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.

This study was aimed at establishing a method of ultra-fast quantitative PCR for Brucella detection.We used an exogenous recombinant plasmid as the internal reference and targeted the T4SS secretion system,an important Brucella viru-lence factor,to design specific primers and probes.The sensitivity,specificity,and repeatability of this method were evaluated,and a standard curve was constructed.The coincidence rate of detection findings with this method versus quantitative PCR was determined.This method markedly decreased the detection time to only 10 minutes.The standard curve demonstrated a good linear relationship(Y=-3.410 7x+38.357,R2=0.998 5)with a low minimum detection limit of 10 copies/μL.The method exhibited good specificity and did not specifically amplify several common clinical bacteria other than Brucella.The de-tection of three concentrations of positive plasmids yielded coefficients of variation(CVs)of 0.20％to 0.91％,thus demonstra-ting the method's excellent repeatability.Furthermore,140 clinical samples were analyzed concurrently with the fluorescence PCR method,which yielded a 100％compliance rate and consistent results.Our findings indicated that the Brucella ultra-fast quantitative PCR was ultrafast;had high sensitivity,high specificity,and good specificity;and can be used for the clinical de-tection of Brucella and emergency investigation of epidemics.Therefore,this method is valuable for the early diagnosis of Bru-cella.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics, therapeutic responses and prognostic features of E2A-PBX1 fusion gene for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: A total of 837 pediatric patients with ALL who were initially diagnosed in our hospital from July 2010 to November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, 48 children with positive E2A-PBX1 fusion gene were detected by the real-time quantitative PCR techniques and their data were retrospectively collected for analysis. RESULTS: Among 48 cases with positive E2A-PBX1 fusion gene, there were 26 males and 22 females, with onset ages ranging from 9 months to 13 years old. There were 2 cases (4.2%) in the low-risk group, 32 cases (66.7%) in the intermediate-risk group, and 14 cases (29.1%) in the high-risk group at initial diagnosis. The white blood cell (WBC) counts of 25 cases (53.2%) at initial diagnosis were <50×10⁹/L, 11 cases (23.4%) were (50-100)×10⁹/L, and 11 cases (23.4%) ≥100×10⁹/L. The main immunophenotype was common-B ALL (44 cases, 91.7%). Other leukemia fusion genes such as BCR-ABL1, MLL-AF4, and TEL-AML1 were not observed in this cohort of patients. All patients received the treatment of NPCLC-ALL2008 protocol, and 5 cases (10.4%) occurred poor prednisone response. All the 48 cases achieved complete remission (CR) after the induction treatments. The last follow-up date was April 30, 2023. A total of 5 children relapsed, including 1 case with intermediate risk and 4 cases with high risk. The recurrence rate in the high-risk group was significantly higher than that in the intermediate- and low-risk groups (both P < 0.05). Most relapsed children had elevated WBC counts at initial diagnosis. Among them, WBC counts ≥100×10⁹/L was observed in 4 cases. The recurrence rate among children with WBC counts ≥100×10⁹/L was significantly higher than that with WBC counts <100×10⁹/L (P < 0.01). Four deaths occurred in this cohort, of which 3 died of leukemia recurrence. The 10-year event-free survival rate and 10-year overall survival rate of the 48 children with positive E2A-PBX1 fusion gene were 87.5%±4.8% and 91.7%±4.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION In ALL children with positive E2A-PBX1 fusion gene, those with elevated WBC counts and high risk stratification at initial diagnosis are more likely to experience recurrence. Recurrence is the main cause of death in this group. It is suggested that such kind of children receive more intensive chemotherapy or undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as early as possible to further improve prognosis.
Humans ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/diagnosis* ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics* ; Prognosis ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent ; Retrospective Studies ; Infant ; Homeodomain Proteins

