Objective:To evaluate the risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in schools and the protective effect of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect data on 15 school outbreaks that occurred in Guangdong Province from 2017 to 2021. Baseline information on tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release test (IGRA) was obtained during contact surveys, as well as baseline information such as TPT. The incidence of PTB between 2017 and 2022 was queried using the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Poisson regression analysis was used to compare the incidence risk of PTB in the LTBI population under different TST states at baseline. Current cases, new cases and all cases (the sum of the two) were used as dependent variables. Cox regression models were used to analyze various risk factors affecting the risk of PTB in the LTBI population and evaluate the protective effect of TPT.Results:A total of 6 550 contacts were included in this study, of which 409 received TPT. Within 0-3 months after baseline survey, 119 cases were diagnosed as current cases [19.4‰, 119/(6 550-409)]. A total of 17 221.65 person-years of follow-up were conducted, during which 71 new cases were diagnosed (4.1/1 000 person-years, 71/17 221.65). The incidence density of PTB was 47.7/1 000 person-years, 6.6/1 000 person-years, 1.4/1 000 person-years, and 0.9/1 000 person-years, respectively, in TST strong/IGRA positive, TST moderate positive, TST generally positive, and TST and IGRA negative populations. The difference in PTB incidence density was statistically significant [likelihood ratio test LRT=153.16, P<0.001]. TPT was performed for individuals with strong TST or IGRA positivity, and the protection rate could reach 93% ( HR=0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.23). Conclusion:After the outbreak of the school epidemic, individuals with strong TST/IGRA positivity have a higher risk of developing PTB in the future. Targeted implementation of TPT can achieve better protection effects. In addition, the risk of developing PTB in individuals with moderate TST positivity is also worth noting.

Objective:To evaluate the risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in schools and the protective effect of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect data on 15 school outbreaks that occurred in Guangdong Province from 2017 to 2021. Baseline information on tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release test (IGRA) was obtained during contact surveys, as well as baseline information such as TPT. The incidence of PTB between 2017 and 2022 was queried using the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Poisson regression analysis was used to compare the incidence risk of PTB in the LTBI population under different TST states at baseline. Current cases, new cases and all cases (the sum of the two) were used as dependent variables. Cox regression models were used to analyze various risk factors affecting the risk of PTB in the LTBI population and evaluate the protective effect of TPT.Results:A total of 6 550 contacts were included in this study, of which 409 received TPT. Within 0-3 months after baseline survey, 119 cases were diagnosed as current cases [19.4‰, 119/(6 550-409)]. A total of 17 221.65 person-years of follow-up were conducted, during which 71 new cases were diagnosed (4.1/1 000 person-years, 71/17 221.65). The incidence density of PTB was 47.7/1 000 person-years, 6.6/1 000 person-years, 1.4/1 000 person-years, and 0.9/1 000 person-years, respectively, in TST strong/IGRA positive, TST moderate positive, TST generally positive, and TST and IGRA negative populations. The difference in PTB incidence density was statistically significant [likelihood ratio test LRT=153.16, P<0.001]. TPT was performed for individuals with strong TST or IGRA positivity, and the protection rate could reach 93% ( HR=0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.23). Conclusion:After the outbreak of the school epidemic, individuals with strong TST/IGRA positivity have a higher risk of developing PTB in the future. Targeted implementation of TPT can achieve better protection effects. In addition, the risk of developing PTB in individuals with moderate TST positivity is also worth noting.

