Objective To evaluate the gap between China's top-tier medical institutions and top-tier international medical institutions,and to provide references for the construction of first-class medical science discipline in China.Methods Using globally recognized rankings of medical institutions,we selected 24 top-tier international medical institutions and 11 top-tier Chinese medical institutions.Publicly available,general,and comparable data on indicators were collected to analyze the performance and gaps between top-tier international and Chinese medical institutions in human resources development,talent cultivation,scientific research,social services,and discipline construction.Results In the field of medicine,the largest gap between top-tier international and Chinese medical institutions was in high-level talent.Specifically,the average numbers of individuals who are Clarivate Analytics'Highly Cited Researchers,who are Nobel Prize laureates in Physiology or Medicine,and who serve on advisory boards or editorial boards of top medical journals,and who rank among the Top 2 000 Medicine Scientists were 1.00,0.09,0.45 and 4.00,respectively,among top-tier Chinese medical institutions,while those of the top-tier international medical institutions were 131.46,118.25,9.72,and 6.76 times,respectively,those of the Chinese medical institutions.The second largest gap was in social services and medical innovation.The average proportion of industrial collaboration papers and the number of clinical trials of China's top-tier medical institutions were 1.51％and 1 851,respectively,while those of international top-tier medical institutions were 3.62 and 1.87,times,respectively,those of top-tier Chinese medical institutions.However,the average number of(untranslated)patents held by top-tier international medical institutions was only 15％ of that of China's top-tier medical institutions.The third largest gap was in scientific research.The average number of papers published in New England Journal of Medicine,Journal of the American Medical Association,The Lancet,and British Medical Journal,the percentage of hot papers in papers included in Web of Science,the percentage of highly cited papers,the percentage of international collaboration papers,the total number of citations per paper,category normalized citation impact(CNCI),and the number of publications of top-tier Chinese medical institutions were 78,0.03％,1.39％,22.55％,19.61,1.26,30 706,while those of the top-tier international medical institutions were 6.96,2.66,2.57,2.15,1.83,1.58 and 1.54 times those of the Chinese medical institutions,respectively.However the average percentage of zero-citation papers of top-tier international medical institutions was only 71％of that of China's top-tier medical institutions.Furthermore,in discipline development,the average overall scores of the Times Higher Education(THE)and QS rankings for medicine-related disciplines of top-tier Chinese medical institutions were 72.84 and 69.30,respectively,while those of top-tier international medical institutions were 1.38 and 1.21 times those of the Chinese medical institutions.However,in terms of talent cultivation,the average number of students of China's top-tier medical institutions was 10724,which is roughly double that of international institutions.Conclusion Currently,China's top-tier medical institutions are still in a basic stage that emphasizes the quality of talent cultivation and medical services.There is considerable room for development and potential for catching up in multiple aspects,especially in high-level talent,medical research,and innovation.It is recommended that the construction experience of top-tier international medical institutions should be fully utilized to build China's first-class medical science discipline.

From June 13th to 16th, 2025, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology annual meeting was successfully held in Glasgow, UK. The conference attracted over 8 000 scholars and experts from around the world, becoming the largest global event in the fields of allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology. The theme of the conference,"Breaking boundaries in Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology: Integrating Planetary Health for a Sustainable Future" focused on the close relationship between environmental changes and allergic diseases. As climate change continues to intensify, the pathogenesis and prevention strategies for allergic diseases have garnered widespread attention. In this meeting, allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis were major topics of discussion, and the research advancements presented provided valuable insights for future clinical treatments.

From June 13th to 16th, 2025, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology annual meeting was successfully held in Glasgow, UK. The conference attracted over 8 000 scholars and experts from around the world, becoming the largest global event in the fields of allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology. The theme of the conference,"Breaking boundaries in Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology: Integrating Planetary Health for a Sustainable Future" focused on the close relationship between environmental changes and allergic diseases. As climate change continues to intensify, the pathogenesis and prevention strategies for allergic diseases have garnered widespread attention. In this meeting, allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis were major topics of discussion, and the research advancements presented provided valuable insights for future clinical treatments.