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.1 (PI-RADS v2.1) score combined with PSA density (PSAD) in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa) in the PSA grey zone by MRI-TRUS cognitive fusion-guided transperineal targeted prostate biopsy. METHODS: This retrospective study included 327 male patients with total PSA (tPSA) levels of 4-10 μg/L undergoing MRI-TRUS cognitive fusion-guided transperineal targeted prostate biopsy in our hospital between January 2021 and December 2023. According to the pathological results, we divided the patients into a CSPCa (n = 44) and a non-CSPCa group (n = 283), collected their clinical and imaging data, and subjected them to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The age, tPSA level, PSAD and PI-RADS score were significantly higher, while the free PSA (fPSA) level, f/tPSA ratio and prostate volume remarkably lower in the CSPCa than in the non-CSPCa group (P<0.05). The areas under the curve (AUCs) of PSAD, PI-RADS score and their combination were 0.772, 0.730 and 0.801, with sensitivities of 63.63%, 70.45% and 72.73%, and specificities of 84.10%, 75.62% and 83.75%, respectively (P<0.01). With PSAD 0.2 μg/(ml·cm3) as the best cut-off value and based on the PI-RADS scores, the patients were divided into two groups for analysis. In the patients with PI-RADS scores 2 and 5, the AUCs were 0.534 and 0.643, with sensitivities of 16.67% and 63.64%, and specificities of 85.14% and 64.29%, with no statistically significant differences (P= 0.784, P= 0.228), and in those with PI-RADS scores 3 and 4, the AUCs were 0.794 and 0.843, with sensitivities of 57.14% and 80.00%, and specificities of 87.14% and 81.82%, with statistically significant differences (P= 0.009, P<0.001). CONCLUSION PI-RADS v2.1 score combined with PSAD can effectively improve the diagnostic efficiency of CSPCa in the PSA grey zone by MRI-TRUS cognitive fusion-guided transperineal targeted prostate biopsy and serve as a guide for selection of prostate biopsy.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Image-Guided Biopsy ; Prostate/pathology* ; Aged ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a hospital-made resuscitation pack, a Chinese medicinal herbal compound formula designed to enhance recovery in post-bronchoscopy patients. METHODS: In this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, eligible patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to either the treatment or control groups. The patients in the treatment group applied the resuscitation pack, which contained aromatic compounded Chinese herbs. The patients in the control group applied a hospital-made, single herb placebo pack. Packs were placed on the Tiantu (CV 22) acupuncture point for 4 h as soon as the bronchoscopy finished. Efficacy indicators, such as recovery time, patients' symptoms including nausea and dizziness, and adverse events (AEs) were observed and compared. The outcome indices were evaluated at baseline, 1 and 24 h after the bronchoscopy. Subgroup analysis was further performed by patients' age and depth of sedation. RESULTS: When applying generalized estimating equations (GEE) to evaluate the intensity of post-bronchoscopy nausea and vomiting, the intensity was lower in the treatment group (163 cases) compared with the control group (162 cases; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.099, P=0.03]. Also, significantly lower intensity of nausea was observed in the 60-70 years of age subgroup (95% CI: 0.029, 0.169, P=0.006) and deep sedation subgroup (95% CI: 0.002, 0.124; P=0.04). There was no significant difference in dizziness between two groups by GEE (95% CI: -0.134, 0.297; P=0.459). In addition, no serious AEs were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that the resuscitation pack markedly improved patients' symptoms by reducing nausea and vomiting after bronchoscopy without AEs, compared with placebo in the perioperative period. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2000038299).
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Bronchoscopy/adverse effects* ; Single-Blind Method ; Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Treatment Outcome ; Resuscitation ; Adult ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and prognostic implications of assessing volume status during early fluid resuscitation in septic patients based on estimated plasma volume status (ePVS). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. Patients with sepsis admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from March to December in 2023 were enrolled. The general information and laboratory indicators at ICU admission were recorded, and ePVS, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, acute physiology and chronic health status evaluation II (APACHE II) score were calculated. The vital signs, arterial blood gas analysis and volume status related indicators before liquid resuscitation (T0h) and 3 hours (T3h) and 6 hours (T6h) of fluid resuscitation were recorded. The diameter and variability of the inferior vena cava (IVC) were measured by ultrasound, and ePVS, percentage change value of estimated plasma volume status (ΔePVS%), difference in central venous-to-arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pcv-aCO₂), and lactate clearance rate (LCR) were calculated. Patients were divided into sepsis group and septic shock group based on the diagnosis at ICU admission, and septic patients were subdivided into survival group and death group based on their 28-day survival status. The differences in clinical data between the groups were compared. The correlation between ePVS or ΔePVS% and volume status related indicators during early liquid resuscitation was analyzed by Spearman rank sum correlation test. The predictive value of each variable for 28-day survival in patients with sepsis was analyzed by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve), and 28-day death risk factors were analyzed by Logistic regression method. RESULTS: Fifty-four septic patients were enrolled in the final analysis, including 17 with sepsis and 37 with septic shock; 34 survived at 28 days and 20 died, with a 28-day survival rate of 63.0%. Compared with the sepsis group, the septic shock group had a lower venous ePVS at ICU admission [dL/g: 4.96 (3.67, 7.15) vs. 7.55 (4.36, 10.07), P < 0.05]. Compared with the death group, the survival group had higher T6h arterial and venous ΔePVS%, and albumin [Alb; T6h arterial ΔePVS% (%): 11.57% (-1.82%, 31.35%) vs. 0.48% (-5.67%, 6.02%), T6h venous ΔePVS%: 9.62% (3.59%, 25.75%) vs. 1.52% (-9.65%, 7.72%), Alb (g/L): 27.57±4.15 vs. 23.77±6.97, all P < 0.05], lower SOFA score, APACHE II score, AST, T0h Lac, and T3h and T6h norepinephrine dosage [SOFA score: 9.00 (8.00, 10.00) vs. 11.50 (9.25, 14.50), APACHE II score: 18.00 (14.75, 21.25) vs. 25.50 (21.00, 30.00), AST (U/L): 34.09 (23.20, 56.64) vs. 79.24 (25.34, 196.59), T0h Lac (mmol/L): 1.75 (1.40, 2.93) vs. 3.25 (2.33, 5.30), norepinephrine dosage (mg): 0.98 (< 0.01, 3.10) vs. 4.60 (1.05, 8.55) at T3h, 1.82 (0.38, 5.30) vs. 8.20 (2.80, 17.73) at T6h, all P < 0.05]. While there were no significantly differences in other basic data and ePVS at all of the time points before and after resuscitation between the two groups. Correlation analysis showed that T6h venous ePVS was significantly positively correlated with T6h IVC variability in septic patients (r = 0.360, P < 0.05), T0h arterial ePVS was significantly negatively correlated with T3h and T6h liquid intake volume (r₁ = -0.367, r₂ = -0.280, both P < 0.05), and venous ePVS at ICU admission was significantly positively correlated with NT-proBNP at ICU admission (r = 0.409, P < 0.05). T6h venous ΔePVS% was significantly positively correlated with T3h liquid intake volume and T6h LCR (r₁ = 0.286, r₂ = 0.286, both P < 0.05), and significantly negatively correlated with T6h urine volume and T6h change value of Pcv-aCO₂ (ΔPcv-aCO₂; r₁ = -0.321, r₂ = -0.371, both P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of T6h venous ΔePVS% for predicting 28-day survival in septic patients was 0.726 [95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.578-0.875, P = 0.006], with a sensitivity of 82.4%, a specificity of 60.0%, and an optimal cut-off value of 3.09%. Binary multifactorial Logistic regression analysis showed that an increase in T6h venous ΔePVS% was a protective factor for 28-day death in patients with sepsis on early fluid resuscitation [odds ratio (OR) = 0.900, 95%CI was 0.834-0.972, P = 0.007]. CONCLUSIONS ePVS may have potential for assessing the volume status of septic patients during early fluid resuscitation. The ΔePVS% during early fluid resuscitation may help to identify septic patients with a poor prognosis.
Humans ; Prognosis ; Fluid Therapy ; Sepsis/physiopathology* ; Prospective Studies ; Plasma Volume ; Intensive Care Units ; Resuscitation ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Shock, Septic/therapy*