Objective To observe the occurrence of adverse reactions of ketogenic diet in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods A total of 75 PCOS patients who started a keto-genic diet and adhered to follow-up from January to December 2023 in Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affilia-ted to Capital Medical University were selected as research objects.The occurrence of adverse reac-tions from the start of the ketogenic diet to 6 months after its completion was followed up.Results Af-ter implementing ketogenic diet intervention,the body weight,body fat percentage,visceral fat area,waist-to-hip ratio,body mass index,and incidence of menstrual disorders in PCOS patients decreased significantly from(84.50±12.85)kg,(41.87±5.25)％,(167.87±39.63)cm2,(0.95±0.04),(31.71±5.29)kg/m2,and 74.67％before intervention to(70.75±10.91)kg,(36.60±4.58)％,(122.78±36.94)cm2,(0.90±0.04),(26.65±4.35)kg/m2,and 21.33％after inter-vention(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The top three adverse reactions were hair loss(25.33％),sleep dis-turbances(16.00％),and weakness,dizziness and fatigue(13.33％).No new adverse reactions such as gallstones,urinary stones,hypoglycemia,or hypoalbuminemia were observed.Conclusion Keto-genic diet therapy for PCOS patients exhibits relatively high safety with no severe adverse reactions,but incidence of hair loss is relatively high.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the subcellular localization and biological functions of transmembrane protein 240 (TMEM240). METHODS: NCBI BLAST and TMHMM bioinformatics software were used for protein sequence analysis and prediction of transmembrane domain of TMEM240. Brain tissues from male C57BL/6 mice (18-20 days old) were examined for distribution of TMEM240 using in situ hybridization, and qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect TMEM240 expression in different mouse tissues and in cortical neurons at different time points (n=3). In the in vitro experiment, HepG2 and Neuro-2a cells were transfected with plasmids for overexpression of TMEM240, and subcellular localization of TMEM240 was analyzed using cell imaging. In primary cultures of cortical neurons isolated from C57BL/6 mice, TMEM240 expression and its biological functions were investigated using qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Human and mouse TMEM240 proteins share a 97.69% similarity in the protein sequences, and both are transmembrane proteins with two transmembrane domains. TMEM240 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in mouse brain tissues and cortical neurons. In isolated mouse cortical neurons, TMEM240 expression reached the peak level after primary culture for 9 days and distributed in scattered spots within the cells. In HepG2 cells, TMEM240 was characterized as intracellular membrane structures and showed 80% colocalization with peroxisomes. In Neuro-2a cells, TMEM240 overexpression caused significant enhancement of the expressions of Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor β (ARHGDIB) at both the mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS TMEM240 is a novel intracellular subcellular structure specifically expressed in neurons with significant potential for targeted cellular function regulation.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Peroxisomes/metabolism* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Male ; rho-Specific Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitors ; Hep G2 Cells ; Brain/metabolism*

Objective This study aims to explore the efficacy and complication rates of the transcranial approach(TCA)and extended endoscopic endonasal approach(EEEA)for the treatment of craniopharyngiomas based on the QST classification,providing a scientific reference for clinical decision-making on surgical approach.Methods A total of 151 patients who underwent craniopharyngioma surgery at our center from January 2018 to December 2023 were enrolled.The patients were categorized into Q-CP(suprasellar type),S-CP(infundibular type),and T-CP(tuberal type)according to the QST classification.Systematic collection and analysis were performed on the outcomes of TCA and EEEA treatments,respectively.The differences in effectiveness between the two approaches were evaluated based on the QST classification.Results The improvement rate of visual symptoms was overall higher in the EEEA group than in the TCA group(59.1%vs.36.5%,P=0.006),and the visual deterioration rate was lower(3.0%vs.14.1%,P=0.006).However,the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage was higher in the EEEA group(15.2%vs.3.5%,χ2=4.986,P=0.026).The incidence of postoperative seizures(8.2%vs.0,P=0.019),brain contusions(10.6%vs.0,P=0.005),and subdural hematoma(9.4%vs.0%,P=0.01)was higher in the TCA group.For patients with Q-CP type,the EEEA group had a higher rate of total tumor resection(92.9%vs.65.2%,P=0.025)and a lower recurrence rate(3.6%vs.21.7%,P=0.047),with shorter hospital stays and lower postoperative costs.The TCA group had higher intraoperative blood loss in this type(300 mL vs.200 mL,Z=-2.261,P=0.024).For S-CP type patients,the EEEA group showed a higher rate of total tumor resection(91.3%vs.74.2%)and a lower recurrence rate(0 vs.12.9%,P=0.031),with lower postoperative hospital costs.In T-CP type,due to the deeper location,EEEA showed limitations in protecting hypothalamic function and the TCA group had a better postoperative hypothalamic function score(P=0.035).Conclusion Based on QST classification,EEEA has advantages in Q-CP and S-CP types and is recommended as the preferred surgical procedure;In the T-CP type,TCA surgery is more helpful in protecting hypothalamic function.

