ObjectiveTo investigate the T lymphocyte subset levels and viral loads in newly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody-confirmed positive cases in Suzhou (2021‒2024), and to analyze potential influencing factors by integrating their demographic characteristics, immune status, and viral replication patterns, thereby providing evidence for HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and control. MethodsPeripheral whole blood samples were collected from newly confirmed HIV-positive cases in Suzhou from 2021 to 2024. T lymphocyte subset analysis and viral load testing were performed, and influencing factors were identified in combination with demographic characteristics. Logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with CD4⁺T lymphocyte counts ≤350 cells·μL^-1, and Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between logarithmic value of viral load and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio. ResultsAmong the 3 022 confirmed HIV-positive samples, the median CD4⁺T lymphocyte count was 298.00 cells·μL^-1, with 882 cases (29.19%) showing CD4⁺ T lymphocyte counts <200 cells·μL^-1. The median CD8⁺T lymphocyte count was 1 011.00 cells·μL^-1. The median CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio was 0.28, with 32.46% of cases exhibiting CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratios <0.20, and there were statistically significant differences in CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio among different genders, age groups, marital status, and sample sources (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that individuals aged ≥20 years, those who were divorced or widowed, and cases identified through medical institutions had a significantly higher proportion of CD4⁺T lymphocyte counts ≤350 cells·µL⁻¹ compared to those aged <20 years, unmarried individuals, and cases sourced from voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics, respectively. The mean logarithmic value of viral load was (4.29±1.15) copies·mL^-1. The logarithmic value of viral load demonstrated a significantly negative correlation with both CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (r=-0.43, P<0.001) and CD4⁺T lymphocyte count (r=-0.37, P<0.001). ConclusionA substantial proportion of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in Suzhou are late presenters with high viral load levels. Targeted interventions should prioritize high-risk populations through enhanced active surveillance and the implementation of combined T lymphocyte subsets analysis and viral load testing, which can enable earlier case-finding and timely antiretroviral therapy initiation.

Although global brain science research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, several fundamental questions in neuroscience remain unresolved. In particular, the physical mechanism underlying neural signal transmission remains controversial, and the carriers responsible for neural information storage and retrieval have not yet been fully clarified. These unresolved issues motivate us to re-examine the processes of neural information generation, transmission, integration, storage, and retrieval from multiple perspectives. A key observation is that neural electromagnetic activities are closely associated with time. Their duration, temporal structure, and dynamic evolution play crucial roles in neural information processing. In this work, we analyze neural electromagnetic activities from the perspective of temporal scales (referred to here as the “time course”). By reviewing and integrating findings from previous studies, we examine the characteristic time requirements and dynamic features of neural processes occurring at different stages of information processing. These stages include neural signal generation, signal transmission along axons, synaptic integration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation and retrieval. Based on this temporal analysis, we outline a framework describing neural electromagnetic activities across a wide range of time scales, spanning from microseconds to minutes, hours, or even longer periods associated with long-term memory, which suggests that neural information processing involves multiple physical processes operating at different time levels. Rapid electromagnetic events may occur on microsecond scales, whereas electrophysiological phenomena such as action potentials typically last on the order of milliseconds. Longer time scales are associated with synaptic plasticity and memory-related processes. From this perspective, we propose that the physical carrier of neural information may be transient electromagnetic pulses with durations on the microsecond scale. In this framework, action potentials can be interpreted as the macroscopic electrophysiological manifestation of underlying electromagnetic processes triggered by ionic currents across neuronal membranes. Rather than being the fundamental neural signal itself, the action potential may represent a measurable membrane-level response associated with the successful activation of these electromagnetic events. Moreover, we discuss a possible mechanism for long-term memory storage. Considering the apparent temporal contradiction between the millisecond-scale excitation of neurons and the long-term persistence of memories, we believe that long-term memory information may be stored within neural network topologies formed by electrical synapse coupling. Such structures, referred to as electrically coupled memory networks (ECMNs), may enable neurons within the same network to respond rapidly and synchronously to stimuli, thereby facilitating efficient memory retrieval. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of considering the temporal organization of neural electromagnetic activities when interpreting neural signaling mechanisms. It may provide new insights into the physical nature of neural information carriers and the mechanisms of memory storage and retrieval. Furthermore, highlighting the potential role of electromagnetic interactions in neural activity may contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches in neuroscience. Such perspectives may also offer valuable references for future research on neural coding, brain function mechanisms, and neuromodulation technologies.