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify high-risk areas for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mortality to provide relevant evidence for interventions in emerging economies. METHODS: Empirical Bayesian Kriging and a discrete Poisson space-time scan statistic were applied to identify the spatiotemporal clusters of T2DM mortality. The relationships between economic factors, air pollutants, and the mortality risk of T2DM were assessed using regression analysis and the Poisson Log-linear Model. RESULTS: A coastal district in East Guangdong, China, had the highest risk (Relative Risk [RR] = 4.58, P < 0.01), followed by the 10 coastal districts/counties in West Guangdong, China (RR = 2.88, P < 0.01). The coastal county in the Pearl River Delta, China (RR = 2.24, P < 0.01), had the third-highest risk. The remaining risk areas were two coastal counties in East Guangdong, 16 districts/counties in the Pearl River Delta, and two counties in North Guangdong, China. Mortality due to T2DM was associated with gross domestic product per capita (GDP per capita). In pilot assessments, T2DM mortality was significantly associated with carbon monoxide. CONCLUSION High mortality from T2DM occurred in the coastal areas of East and West Guangdong, especially where the economy was progressing towards the upper middle-income level.
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Risk Factors ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Bayes Theorem ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged

Based on medical rescue operations aboard simulated hospital ships,this paper explores the medical care practice mode employed during maritime rescue missions,points out the deficiencies in current medical practices during rescue operations,and puts forward countermeasures to improve the practice based on past casualty reception and rescue training exercise.With a comprehensive analysis of casualty reception team practices on simulated hospital ships,this paper aims to provide insights for the continuous optimization of maritime medical care.

Objective To explore the correlation between serum homocysteine(Hcy),25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D]and frailty with type 2 diabites mellitus(T2DM)complicated with sarcopenia.Methods From September 2021 to March 2023,210 elderly T2DM patients were selected from the Department of Geriatrics of The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province,and divided into simple T2DM(n=99)group,mild sarcopenia(M-Sar,n=59)group and severe sarcopenia(S-Sar,n=52)group.The"Elderly Comprehensive Assessment System"was used to evaluate subjects.The influencing factors of T2DM complicated with sarcopenia were analyzed by Logistic regression.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the predictive value of Hcy,25(OH)D combined with frailty in evaluating T2DM with sarcopenia.Results In T2DM,M-Sar and S-Sar groups,the age,Hcy,the risk rate of balance gait work falling and the rate of weakness increased in turn(P<0.05),while BMI,hemoglobin,25(OH)D,the rate of good nutrition,the normal rate of basic daily living,the low risk rate of falling,the rate of good balance gait function and the rate of no weakness decreased in turn(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that serum Hcy,frailty and 25(OH)D were the influencing factors of senile T2DM complicated with sarcopenia.Hcy,25(OH)D and frailty combined to predict T2DM with sarcopenia had an area under ROC carve of 0.815,with a sensitivity of 0.811 and a specificity of 0.717.Conclusions Serum Hcy,25(OH)D and frailty are closely related to T2DM combined with sarcopenia.Detection of Hcy and 25(OH)D combined with frailty score is helpful for early diagnosis of sarcopenia in primary hospitals.