Objective This study aims to explore the efficacy and complication rates of the transcranial approach(TCA)and extended endoscopic endonasal approach(EEEA)for the treatment of craniopharyngiomas based on the QST classification,providing a scientific reference for clinical decision-making on surgical approach.Methods A total of 151 patients who underwent craniopharyngioma surgery at our center from January 2018 to December 2023 were enrolled.The patients were categorized into Q-CP(suprasellar type),S-CP(infundibular type),and T-CP(tuberal type)according to the QST classification.Systematic collection and analysis were performed on the outcomes of TCA and EEEA treatments,respectively.The differences in effectiveness between the two approaches were evaluated based on the QST classification.Results The improvement rate of visual symptoms was overall higher in the EEEA group than in the TCA group(59.1%vs.36.5%,P=0.006),and the visual deterioration rate was lower(3.0%vs.14.1%,P=0.006).However,the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage was higher in the EEEA group(15.2%vs.3.5%,χ2=4.986,P=0.026).The incidence of postoperative seizures(8.2%vs.0,P=0.019),brain contusions(10.6%vs.0,P=0.005),and subdural hematoma(9.4%vs.0%,P=0.01)was higher in the TCA group.For patients with Q-CP type,the EEEA group had a higher rate of total tumor resection(92.9%vs.65.2%,P=0.025)and a lower recurrence rate(3.6%vs.21.7%,P=0.047),with shorter hospital stays and lower postoperative costs.The TCA group had higher intraoperative blood loss in this type(300 mL vs.200 mL,Z=-2.261,P=0.024).For S-CP type patients,the EEEA group showed a higher rate of total tumor resection(91.3%vs.74.2%)and a lower recurrence rate(0 vs.12.9%,P=0.031),with lower postoperative hospital costs.In T-CP type,due to the deeper location,EEEA showed limitations in protecting hypothalamic function and the TCA group had a better postoperative hypothalamic function score(P=0.035).Conclusion Based on QST classification,EEEA has advantages in Q-CP and S-CP types and is recommended as the preferred surgical procedure;In the T-CP type,TCA surgery is more helpful in protecting hypothalamic function.

Objective:To compare the cumulative live birth rates per oocyte retrieval cycle in patients with normal ovarian response between the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) long protocol and the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Centre of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine between January 2017 and December 2019. Women who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment with normal ovarian reserve and <40 years of age were included. Other inclusion criteria included regular menstrual cycles, serum follicle-stimulating hormone level <10 U/L, and the antral follicle count >5. The primary outcome was the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) within 18 months from the start of ovarian stimulation. Results:A total of 995 patients were included in the study, with 509 patients in the PPOS group and 486 patients in the GnRH-a long group. Both groups had almost comparable demographic and cycle stimulation characteristics except for duration of infertility which was shorter in the PPOS group [3 (2,4) years] than in the GnRH-a long group [3 (2,5) years, P=0.015]. In the GnRH-a long group, 372 patients (77%) underwent fresh embryo transfer, resulting in 218 clinical pregnancies and 197 live births. The clinical pregnancy rate, the ongoing pregnancy rate, and the live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle were 58.6% (218/372), 54.0% (201/372) and 53.0% (197/372), respectively. No fresh embryo transfer was performed in the PPOS group. During the study period, there were 662 frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles in the PPOS group and 257 FET cycles in the GnRH-a long group. The PPOS group had a live birth rate of 31.1% (206/662) per FET cycle, which was notably lower than the GnRH-a long group [42.8% (110/257), OR=0.727; 95% CI: 0.607-0.871; P<0.001]. The implantation rate of all FET cycles in the PPOS group was also lower than that in the GnRH-a long group [29.2% (293/1 004) vs. 34.5% (157/455), OR=0.846, 95% CI: 0.721-0.992; P=0.041]. CLBRs after one complete IVF/ICSI cycle including fresh and subsequent FET cycles within 18 months follow up were significantly lower in the PPOS group [40.5% (206/509)] than in the long agonist group [63.2% (307/486), OR=0.641, 95% CI: 0.565-0.726]. Compared with the PPOS group, the GnRH-a long group had a significantly shorter duration from the start of ovarian stimulation to pregnancy and live birth ( P<0.001). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the CLBR was significantly higher in the GnRH-a long group than in the PPOS group (long rank test, P<0.001). Adjusted Cox-regression analysis revealed stimulation protocol adopted was strongly associated with the CLBR ( OR=1.917, 95% CI: 1.152-3.190, P=0.012). Conclusion:Progestin primed ovarian stimulation was associated with a lower cumulative live birth rates and a long time to pregnancy/live birth than the long agonist protocol in women with a normal ovarian reserve.

