lung transplantation surgery. This article systematically reviews the clinical research and technological innovation in the field of lung transplantation in 2024, summarizes the achievements of clinical research in the field of lung transplantation in China in 2024, and aims to providing new directions and strategies for future research.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding after renal transplantation and summarize the diagnostic and therapeutic experience. Methods Clinical data of 16 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding after renal transplantation admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2015 to January 2025 were collected, including clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and auxiliary examination results such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy. The bleeding sites, causes, treatment plans and outcomes of the patients were analyzed, and relevant literature was reviewed. Results Among the 16 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, 12 had upper gastrointestinal bleeding (3 with esophageal bleeding, 7 with gastric bleeding and 2 with duodenal bleeding) and 4 had lower gastrointestinal bleeding (2 with ileal bleeding and 2 with anal bleeding). Among the 16 patients, the 4 with lower gastrointestinal bleeding all presented with hematochezia. Of the 12 with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 2 patients only had positive fecal occult blood and decreased hemoglobin levels without hematemesis or melena, 9 patients had melena and 1 patient had hematemesis. The hemoglobin levels of the 16 patients were (71±18) g/L. One patient had symptoms of shock, 9 had symptoms of anemia such as dizziness, fatigue and chest tightness, and 6 had good general conditions. Among the 16 patients, 10 had mild gastrointestinal bleeding and stable general conditions, which were curable by drugs. Two patients with peptic ulcers and exposed vessels on gastroscopy were treated with hemostasis by titanium clips. One patient with gastroesophageal tear was treated with hemostasis by titanium clips. One patient with esophageal variceal rupture bleeding was treated with endoscopic variceal ligation. One patient with hemorrhoidal bleeding underwent selective annual resection of the superior hemorrhoidal mucosa with stapled hemorrhoidopexy. One patient with active ileal bleeding on emergency enhanced abdominal CT was treated with endovascular embolization of the mesenteric artery. One patient was discharged automatically due to coma caused by extensive cerebral infarction, and the remaining patients were all cured and discharged with good prognosis. Conclusions Gastrointestinal bleeding after renal transplantation has diverse clinical manifestations, varying severity and many causes. Early diagnosis and treatment should be actively carried out. In addition to drug therapy, endoscopic, interventional or surgical treatment may be used when necessary to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic effects and minimize the functional damage of gastrointestinal bleeding to the transplant kidney.

Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.

Incidentally detected gallbladder polyps (GBPs) and gallbladder wall thickening (GBWT) are frequently encountered in clinical practice. However, characterizing GBPs and GBWT in asymptomatic patients can be challenging and may result in overtreatment, including unnecessary follow-ups or surgeries. The Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology (KSAR) Clinical Practice Guideline Committee has developed expert recommendations that focus on standardized imaging interpretation and follow-up strategies for both GBPs and GBWT, with support from the Korean Society of Radiology and KSAR. These guidelines, which address 24 key questions, aim to standardize the approach for the interpretation of imaging findings, reporting, imaging-based workups, and surveillance of incidentally detected GBPs and GBWT. This recommendation promotes evidence-based practice, facilitates communication between radiologists and referring physicians, and reduces unnecessary interventions.

Objective: To establish local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for pediatric neck CT based on age, weight, and water-equivalent diameter (WED) across multiple university hospitals in South Korea. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed pediatric neck CT examinations from nine university hospitals, involving patients aged 0–18 years. Data were categorized by age, weight, and WED, and radiation dose metrics, including volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product, were recorded. Data retrieval and analysis were conducted using a commercially available dose-management system (Radimetrics, Bayer Healthcare). Local DRLs were established following the International Commission on Radiological Protection guidelines, using the 75th percentile as the reference value. Results: A total of 1159 CT examinations were analyzed, including 169 scans from Institution 1, 132 from Institution 2, 126 from Institution 3, 129 from Institution 4, 128 from Institution 5, 105 from Institution 6, 162 from Institution 7, 127 from Institution 8, and 81 from Institution 9. Radiation dose metrics increased with age, weight, and WED, showing significant variability both within and across institutions. For patients weighing less than 10 kg, the DRL for CTDIvol was 5.2 mGy. In the 10–19 kg group, the DRL was 5.8 mGy; in the 20–39 kg group, 7.6 mGy; in the 40–59 kg group, 11.0 mGy; and for patients weighing 60 kg or more, 16.2 mGy. DRLs for CTDIvol by age groups were as follows: 5.3 mGy for infants under 1 year, 5.7 mGy for children aged 1–4 years, 7.6 mGy for ages 5–9 years, 11.2 mGy for ages 10–14 years, and 15.6 mGy for patients 15 years or older. Conclusion Local DRLs for pediatric neck CT were established based on age, weight, and WED across nine university hospitals in South Korea.

Objective: This study investigated the value of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in predicting Gleason score (GS) upgrading and downgrading in radical prostatectomy (RP) compared with presurgical biopsy. Materials and Methods: Clinical and mpMRI data were retrospectively collected from 219 patients with prostate disease between January 2015 and December 2021. All patients underwent systematic prostate biopsy followed by RP. MpMRI included conventional diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors associated with GS upgrading and downgrading after RP. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to estimate the area under the curve (AUC) to indicate the performance of the multivariable logistic regression models in predicting GS upgrade and downgrade after RP. Results: The GS after RP was upgraded, downgraded, and unchanged in 92, 43, and 84 patients, respectively. The AUCs of the clinical (percentage of positive biopsy cores [PBCs], time from biopsy to RP) and mpMRI models (prostate cancer [PCa] location, Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System [PI-RADS] v2.1 score) for predicting GS upgrading after RP were 0.714 and 0.749, respectively. The AUC of the combined diagnostic model (age, percentage of PBCs, tPSA, PCa location, and PIRADS v2.1 score) was 0.816, which was larger than that of the clinical factors alone (P < 0.001). The AUCs of the clinical (age, percentage of PBCs, ratio of free/total PSA [F/T]) and mpMRI models (PCa diameter, PCa location, and PI-RADS v2.1 score) for predicting GS downgrading after RP were 0.749 and 0.835, respectively. The AUC of the combined diagnostic model (age, percentage of PBCs, F/T, PCa diameter, PCa location, and PI-RADS v2.1 score) was 0.883, which was larger than that of the clinical factors alone (P < 0.001). Conclusion Combining clinical factors and mpMRI findings can predict GS upgrade and downgrade after RP more accurately than using clinical factors alone.

This paper aims to review the statistical methods that are widely used in medical and clinical research. Statistical analysis is crucial for ensuring the reliability of research results; therefore, methods should be carefully tailored to research interests and objectives, depending on the type and characteristics of the data. This paper explains various types of data, discusses how to confirm whether the data satisfy these methods’ specific assumptions, and elucidates the meaning and interpretation of univariable and multivariable analysis. Finally, it presents corresponding examples to help other researchers understand how these methods are applied in real-world studies and select appropriate methods that ensure both research quality and reliability.