OBJECTIVE: This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF. METHODS: Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus. RESULTS: LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response. CONCLUSION The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Lassa Fever/virology* ; Lassa virus/classification* ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships of white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet (PLT) count, and PLT-to-WBC ratio (PWR) with muscle mass in Chinese older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis involved 4,033 Chinese older adults aged ≥ 65 years from the Healthy Ageing and Biomarkers Cohort Study. Muscle mass and total skeletal muscle mass index (TSMI) were measured by bioelectric impedance analysis. WBC, PLT, and PWR were measured using standard methods. Multivariate linear regression was used to examine the associations of WBC count, PLT count, and PWR with TSMI. RESULTS: High WBC count, PLT count, and PWR were associated with low TSMI, with coefficients of -0.0091 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: -0.0142 to -0.0041), -0.0119 (95% CI: -0.0170 to -0.0068), and -0.0051 (95% CI: -0.0102 to -0.0001). The associations between the three inflammatory indices and TSMI were linear. Stratified analyses indicated that the relationship between inflammatory markers and TSMI was more evident in male participants and in individuals aged < 80 years than in their counterparts. CONCLUSION Elevated WBC count, PLT count, and PWR correlated with muscle mass loss. This study highlights the importance of regular monitoring of inflammatory markers as a potential strategy for the screening and management of sarcopenia in older adults.
Humans ; Aged ; Male ; Female ; China ; Leukocyte Count ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Platelet Count ; Aged, 80 and over ; Muscle, Skeletal/anatomy & histology* ; Independent Living ; Blood Platelets ; Leukocytes ; Sarcopenia

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is unclear. This study investigated the association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and postpartum LUTS. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in China from November 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. Participants were classified into infected and uninfected groups based on SARS-CoV-2 antigen results. LUTS prevalence and severity were assessed using self-reported symptoms and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured using electromyography following the Glazer protocol. Group comparisons were performed to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LUTS and electromyography parameters, with stratified analyses conducted using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Among 3,652 participants (681 infected, 2,971 uninfected), no significant differences in LUTS prevalence or IIQ-7 scores were observed. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent factor influencing the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (mean tonic contraction amplitudes), regardless of delivery mode ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum LUTS but independently altered pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity, suggesting potential neuromuscular effects.
Humans ; Female ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Pregnancy ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/virology* ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Electromyography ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Prevalence

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)-associated myocarditis in patients with bladder cancer(BCa).Methods Clinical and follow-up data of 213 BCa patients treated with ICIs in our hospital during Jan.2020 and May 2024 were collected.The data of 7 patients(3.3％)who developed ICIs-associated myocarditis were analyzed.Results The cohort included 2 females and 5 males(median age:72 years).Four patients were asymptomatic,while 3 presented with chest tightness,dyspnea,or orthopnea.All patients showed significantly elevated high-sensitivity troponin T.Only 2 patients had markedly increased N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide.Electrocardiograms were normal in 4 patients,while 2 patients exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain on echocardiography,with cardiac magnetic resonance confirming acute myocarditis.All patients discontinued ICIs and received first-line methylprednisolone upon diagnosis.Two patients showed no improvement after 5 days of treatment and received second-line therapy.One patient received intravenous immunoglobulin and infliximab without response,but improved after third-line tofacitinib.One patient developed acute respiratory failure after intravenous immunoglobulin administration and was then transferred to ICU,and died of multiple organ failure after 10 days.Conclusion ICIs-associated myocarditis is a relatively rare but clinically distinct immune-related adverse reaction during BCa treatment.Methylprednisolone is the first-line therapy,while critically ill and steroid-resistant patients often require early combined immunosuppressants based on individualized multidisciplinary discussion.