Perimenopausal syndrome （MPS）， a common endocrine system disease， is one of the diseases responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. The China Association of Chinese Medicine organized experts in endocrinology， gynecology， and interdisciplinary fields of both Western and Chinese medicine to discuss the advantages and challenges of diagnosing and treating MPS with Western medicine， TCM， and integrative medicine. Experts at the conference believe that MPS is initiated by estrogen decline and rooted in deficiency， with the pathogenesis being imbalance between Yin and Yang in the kidney. The hormone replacement therapy in Western medicine for menopause can rapidly alleviate related symptoms by quickly restoring the estrogen level and timely detect and delay complications of menopause， whereas such a therapy has certain risks， necessitating close monitoring of adverse reactions. Moreover， the various contraindications and precautions limit the clinical application of the hormone replacement therapy. TCM has advantages in synergistically alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes， sweating， sleep disorders， and emotional abnormalities of MPS without causing obvious adverse reactions. However， its efficacy is slower than the hormone replacement therapy， and the TCM evidence for preventing and treating complications of menopause remains unclear. Three suggestions were proposed for the future development of both Western and TCM for ameliorating MPS. First， an integrated diagnosis and treatment system for MPS with both Western and Chinese medicine should be established. Second， high-quality evidence-based interventions for MPS should be developed with TCM alone or in combination with Western medicine. Third， efforts should be made to promote the new TCM drug development and the interdisciplinary cooperation for treating MPS.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between fibrinogen/albumin ratio (FAR) and overall burden of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).Methods:Patients with CSVD who visited the Department of Neurology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from May 2023 to May 2024 were included retrospectively. All patients underwent MRI to evaluate the total CSVD burden score (range: 0-4) by cerebral microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, lacunar and enlarged perivascular spaces. 0-1 point was the mild burden group, and 2-4 points were the moderate-to-severe burden group. FAR was calculated as serum fibrinogen (g/L)/albumin (g/L)×100%. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between FAR and total CSVD burden. Results:A total of 261 patients with CSVD were enrolled, including 145 males (55.6%), aged 64.08±8.74 years. There were 110 patients (42.1%) in the CSVD mild burden group and 151 (57.9%) in the moderate-to-severe burden group. Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between FAR and total CSVD burden scores ( r=0.385, P<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that the proportion of patients with diabetes, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, as well as age, FAR, homocysteine and fibrinogen in the CSVD moderate-to-severe burden group were significantly higher than those in the mild burden group, while serum albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly lower in the mild burden group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher FAR (odds ratio 1.433, 95% confidence interval 1.201-1.710; P<0.001) and homocysteine (odds ratio 1.093, 95% confidence interval 1.026-1.164; P=0.005) were significantly independently associated with the moderate-to-severe total CSVD burden. Conclusion:The level of FAR is closely associated with the severity of the total CSVD burden in patients with CSVD.

Objective:To evaluate the impact of self-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (SCH) gel on endometrium recovery after artificial abortion.Methods:A multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted across 18 hospitals from December 2021 to February 2023, involving 382 women who underwent artificial abortion. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either treatment with SCH gel (SCH group) or no treatment (control group) in a 1∶1 ratio. The primary outcome was endometrium thickness in 14 to 18 days after the first postoperative menstruation. Secondary outcomes included changes in menstrual volume during the first postoperative menstruation, menstruation resumption within 6 postoperative weeks, time to menstruation resumption, duration of the first postoperative menstruation, and incidence of dysmenorrhea.Results:Baseline characteristics of participants were comparable between the two groups (all P>0.05), with 95.3% (182/191) in SCH group and 92.7% (177/191) in the control group completed the study. The postoperative endometrial thickness in SCH group was significantly greater than that in the control group [(9.78±3.15) vs (8.95±2.32) mm; P=0.005]. SCH group also had significantly fewer participants with reduced menstrual volume [23 cases (12.6%, 23/182) vs 31 cases (17.5%, 31/177); P=0.038]. Although SCH group experienced less dysmenorrhea during the first postoperative menstrual period, this difference was not statistically significant [28.5% (51/179) vs 37.1% (65/175); P=0.083]. Outcomes were similar between SCH group and the control group regarding the proportion of participants who resumed menstruation within 6 weeks postoperatively, time to menstruation resumption, and duration of the first postoperative menstruation ( P=0.792, 0.485, and 0.254, respectively). No serious adverse events were observed during the study period, and no adverse events were attributed to SCH gel treatment. Conclusion:The application of SCH gel after artificial abortion is safe and might aid in the recovery of the endometrium.