Hepatitis B virus （HBV） exclusively infects liver parenchymal cells and forms covalently closed circular DNA （cccDNA） within their nuclei. HBV cccDNA serves as the essential template for viral gene transcription， the sole source of progeny virus production， and the key driver of viral antigen expression， and it is the molecular basis for the persistence of HBV infection. Therefore， elimination and/or functional silencing of cccDNA is the key to eradicate chronic HBV infection. This article discusses the critical scientific issues that need to be solved during elimination of the harm of HBV infection from the perspectives of the synthesis， transcription， and clearance of cccDNA， as well as the impact of nonparenchymal cells on cccDNA， in order to provide a reference for eradicating HBV infection in the future.

Objective To systematically evaluate the risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing pneumonectomy. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched from the inception to November 7, 2024 for cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies on POD in patients undergoing pneumonectomy. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of the literature. RevMan 5.4.1 software was used for meta-analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. Results A total of 12 studies were included, with 5 574 patients. The NOS scores of the literature were all≥6 points. Meta-analysis results showed that age (≥60 years) [OR=2.43, 95%CI (2.01, 2.93), P<0.01], American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (Ⅳ) [OR=8.74, 95%CI (5.23, 14.61), P<0.01], history of diabetes [OR=12.81, 95%CI (10.45, 15.71), P<0.01], history of cerebrovascular disease [OR=3.00, 95%CI (2.46, 3.67), P<0.01], depression [OR=7.27, 95%CI (5.46, 9.67), P<0.01], squamous cell carcinoma [OR=4.79, 95%CI (1.83, 12.51), P<0.01], malnutrition [OR=5.25, 95%CI (3.35, 8.25), P<0.01], sleep disorders [OR=2.79, 95%CI (2.28, 3.42), P<0.01], and duration of one-lung ventilation during surgery [OR=1.32, 95%CI (1.11, 1.57), P<0.01] were all risk factors for POD, while high body mass index (BMI) [OR=0.96, 95%CI (0.95, 0.97), P<0.01] was a protective factor for POD. Conclusion Age (≥60 years), ASA classification (Ⅳ), history of diabetes, history of cerebrovascular disease, depression, squamous cell carcinoma, malnutrition, sleep disorders, and duration of one-lung ventilation during surgery are independent risk factors for POD, while high BMI is a protective factor.

Cultivating and inspiring students’ interests in performing experiments and improving students’ diagnostic skills and scientific research capability for infectious diseases like malaria are critical to comprehensive experimental teaching of morphology. Consequently, Soochow University initiated a problem-based hands-on inquiry-based comprehensive experiment program of blood-borne protozoa infections and diagnosis, which took students in the “5 + 3” integrated program of clinical medicine as the teaching targets, and it consisted of three parts: pre-class, in-class, and post-class. Before the experimental curriculum, students learned the theoretical knowledge and the process of modeling Plasmodium berghei and Babesia microti infections in mice through online course and virtual simulation experiments, and during the experimental curriculum, students performed exploratory experiments on differential diagnosis of P. berghei and B. microti infections with pathogenic and serological tests. After the experimental curriculum, students performed molecular biological testing and extracurricular scientific research project training through open experiments. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 99 students in the “5 + 3” integrated training program of clinical medicine in batch 2021, and a total of 93 valid questionnaires were retrieved, with a questionnaire recovery rate of 93.94%. Questionnaire survey showed that 70.97% (66/93), 70.97% (66/93), 77.42% (72/93), 70.97% (66/93), and 83.87% (78/ 93) of the students strongly agreed with the five statements in the questionnaire respectively, namely “high interest in learning during the experiment”, “reasonable experimental content settings and good classroom atmosphere”;, “teachers were good at guiding students’ practice and thinking”, “students were the main body of the classroom during the experiment” and “Comprehensive experiments had better teaching effects than traditional verification experiments”, indicating that the problem-based hands-on inquiry-based comprehensive experiment teaching has enhanced students’ learning interest, spirit of inquiry, innovative thinking, and teamwork ability.

Frailty and depressive disorders exhibit a high prevalence and comorbidity rate in the elderly population.Their coexistence significantly reduces patients'quality of life,increases the risk of disability and mortality,and substantially exacerbates the socioeconomic burden.Emerging evidence indicates a significant bidirectional causal relationship between frailty and depressive disorders.The underlying comorbid mechanisms may be related to elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as C-reactive protein,neutrophils,and white blood cells.Grey matter volume reduces in specific brain regions including the bilateral thalamus and right precentral gyrus.And abnormal hormone secretion,such as cortisol,resulting from the overactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.Exercise interventions demonstrate positive effects in preventing and managing both frailty and depressive disorders,indicating broad application prospects.However,the underlying mechanisms require further validation.In summary,the comorbidity of frailty and depressive disorders in the elderly requires greater attention.Current evidence supports exercise intervention as an effective therapeutic strategy for improving health outcomes in this population.