Objective To explore the safety and feasibility of 5G remote robot-assisted thoracoscopic anatomic lobectomy and segmentectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent 5G remote robot-assisted thoracoscopic anatomic lobectomy or segmentectomy between July and September 2024. The surgeries were performed collaboratively by Shanghai Chest Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Perioperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results Ten patients were included, comprising 4 anatomic lobectomies and 6 segmentectomies. The median age was 61.0 (56.0, 72.0) years. The median intraoperative bi-directional network latency was 52.5 (39.0, 54.0) ms. There were no instances of network interruption, robot-related adverse events, or conversions to open thoracotomy. The median postoperative chest tube drainage volume was 500.0 (375.0, 600.0) mL, and the median hospital stay was 5.5 (4.0, 6.0) days. No complications of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅱor higher occurred. All patients were recurrence-free and alive during the 6-month postoperative follow-up period. Conclusion 5G remote robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery demonstrates high safety and operational stability. This technology shows promising potential for clinical application and is worthy of further development and utilization.

Background: Bone cancer pain (BCP) is not adequately addressed by current treatment methods, making the exploration of effective management strategies a topic of significant interest. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seem to be a potential way for managing BCP, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this potential treatment. Methods: We established the male C57BL/6 mice BCP models. Behavioral tests, X-ray, bone histology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the analgesic effect of BMSCs. Results: Intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femur successfully generated the mice BCP models. The number of c-Fos-positive neurons and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the spinal dorsal horn of the BCP mice increased. Intrathecal injection of BMSCs temporarily improved the BCP mice’s mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to inhibiting spinal microglia and p-p38 MAPK activation. The analgesic effect of BMSCs may be related to the homing effect mediated by CXCR4. Conclusions Intrathecal injection of BMSCs can temporarily inhibit mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP mice without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to the inhibition of p-p38 protein expression and the inhibition of microglia but not to p-ERK and p-JNK.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Jingangteng capsules in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）. METHODS Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into normal group and modeling group. The modeling group was fed a high-fat diet to establish a NAFLD model. The successfully modeled rats were then randomly divided into model group， atorvastatin group[positive control， 2 mg/（kg·d）]， and Jingangteng capsules low- and high-dose groups [0.63 and 2.52 mg/（kg·d）]， with 6 rats in each group. The pathological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the serum levels of triglycerides （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， alanine transaminase （ALT）， aspartate transaminase （AST）， tumour necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6， IL-18. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and metabolomics techniques were applied to explore the effects of Jingangteng capsules on gut microbiota and metabolisms in NAFLD rats. Based on the E-mail：591146765@qq.com metabolomics results， Western blot analysis was performed to detect proteins related to the nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB）/NOD-like receptor family protein 3 （NLRP3） signaling pathway in the livers of NAFLD rats. RESULTS The experimental results showed that Jingangteng capsules could significantly reduce the serum levels of TG， TC， LDL-C， AST， ALT， TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-18， while increased the level of HDL-C， and alleviated the hepatic cellular steatosis and inflammatory infiltration in NAFLD rats. They could regulate the gut microbiota disorders in NAFLD rats， significantly increased the relative abundance of Romboutsia and Oscillospira， and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Blautia （P＜0.05）. They also regulated metabolic disorders primarily by affecting secondary bile acid biosynthesis， fatty acid degradation， O-antigen nucleotide sugar biosynthesis， etc. Results of Western blot assay showed that they significantly reduced the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p65 and NF-κB inhibitor α， and the protein expression levels of NLRP3， caspase-1 and ASC （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS Jingangteng capsules could improve inflammation， lipid accumulation and liver injury in NAFLD rats， regulate the disorders of gut microbiota and metabolisms， and inhibit NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Their therapeutic effects against NAFLD are mediated through the inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Background and Aims:Biliary tract cancers(BTCs)are highly aggressive malignancies with dismal prognosis,for which radical resection remains the only potentially curative treatment.Laparoscopic surgery has demonstrated superiority over open surgery in perioperative safety and recovery,yet it is technically limited in complex operations.Robot-assisted laparoscopy,with its high-definition three-dimensional vision and enhanced instrument dexterity,may overcome these limitations.However,comparative evidence balancing baseline differences between laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical resections for BTCs is still lacking.This study aimed to evaluate and compare their short-term safety using propensity score matching(PSM).Methods:A total of 151 patients with biliary tract cancers who underwent radical resection were retrospectively enrolled from the Chinese Biliary Tract Tumor Collaborative Group database,including 128 in the laparoscopic group and 23 in the robotic-assisted laparoscopic group.To balance baseline differences,an initial 1∶1 PSM was performed,yielding 19 laparoscopic and 19 robotic cases.Subsequently,using the robotic group as the reference,a 1∶2 PSM was conducted,resulting in 36 laparoscopic and 18 robotic cases.Primary outcomes(conversion to open surgery,ICU admission,and postoperative complications)and secondary outcomes(operative time,intraoperative blood loss,transfusion,postoperative hospital stay,reoperation,readmission,and hospitalization costs)were compared between the two groups.Multivariate regression analyses were performed to explore factors associated with conversion to open surgery and postoperative hospital stay.Results:After matching,baseline characteristics were well balanced between groups.For primary outcomes,the conversion rate to open surgery was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group than in the robotic group(41.7％vs.0,P=0.001),while ICU admission,overall postoperative complications,and Clavien-Dindo graded complications showed no significant differences(all P＞0.05).For secondary outcomes,the postoperative hospital stay was significantly more extended in the laparoscopic group compared with the robotic group(18.5 d vs.8.0 d,P=0.005),whereas operative time,intraoperative blood loss,transfusion,reoperation,readmission,and hospitalization costs were comparable(all P＞0.05).Logistic regression for conversion did not identify statistically significant predictors,but moderately differentiated tumors,elevated preoperative CA19-9,and higher harvested lymph node counts showed trends toward increased risk.Multivariate linear regression revealed that robotic-assisted surgery was an independent factor for reduced postoperative hospital stay(P=0.024),while preoperative total bilirubin(P=0.020),longer operative time(P=0.000),postoperative complications(P=0.006),and reoperation(P=0.005)were found to be associated with a prolonged hospital stay.Conclusion:Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical resection for BTCs is not inferior to conventional laparoscopy in short-term safety and may further reduce conversion rates and hospital stay.Its technical advantages may be particularly valuable in anatomically complex or challenging cases.Nonetheless,cost-effectiveness and resource allocation should be considered for wider adoption.