ObjectiveExploring the role of microRNA126 （miRNA126） in chronic kidney disease combined with atherosclerosis （CKD AS） by regulating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway and the mechanism of Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction in the intervention of CKD AS rats with 5/6 nephrectomy combined with high-fat feeding. MethodA total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group， losartan group， and low， medium， and high dose groups of Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction. The CKD AS rat model was established by 5/6 nephrectomy combined with high-fat feeding for 10 weeks. The low， medium， and high dose groups （6.0， 12.0， 24.0 g·kg^-1·d^-1） of Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction and the losartan group （20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） were gavaged， and the corresponding intervention was carried out for eight weeks. Then， the rats were killed， and samples were collected for corresponding detection. Fully automated biochemical analyzers were used to detect kidney function and blood lipids in rats： blood creatinine （SCr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） levels. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and Masson staining of aortic tissue and pathological observation under a light microscope were carried out， and autophagosomes and autophagy lysosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to determine the mRNA levels of miRNA126， PI3K， Akt， and mTOR in rats， and Western blot was used to determine the protein expression levels of phosphorylated （p）-PI3K， PI3K， p-Akt， Akt， p -mTOR， mTOR， benzyl chloride 1 （Beclin-1）， and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3Ⅱ/Ⅰ （LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ）. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the serum SCr， BUN， TC， TG， and LDL-C in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the SCr， BUN， TC， TG， and LDL-C were decreased in the losartan group and low， medium， and high dose groups of Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction （P<0.05）. Compared with the sham operation group， thickening plaques， infiltration of mononuclear macrophages， a small number of foam cells， disordered arrangement of smooth muscle fibers in the tunica media， and increased collagen fibers were observed in the model group， and the lesions in the losartan group and Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction groups were alleviated compared with those in the model group. Compared with the model group， the number of autophagosomes and autophagy lysosomes increased in the medium and high dose groups of Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction. Compared with the sham operation group， the expression of miRNA126 in the aortic tissue of the model group was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the mRNA expressions of PI3K， Akt， and mTOR were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the expression of miRNA126 in the aortic tissue of rats in high， medium， and low dose groups of Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction and losartan group was significantly increased （P<0.01）， while the mRNA expressions of PI3K， Akt， and mTOR were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the sham operation group， the protein expressions of p-PI3K， PI3K， p-Akt， Akt， p-mTOR， and mTOR in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）， while the protein levels of Beclin-1， LC3Ⅰ， and LC3Ⅱ were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the protein expressions of p-PI3K， PI3K， p-Akt， Akt， p-mTOR， and mTOR in the losartan group and low， medium， and high dose groups of Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction were decreased （P<0.05）， while the protein levels of Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ were increased （P<0.05）. ConclusionThe expression of miRNA126 is decreased in the aortic tissue of CKD AS rats， and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is activated to inhibit autophagy flux. Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction regulates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway through miRNA126， restores the autophagy of aortic endothelial cells， protects the damage of CKD vessels， reduces the formation of As plaques， and slows the development of cardiovascular complications.

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder mainly characterized by progressive calcium deposition bilaterally in the brain, accompanied by various symptoms, such as dystonia, ataxia, parkinsonism, dementia, depression, headaches, and epilepsy. Currently, the etiology of PFBC is largely unknown, and no specific prevention or treatment is available. During the past 10 years, six causative genes (SLC20A2, PDGFRB, PDGFB, XPR1, MYORG, and JAM2) have been identified in PFBC. In this review, considering mechanistic studies of these genes at the cellular level and in animals, we summarize the pathogenesis and potential preventive and therapeutic strategies for PFBC patients. Our systematic analysis suggests a classification for PFBC genetic etiology based on several characteristics, provides a summary of the known composition of brain calcification, and identifies some potential therapeutic targets for PFBC.
Animals ; Brain Diseases/therapy* ; Xenotropic and Polytropic Retrovirus Receptor ; Brain/pathology*

Objective:To establish the biology reference interval (RI) of peripheral blood procalcitonin (PCT) for children between 3 days and 6 years old in China.Methods:Totally 3 353 reference individuals with apparent health or no specific diseases were recruited in 18 hospitals throughout the country during October 2020 to May 2021. Reference individuals were divided into four groups: 3-28 days, 29 days - 1 year, 1-3 years and 4-6 years. Vein blood or capillary blood were collected by percutaneous puncture from every reference individual. The PCT level in serum and the capillary whole blood were assayed by Roche Cobas e601 and Norman NRM411-S7 immunoanalyzer. Outliers were deleted and 95th percentiles of every group were provided as RIs. Man-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test were used performed to assess the difference among different gender, age or method groups. Results:The difference of PCT distribution between male and female is not statistically significant, but the difference between serum and capillary whole blood is statistically significant. The differences between age groups are significant too. For Roche e601, serum PCT RI of 3-28 days group is <0.23 μg/L, 29 days - 6 years are <0.11 μg/L. For NRM411, Serum PCT RI of 3-28 days group is <0.21 μg/L, 29 days - 1 year: <0.09 μg/L, 1 - 6 years: <0.10 μg/L. For whole blood PCT, RI of 3-28 days group is <0.26 μg/L, 29 days - 6 years is <0.15 μg/L.Conclusions:Serum and capillary whole blood PCT have different RIs, however, capillary whole blood PCT testing is valuable in pediatric application. Children in 3-28 days show higher PCT levels than other age group. To establish the RIs and understand the differences among different groups are essential for the interpretation and clinical application of peripheral blood PCT testing results.