Objective To identify the multidimensional care needs for primary caregivers of the patients with spinal cord injury based on a journey map so as to provide a reference for caregivers to develop supportive interventions through the whole-journey.Method A longitudinal descriptive qualitative study was conducted,and purposive sampling was employed to select 14 primary caregivers for the patients with spinal cord injury from a Grade ⅢA hospital in Hefei between March and May 2024 for 3 rounds of semi-structured interviews.Content analysis was conducted to organise the data and to extract the themes.Based on the extracted themes,a journey map of the care needs for primary caregivers was plotted.Results The journey map was plotted based on 3 phases of the patients with spinal cord injury:diagnosis,discharge transition and rehabilitation as the horizontal axis of time,and the tasks,emotions,and barriers during the care-providing period as the vertical axis of tasks.Nine themes were identified and plotted by journey map,including three domains on tasks for three phases(high demand for hospitalisation assistance,urgent need for home care skills and dual role challenge),three domains on emotional conditions for three phases(psychological adjustment,heavy negative emotion experience and positive experience)and three domains on care-giving barriers for three phases(need for disease-related knowledge,lack of medicine-related laws and changes in family economy and structure).Conclusion The journey map of the care needs for primary caregivers among the patients with spinal cord injury is complex and multi-dimensional.Medical staff should accurately devise intervention plans according to the task axis at different stages of disease.This will enable the allocation of high-quality supporting resources throughout the whole care-providing journey,thereby improving the quality of care as well as the outcomes of care.

Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacy of a self-locking zero-notch interbody fusion device for long-segment cervical spondylosis in elderly patients with traditional titanium plate combined with interbody fusion device.Methods From Jan 2019 to Jan 2021,elderly patients(>60 years)with 3-4 segments(C3-C7)radiculopathy,myelopathy,or mixed-type cervical spondylosis underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion(ACDF)using a zero-notch interbody fusion device(Group A,n=24)and ACDF using a titanium plate combined with an interbody fusion device(Group B,n=18).We recorded the surgery duration,blood loss,incision length and hospital stay,measure preoperative and postoperative intervertebral height,functional segment height and cervical lordosis,and also observe treatment outcomes and postoperative complications between the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender,age,Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score,visual analogue scale(VAS)of upper limb,Neck Disability Index(NDI),preoperative intervertebral height,functional segment height and cervical lordosis.Blood loss,surgery time and hospital stay were similar in both groups,but Group A had shorter incision length(P<0.01)compared with Group B.There were no significant differences between the two groups in JOA scores,upper limb VAS and postoperative NDI,and even in postoperative intervertebral height,functional segment height and cervical lordosis recovery.Conclusion The zero-notch interbody fusion device is effective for treating long-segment cervical spondylosis.Compared with the traditional titanium plate combined with an interbody fusion device,it can avoid postoperative dysphagia with smaller incision and shorter surgery time,which makes it more suitable for elderly patients.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of knowledge, attitude and practice of medical personnel in areas with high incidence of fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Anhui Province, in order to provide a scientific basis for conducting systematic training for medical personnel.Methods:From July to August 2024, a multi-stage random sampling method was used to select medical personnel from village, township, county, and city level medical institutions in high incidence areas of SFTS in Anhui Province (Hefei City, Liu'an City, Chuzhou City, Xuancheng City) for an online questionnaire survey on their knowledge, attitude, and practice status. The survey included demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice related to SFTS, and a binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of SFTS knowledge qualification rate.Results:A total of 2 718 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 99.60% (2 718/2 729). Among them, 1 384 were males, accounting for 50.92%. The majority were medical personnel aged 41 to 50 years old, with undergraduate degrees, junior professional titles, working in township health centers or community health service centers, as clinical physicians, and with a working experience of no more than 10 years. They accounted for 31.97% (869/2 718), 50.48% (1 372/2 718), 35.54% (966/2 718), 38.52% (1 047/2 718), 62.33% (1 694/2 718), and 30.61% (832/2 718), respectively. The overall correct rates of medical personnel's relevant knowledge, attitude and practice were 77.52% (31 605/40 770), 94.53% (12 847/13 590) and 89.73% (12 194/13 590), respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the knowledge qualification of medical personnel of different genders, ages, education levels, professional titles, hospital levels, job positions, and years of work experience ( P < 0.05). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that professional title, hospital level, work position, and work experience were the influencing factors of knowledge qualification rate ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:Medical personnel have a relatively positive attitude and high level of practice towards SFTS, but their knowledge level still needs to be improved. It is recommended to provide targeted knowledge training for medical personnel in different positions to promote early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of SFTS.