Objective To examine the changing prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Burkholderia cepacia in 52 hospitals across China from 2015 to 2021.Methods A total of 9 261 strains of B.cepacia were collected from 52 hospitals between January 1,2015 and December 31,2021.Antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains was tested using Kirby-Bauer method or automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems according to a unified protocol.The results were interpreted according to the breakpoints released in the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)guidelines(2023 edition).Results A total of 9 261 strains of B.cepacia were isolated from all age groups,especially elderly patients.The proportion was 11.1％(1 032 strains)in children,significantly lower than the proportion in adults.About half(46.5％,4 310/9 261)of the strains were isolated from patients at least 60 years old and 42.3％(3 919/9 261)of the strains were isolated from young adults.Most isolates(71.1％)were isolated from sputum and respiratory secretions,followed by urine(10.7％)and blood samples(8.1％).B.cepacia isolates were highly susceptible to the five antimicrobial agents recommended in the CLSI M100 document(33rd edition,2023).B.cepacia isolates showed relatively higher resistance rates to meropenem and levofloxacin.However,the resistance rates to ceftazidime,trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,and minocycline remained below 8.1％.The percentage of B.cepacia strains resistant to levofloxacin was the highest compared to other antibiotics in any of the three age groups(from 12.4％in the patients＜18 years old to 20.6％in the patients aged 60 years or older).Conclusions B.cepacia is one of the clinically important non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria.Accurate and timely reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility test results and ongoing antimicrobial resistance surveillance are helpful for rational prescription of antimicrobial agents and proper prevention and control of nosocomial infections.

BACKGROUND:With aging,the regenerative capacity and differentiation function of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells progressively decline,reducing bone tissue repair efficacy.Thus,identifying bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell subpopulations with enhanced osteogenic potential is of significant importance for advancing bone tissue engineering.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the osteogenic differentiation potential differences between STRO-1 positive and negative bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under osteogenic induction conditions.METHODS:SD rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured.The expression of CD29,CD45,CD90,and STRO-1 was identified via flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.Immunomagnetic cell sorting was used to separate STRO-1 positive and negative bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.The cells of two groups were subjected to osteogenic induction for 7 and 14 days.qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to analyze differences in osteogenesis-related gene expression(Collagen I,Runt-related transcription factor 2,osteoprotegerin,and osteocalcin)and protein levels.Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase staining were used to observe calcium nodule formation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Flow cytometry showed high expression levels of CD29 and CD90 and low expression of CD45,with a positive STRO-1 expression rate of 12.8％.Immunofluorescence results were consistent with those of flow cytometry.After magnetic cell sorting,STRO-1 positive cells demonstrated a higher colony formation rate than STRO-1 negative cells.On day 14,STRO-1 positive cells showed significantly higher osteogenic differentiation potential than on day 7,with significantly elevated osteogenesis-related marker levels compared to STRO-1 negative cells(P＜0.01).The findings indicate that STRO-1 positive bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells exhibit significant advantages in osteogenic potential,providing a theoretical basis for their selection as ideal seed cells in bone tissue engineering.In future applications,they may represent a promising therapeutic approach for bone defect repair.

