Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

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 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: High-altitude hypoxia exposure often damages hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Nogo-A is an important axonal growth inhibitory factor. However, its function in high-altitude hypoxia and its mechanism of action remain unclear. METHODS: In an in vivo study, a low-pressure oxygen chamber was used to simulate high-altitude hypoxia, and genetic or pharmacological intervention was used to block the Nogo-A/NgR1 signaling pathway. Contextual fear conditioning and Morris water maze behavioral tests were used to assess learning and memory in rats, and synaptic damage in the hippocampus and changes in oxidative stress levels were observed. In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells were used to assess oxidative stress and mitochondrial function with or without Nogo-A knockdown in Oxygen Glucose-Deprivation/Reperfusion (OGD/R) models. RESULTS: Exposure to acute high-altitude hypoxia for 3 or 7 days impaired learning and memory in rats, triggered oxidative stress in the hippocampal tissue, and reduced the dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons. Blocking the Nogo-A/NgR1 pathway ameliorated oxidative stress, synaptic damage, and the learning and memory impairment induced by high-altitude exposure. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the detrimental role of Nogo-A protein in mediating learning and memory impairment under high-altitude hypoxia and suggest the potential of the Nogo-A/NgR1 signaling pathway as a crucial therapeutic target for alleviating learning and memory dysfunction induced by high-altitude exposure. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT available in www.besjournal.com.
Animals ; Oxidative Stress ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Rats ; Nogo Proteins/genetics* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Hypoxia/metabolism* ; Altitude ; Synapses ; Humans ; Altitude Sickness/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: Poxviruses are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, mammals, vertebrates, and arthropods. However, the specific role of ticks in transmission and evolution of these viruses remains unclear. METHODS: Transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic raw data from 329 sampling pools of seven tick species across five continents were mined to assess the diversity and abundance of poxviruses. Chordopoxviral sequences were assembled and subjected to phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of the unblasted fragments within these sequences. RESULTS: Fifty-eight poxvirus species, representing two subfamilies and 20 genera, were identified, with 212 poxviral sequences assembled. A substantial proportion of AT-rich fragments were detected in the assembled poxviral genomes. These genomic sequences contained fragments originating from rodents, archaea, and arthropods. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that ticks play a significant role in the transmission and evolution of poxviruses. These viruses demonstrate the capacity to modulate virulence and adaptability through horizontal gene transfer, gene recombination, and gene mutations, thereby promoting co-existence and co-evolution with their hosts. This study advances understanding of the ecological dynamics of poxvirus transmission and evolution and highlights the potential role of ticks as vectors and vessels in these processes.
Animals ; Poxviridae/physiology* ; Ticks/virology* ; Phylogeny ; Transcriptome ; Evolution, Molecular ; Poxviridae Infections/virology* ; Genome, Viral

Neuroblastoma(NB),the most common type of extracranial solid tumor in children,is char-acterized by high malignancy and poor prognosis,warranting in-depth investigation.In recent years,mi-croRNAs(miRNAs)have emerged as crucial post-transcriptional regulators playing pivotal roles in tu-morigenesis and progression.Building upon this background,the present study specifically focuses on in-vestigating miR-3910's biological functions and underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms in the NB SH-SY5Y cell line.Through bioinformatics analysis and transcriptome sequencing,we identified potential key target molecules of miR-3910,thereby providing genetic targets for the precise diagnosis and effective treatment of NB.In this study,qRT-PCR was employed to measure miR-3910 expression levels in SH-SY5Y cells transfected with mimic negative control and miR-3910 mimic.Compared to the nc group,miR-3910 expression was significantly upregulated in the mimic group(P＜0.01).The CCK-8 assay and scratch wound healing assay were used to quantitatively assess the impact of miR-3910 on cell prolif-eration and migration.Results showed that cell proliferation significantly increased at 48 h(P＜0.05),and migration ability was markedly enhanced at 48 h(P＜0.01).Flow cytometry was applied to deter-mine the effect of miR-3910 on cell cycle progression,revealing accelerated cell cycle progression,a re-duced proportion of G0/G,phase cells(P＜0.01),and a significant increase in S-phase cells(P＜0.05).Integrated bioinformatics analysis and high-throughput transcriptome sequencing predicted key molecular changes in SH-SY5Y cells following miR-3910 overexpression.Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis identified six NB-related genes:EIF3CL(EIF3C),RNF103-CHMP3(VPS24),SULT1A4(SULT1A4),CORO7-PAM16(CORO7),H4C12(Histone H4),and TBC1D3(TBC1D3A/B/C)(aliases sourced from the GeneCards database).qRT-PCR and Western blotting(WB)results are consistency with sequencing results(P＜0.01).In conclusion,miR-3910 overexpression significantly promotes SH-SY5Y cell proliferation,migration,and cell cycle progression,while uncovering a series of potential key target molecules.These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of NB and offer a theoretical foundation and potential intervention targets for molecular-targeted therapy in NB.