Objective:To evaluate the utility of neoadjuvant vesical imaging-reporting and data system (NeoVI-RADS) in predicting tumor residuals and diagnosing muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, as well as its application in prognostic stratification.Methods:A retrospective case series analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 91 patients with bladder cancer who received neoadjuvant therapy at the Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2014 to June 2024. There were 84 male cases and 7 female cases, with an age of (66±9) years (range:45 to 85 years). The clinical staging of the patients was ≥T2 based on imaging. All of them underwent three or more cycles of neoadjuvant therapy, and had post-treatment multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) evaluation. Based on the results of mp-MRI, the NeoVI-RADS was established and employed to assess tumor residuals and muscle invasion. The receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Kaplan-Meier survival curves based on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were plotted, and the Log-rank test was used for survival analysis comparison between groups.Results:In the neoadjuvant treatment cohort, the AUC for predicting tumor residuals post-neoadjuvant therapy using NeoVI-RADS was 0.900, with an accuracy of 93.4%, sensitivity of 95.8%, and a specificity of 85.0%. The NeoVI-RADS demonstrated strong diagnostic performance for MIBC, achieving an AUC of 0.900. At a NeoVI-RADS score cutoff of 4, the accuracy was 84.5%, with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 72.9%. Additionally, compared to patients with NeoVI-RADS scores of 0 (5-year OS and CSS rates both 100%) or scores of 1 to 3 (5-year OS and CSS rates both 90.9%), patients with scores of 4 to 5 had significantly worse OS (5-year rate 63.0%) and CSS (5-year rate 66.3%) (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in OS or CSS between patients with NeoVI-RADS scores of 0 and those with scores of 1 to 3 (all P>0.05). Conclusion:NeoVI-RADS demonstrates significant diagnostic and prognostic value in the context of neoadjuvant treatment for bladder cancer, effectively assessing tumor residuals and muscle invasion, thereby enhancing patient management and facilitating personalized treatment approaches.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors,clinical characteristics,and bacterial resistance of bloodstream infections caused by Streptococcus mitis in children with hematological disease,so as to provide a reference for infection control.Methods:The clinical information and laboratory findings of pediatric patients complicated with blood cultures positive for Streptococcus mitis from January 2018 to December 2020 in the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital were searched and collected.The clinical characteristics,susceptibility factors,and antibiotic resistance of the children were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Data analysis from 2018 to 2020 showed that the proportion of Streptococcus mitis isolated from bloodstream infections in children(≤14 years old)with hematological diseases was the highest(19.91％)and significantly higher than other bacteria,accounting for 38.64％of Gram-positive cocci,and presented as an increasing trend year by year.A total of 427 children tested positive blood cultures,including 85 children with bloodstream infections caused by Streptococcus mitis who tested after fever.Most children experienced a recurrent high fever in the early and middle stages(≤6 d)of neutropenia and persistent fever for more than 3 days.After adjusting the antibiotics according to the preliminary drug susceptibility results,the body temperature of most children(63.5％)returned to normal within 4 days.The 85 children were mainly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia(AML),accounting for 84.7％.The proportion of children in the neutropenia stage was 97.7％.The incidence of oral mucosal damage,lung infection,and gastrointestinal injury symptoms was 40％,31.8％,and 27.1％,respectively.The ratio of elevated C-reactive protein(CRP)and procalcitonin was 65.9％and 9.4％,respectively.All isolated strains of Streptococcus mitis were not resistant to vancomycin and linezolid,and the resistance rate to penicillin,cefotaxime,levofloxacin,and quinupristin-dalfopristin was 10.6％,8.2％,9.4％,and 14.1％,respectively.None of children died due to bloodstream infection caused by Streptococcus mitis.Conclusion:The infection rate of Streptococcus mitis is increasing year by year in children with hematological diseases,especially in children with AML.Among them,neutropenia and oral mucosal damage after chemotherapy are high-risk infection factors.The common clinical symptoms include persistent high fever,oral mucosal damage,and elevated CRP.Penicillin and cephalosporins have good sensitivity.Linezolid,as a highly sensitive antibiotic,can effectively control infection and shorten the course of disease.