Objective To investigate the effects of Demodex infection on clinical symptoms,signs,and tear MMP-9 levels in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).Methods A total of 680 patients with MGD were selected from our hospital,including 162 males and 518 females,with an average age of(45.05±15.41)years old.The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of Demodex mite infestation:the Demodex positive group(340 cases)and the Demodex negative group(340 cases).All patients underwent evaluations using the OSDI questionnaire,SPEED questionnaire,eyelid margin alteration score,corneal fluorescein staining score,tear MMP-9 measurement,meibomian gland orifice score,meibomian gland excretion ability score,meibomian gland secretion score,meibomian gland loss score,tear film breakup time(BUT),and Schirmer I tear secretion test.The differences in these indicators between the two groups were compared.Results SPEED questionnaire score:Demodex positive group:(7.68±2.80),Demodex negative group:(6.28±1.99).There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups(t=2.582,P=0.012).Eyelid margin alteration score:Demodex positive group:(3.63±1.53),Demodex negative group:(2.85±0.77).A statistically significant difference was observed(t=2.861,P=0.006).Corneal fluorescein staining score:Demodex positive group:(2.25±1.86),Demodex negative group:(1.08±1.33).There was a statistically significant difference(t=3.247,P=0.002).Tear MMP-9 content:Demodex positive group:(30.76±43.14)ng/mL,Demodex negative group:(12.36±12.10)ng/mL.A statistically significant difference was found(t=2.598,P=0.013).No statistically significant differences were observed between the Demodex positive and negative groups in meibomian gland orifice score,meibomian gland excretion ability score,meibomian gland secretion score,meibomian gland loss score,BUT,tear secretion examination,and age comparison(P>0.05).Conclusions Demodex mite infestation in patients with MGD exhibits significant differ-ences across various clinical indicators,notably in SPEED questionnaire scores,eyelid margin alterations,corneal fluorescein staining,and tear MMP-9 levels.These changes are associated with mechanisms including inflammatory responses,cellular damage,and immune dysregulation.Demodex mite infestation may significantly influence the clinical progression of MGD by exacerbating inflammation and symptom severity,potentially playing a crucial role in disease development.

Objective To explore the value of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithm to improve the quality of low keV monochromatic portal vein images of energy spectrum CT.Methods Fifty patients who underwent enhanced upper abdominal energy spectrum CT scan were selected.Mixed-model adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo(50%ASIR-V)algorithm and high-deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR-H)algorithm were used to obtain monochromatic images at 40-70 keV(with intervals of 10 keV).The CT and standard deviation(SD)values of the portal vein trunk,left and right branches,and erector spinae muscle were measured in the transverse position,and the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and portal vein contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were calculated for objective evaluation.The portal vein image quality between the two algorithms and different energy was subjectively scored by two physicians.Results In terms of objective evaluation:compared with 50%ASIR-V,the CNR and SNR of portal vein in monochromatic DLIR-H images at the same keV between 40-70 keV energy levels were increased while the SD value was decreased(P＜0.05),and the CT value was unchanged;there was no statistical difference in the magnitude of change in CNR between the two algorithms at different energy levels(P＞0.05);there was a statistically significant difference in the magnitude of change in SNR and SD value(P＜0.05)and the magnitude of change was the largest at 40 keV;comparison between different energy levels of DLIR-H,the CNR and SD value of 40 keV DLIR-H were the highest(P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference in the SNR(P＞0.05).In terms of subjective evaluation:there was no significant difference between the subjective scores of the two algorithms at the same keV from 40-70 keV(P＞0.05),and the two reconstruction algorithms at 40 keV and 50 keV had the highest subjective scores between different keV.Conclusion The DLIR algorithm can reduce the noise of low keV monochromatic images,improve the image quality of portal vein.