Objective To develop a multifunctional vision examination device for confined cabin environments to meet the requirements for detecting and collecting visual function parameters in military training and scientific research.Methods A multifunctional vision examination device was designed with a segmented mode and composed of an exmaination terminal and a control terminal.The examination terminal was composed of a sealed box,a high-definition display,an isolation baffle and a rubber eye mask.The sealed box had a fully closed structure,and the space design in the box was carried out in the form of integrating sphere;the high-definition display had a floating structure not rigidly connected with the surrounding components,and adopted a non-standard screen as the main display;the edges of the isolation baffle were sealed,and a spring washer for mechanical positioning was placed between the baffle and the sealed box.The control terminal software was programmed with C language,and there were several funcational modules involved in the software part for basic information management,function testing and summary report.Results Trials in the low-pressure chamber showed the device developed could be used for testing near vision,stereoscopic vision,contrast sensitivity,rapid dark adaptation and dark vision under the simulated altitude of 5 000 m when the examinee wore an oxygen mask,with remote operation enabled during the testing.Conclusion The multifunctional vision examination device gains advantages in light weight,high portability and compatibility with confined cabin environments,and meets the requirements for visual function testing in military training and scientific research.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(5):21-26]

Objective To construct an evidence-based practice program of discharge preparation services for hip replacement patients based on the best evidence,and to evaluate its clinical effects,aiming to provide references for the implementation of relevant interventions.Methods Knowledge to Action Framework was used as a guide to summarise the best evidence on discharge preparation services for hip replacement patients and to select services based on clinical context.We selected 38 hip replacement patients and 17 healthcare professionals from the De-partment of Orthopaedic Surgery at a tertiary A hospital in Shanghai in September-October 2023 to conduct a baseline review,identify facilitating and hindering factors,and develop a practice protocol.We also selected 38 hip replacement patients and 17 healthcare professionals from November-December 2023 on this ward for evidence-based practice.Nurses'rates of completion of review indicators,levels of knowledge of discharge preparation ser-vices,and discharge planning competencies were compared before and after practice.Patients'readiness for dis-charge,hip function,and unplanned readmissions were also compared before and after the practice.Results After evidence-based practice,nurses'completion rates of review indicators,knowledge of discharge preparation services,and discharge planning competencies were higher than baseline levels(P＜0.05).Hip replacement patients showed a significant improvement in readiness for discharge and hip function(P＜0.001).Conclusion The implementation of an evidence-based practice program of discharge preparation services improves nurses'knowledge and skills,and also contributes to the discharge readiness and hip function of hip replacement patients.

The pregnant woman was 30 years old,G2P0.This singleton pregnancy at 22 weeks of gestation was screened for second-trimester ultrasound malformations,suggesting fetal aortic valve atresia,aortic stenosis with reverse blood flow,mitral valve atresia,and markedly enlarged left ventricle,which was considered for the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome(HLHS).The pregnancy was terminated at our hospital and subsequently underwent genetic testing with results of heterozygous variants in the NOTCH1 gene,which can cause aortic valve disease type 1.The findings of the fetal autopsy were aortic valve atresia,mitral valve widening and thickening,and left ventricular enlargement with myocardial infarction.This report focuses on the ultrasound characteristics of HLHS with left ventricular enlargement and its hemodynamic changes in order to improve clinicians'understanding of the progressive changes in the disease phenotype of HLHS.

Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.