Objective To explore the value of analysis on the incidence of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)based on disease diagnosis-related grouping(DRG),case mix index(CMI),and relative weight(RW).Methods All discharged cases,DRG and HAI status in a tertiary first-class general hospital from January 1 to December 31,2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Incidences of HAI in different departments were adjusted and compared by CMI.Incidences of HAI in different DRG groups were adjusted by RW.Results Among the 47 695 cases included in the analysis,757 were HAI cases,including 225 DRG groups.The department of critical care medicine had the highest incidence of HAI(11.98％).After CMI adjustment,departments with higher incidence of HAI were main-ly the department of respiratory and critical care medicine(3.96％),department of critical care medicine(3.04％),and department of neurology(2.85％),et al.DRG groups with the top five high incidence of HAI were AH11(tracheotomy and with ventilator support ≥96 hours or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation[ECMO],accompa-nied by major complications and comorbidity[MCC],50.00％),BC29(ventricular shunt and revision surgery,31.43％),BB21(craniotomy other than trauma,accompanied by MCC,27.56％),BB11(craniotomy of brain trauma,accompanied by MCC,26.32％),and GB1A(major surgery of esophagus,stomach,and duodenum,accompanied by major or moderate complications and comorbidity,16.00％).After RW adjustment,the DRG groups with the top five high incidence of HAI were ES21(respiratory system infection/inflammation,accompanied by MCC,5.89％),BR21(cerebral ischemic disease,accompanied by MCC,5.17％),FR11(heart failure,shock,accompanied by MCC,4.80％),BC29(4.57％)and AH11(3.57％).Conclusion Analyzing the incidence of HAI based on CMI and RW can help to identify key departments and disease groups for infection prevention and control,and provide reference for precise prevention and control of HAI in the new era.

Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a severe digestive system emergency characterized by high morbidity and mortality,with a complex pathogenesis involving multiple signaling pathways.Among them,the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AP,influencing pancreatic inflammation,fibrosis,microcirculatory regulation,and interactions with other signaling pathways.Studies have shown that inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway can effectively alleviate AP severity,reduce inflammatory cytokine levels,and improve pancreatic microcirculation,offering new therapeutic insights and potential strategies for AP treatment.Therefore,this review systematically summarizes the structure and function of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway,explores its mechanistic role in AP progression,and further discusses its potential clinical applications.By integrating existing research findings,this paper aims to provide new perspectives on the role of this signaling pathway in AP and offer a theoretical foundation for future basic research and clinical applications.

Objective Magnetic resonance angiography(MRA)offers a non-invasive and radiation-free advantage in detecting and diagnosing intracranial artery stenosis;however,it is associated with high equipment costs.Transcranial color-coded Duplex ultrasound(TCCD)combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)presents advantages such as non-invasiveness,real-time dynamic monitoring,and low cost.Nevertheless,there were no reports comparing the sensitivity,specificity,diagnostic agreement with MRA,or health economic evaluation of TCCD combined with CEUS for detecting major intracranial artery stenosis.Methods From April 2023 to August 2024,a total of 55 patients suspected of having intracranial artery stenosis or occlusion were recruited at Beijing Tiantan Hospital,Capital Medical University.Both TCCD combined with CEUS and MRA were performed to evaluate the degree of stenosis in the terminal segment of the internal carotid artery,M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery,A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery,P1 and P2 segments of the posterior cerebral artery,and the V4 segment of the vertebral artery.Intracranial artery stenosis was categorized into three groups:normal/mild,moderate,and severe/occlusion.Sensitivity,specificity,and consistency between the two methods were calculated.The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the differences in examination costs and diagnostic time.Results Fifty-five high-risk patients(110 cerebral hemispheres in total)with suspected cerebrovascular stenosis were included(median age:46 years;69.0%male).TCCD combined with CEUS and MRA were performed simultaneously.TCCD combined with CEUS showed high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing intracranial artery stenosis,with good consistency compared to MRA.The highest diagnostic consistency was observed in the M2 segment(Kappa=0.704)and A2 segment(Kappa=0.650),while the M1 segment showed moderate consistency(Kappa=0.569).The average cost of TCCD combined with CEUS was 240 CNY with a diagnostic duration of 21 min,compared to 722 CNY and 287 min for MRA(P<0.001,effect sizer=0.89-0.91).Conclusion Compared to MRA,TCCD combined with CEUS demonstrates higher consistency in screening for stenosis in the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery and the A2 segment of the anterior cerebral artery.It is also more cost-effective.However,MRA has advantages in assessing deep intracranial vessels.A synergistic use of both methods can optimize the allocation of diagnostic resources for intracranial artery stenosis.It is recommended that primary healthcare institutions adopt TCCD as the initial screening tool,and,with standardized training and technical upgrades,combine it with CEUS.Complex cases should be referred for detailed evaluation by using MRA.