Objective To develop plantar force model of patellofemoral pain (PFP), so as to provide theoretical references for the assessment of PFP rehabilitation. Methods The case-control study was conducted, and a total of 126 patients with PFP and 126 healthy controls matched by gender and age were enrolled in the study. The participants were tested for plantar force and pressure during level walking, and twelve plantar regions were divided and recorded. Whether the participants suffered PFP was analyzed as dependent variable, meanwhile the peak force and peak pressure in 12 plantar regions of participants at selected speed during level walking were analyzed as independent variables. Conditional logistic regression (CLR) equations of peak force and peak pressure with PFP were established, respectively. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the corresponding equations was derived, and the area under ROC curve was calculated to analyzed the validity of different equations on PFP assessment. Results The CLC equation of peak force in 12 plantar regions of the participants with FFP was constructed, and only peak force of lateral heel was in the equation. The CLC equation of peak pressure in each plantar region included medial heel, midfoot, 1st and 2nd metatarsals. Meanwhile, the area under ROC curve of the pressure equation was larger than that of the force equation. Conclusions Peak force and pressure at different plantar regions can be used to assess PFP during level walking, and peak pressure is more effective for assessment.

Objective:To explore a new method for correcting the senile blepharochalasis and depression of the upper eyelid.Methods:Fourteen female patients with blepharochalasis and depression of upper eyelid were treated with subcutaneous tissue flap filling during eyebrow lifting. The under-eyebrow incision was used to remove the loose skin and lift the eyebrow, and a subcutaneous tissue flap was made to fill up the upper eyelid depression.Results:All the incisions were healed in one stage without complications such as infection and subcutaneous hematoma. 12 patients were followed up for more than 6 months. In the 3rd month after operation, 1 patient had obvious scar under the eyebrow, 1 patient had skin traction wrinkles at the eyebrow. After 6 months, the incision scar was not obvious in all patients, the appearance of eyebrow ptosis was eliminated, the upper eyelid was smooth and flat, and no absorption and further depression of the upper filler were observed; the effect was satisfactory.Conclusions:The eyebrow lifting combined with the subcutaneous tissue flap filling to correct the senile upper eyelid chalasis and depression is significantly effective with less trauma and complications, and it is worthy to be promoted.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue in Singapore. To shape healthcare policies for the primary prevention of diabetes, it is crucial to understand Singaporeans' knowledge, attitudes and practices related to diabetes and its prevention. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and lifestyles of individuals without diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey was performed between 31 January to 3 February 2019 to examine knowledge, attitudes and practices related to diabetes. Inclusion criteria of the participants included: 1) Singaporeans/permanent residents, 2) between 30 to 64 years old, and 3) who did not have a diagnosis of diabetes. Logistic and linear regression models were used to analyse the association of knowledge and attitudes with physical activity and diet habits, respectively. RESULTS: Among 806 participants, 72.2% did not meet the Health Promotion Board's physical activity recommendation. Physical activity was associated with better diabetes knowledge (odds ratio [OR] 5.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65-17.53, = 0.049), stronger beliefs in diabetes prevention (OR 3.36, 95% CI = 1.02-11.12, = 0.047) and lower levels of worry about diabetes (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17-1.00, = 0.049). Neither knowledge nor beliefs or worries about diabetes was associated with diet. CONCLUSION There is a need to reinforce the importance of physical activity and healthy diet in preventing diabetes. Although improving the knowledge level of diabetes may increase physical activity of the population, it is unlikely to improve dietary choices without effective behavior change interventions.

Objective Analysis of hybrid cardiac and non-cardiac operations.Methods 11 patients received hybrid operations during 2000 ～2016 in our hospital were summarized, meanwhile another 11 patients undergoing only cardiac sur-gery served as controls.The level of CK-MB, TNI and visual analogue pain scores were recorded.The hospitalization expenses and postoperative hospital time were compared between the two groups .Results There was no death during hospitalization . There were no serious complications such as wound infection, delayed wound healing, postoperative bleeding requiring re-thora-cotomy and hemostasis, malignant arrhythmia, cerebral infarction and so on.Longer operation time[(358 ±79)min vs.(224 ±56)min, P<0.01], more allogeneic red blood cells transfusion[(3.2 ±1.6)U/case vs.(1.1 ±0.8)U/case, P<0.05] and more plasma transfusion[(515 ±234)ml/case vs.(284 ±92)ml/case, P<0.01]in hybrid operation group than those in the control group.There was no significant difference about CK-MB and TNI between two groups perioperatively(P>0.05). The wound pain was mild after cardiac surgery , and the wound pain was moderate after hybrid operation , which had little effect on rehabilitation exercises such as cough.4 days longer of postoperative hospital stay and 23 thousand yuan of hospitalization cost in hybrid operation group than those in the control group.One patient diagnosed of unstable angina pectoris and sigmoid colon cancer with intestinal obstruction was failed to resection of the tumor after received pericardial stripping and coronary ar-tery bypass surgery.The patient died three weeks after surgery due to intestinal obstruction and cachexia .The remaining 10 pa-tients were underwent successful surgery, cured and left hospital.No serious cardiovascular events, tumor recurrence and me-tastasis were found as followed up for 6-20 months.Conclusion Our practices show that hybrid cardiac and non-cardiac op-erations can be done safely and effectively.