Objective:To construct a nomogram based on preoperative MRI imaging features for the prediction of muscle-invasive upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma（UTUC）and evaluate its performance.Methods:This retrospective cohort study analyzed the clinical data of 99 UTUC patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 2018 to May 2024. Among them，69（69.7%）were male and 30（30.3%）were female，with a median age of 67.0 years. All patients underwent preoperative MRI and radical nephroureterectomy. According to postoperative pathology，tumors staged ≥ T 2 were assigned to the muscle-invasive group，and those staged ≤ T 1 were assigned to the non-muscle-invasive group. Baseline data，pathological information，and imaging characteristics were collected and compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for muscle-invasive UTUC，and a nomogram was constructed. The diagnostic performance of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curves，calibration curves，and decision curve analysis（DCA）. Results:Among the 99 patients，70（70.7%）were diagnosed with muscle-invasive UTUC，and 29（29.3%）with non-muscle-invasive UTUC. The muscle-invasive group had significantly larger tumor size［4.5（2.8，7.0）cm vs. 3.0（2.3，4.5）cm， P = 0.029］，a higher incidence of multifocal tumors［37.1%（26/70）vs. 3.5%（1/29）， P < 0.001］，patchy tumors［30.0%（21/70）vs. 6.9%（2/29）， P = 0.019］，spiculated tumor margins［52.9%（37/70）vs. 17.2%（5/29）， P = 0.001］，tumor compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat［68.6%（48/70）vs. 10.3%（3/29）， P < 0.001］，high-grade pathology［92.9%（65/70）vs. 75.9%（22/29）， P = 0.043］，lymph node metastasis［28.6%（20/70）vs. 0， P = 0.001］，and lymphovascular invasion［42.9%（30/70）vs. 10.3%（3/29）， P=0.002］. The apparent diffusion coefficient（ADC）values［0.9（0.8，1.1）× 10 -3 mm2/s vs. 1.1（1.0，1.4）× 10 -3 mm2/s， P < 0.001］and normalized ADC（NADC）values［0.8（0.7，1.0）vs. 0.9（0.8，1.1）， P = 0.002］were significantly lower in the muscle-invasive group. Univariate logistic regression identified multifocality，patchy tumor patterns，spiculated tumor margins，tumor compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat，and low NADC values as risk factors for muscle-invasive UTUC（all P < 0.05）. Multivariate analysis revealed multifocality（ OR = 17.903，95% CI 1.650 - 194.253， P = 0.018），tumor compression on renal parenchyma or perirenal / ureteral fat（ OR = 14.690，95% CI 3.069 - 70.323， P < 0.001），and low NADC value（ OR = 0.016，95% CI 0.001 - 0.471， P = 0.017）as independent risk factors. A nomogram was constructed based on these factors. The area under the ROC curve（AUC）of the model was 0.898（95% CI 0.838 - 0.957），with an optimal cutoff value of 0.639. The model showed an accuracy of 83.8%，sensitivity of 81.4%，and specificity of 89.7%. Calibration curves indicated good calibration，and DCA showed that the model provided substantial clinical net benefit. Conclusions:This study constructed a nomogram based on preoperative MRI features，including tumor multifocality，compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat and NADC value，which demonstrates good predictive performances for muscle-invasive UTUC.

Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes of Barth syndrome (BTHS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 21 pediatric patients diagnosed with BTHS between January 2010 and December 2023 at Beijing Children′s Hospital, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, and Beijing JingDu Children′s Hospital. Clinical data including gender, age at onset, initial symptoms, clinical manifestations, personal history, family genetic history, and laboratory tests (neutrophil count, echocardiography, electrocardiogram and genetic testing) were reviewed.Results:All the 21 patients were male, with the age of onset at 4.1 (1.1, 9.3) months. Main clinical manifestations included heart failure (18 cases), neutropenia (16 cases), respiratory symptoms (15 cases), 3-methylpentenediuria (7 cases),develop retardation (8 cases), gastrointestinal symptoms (7 cases), fatigue and anorexia (6 cases), and recurrent infection (2 cases). Electrocardiogram abnormalities included ST changes (18 cases), flattened T wave and low voltage of limb leads (2 cases), and abnormal Q waves in lead Ⅰ and avL (1 case). Echocardiographic features showed increased trabeculation, interventricular septum and left ventricular wall thickening, and left ventricular enlargement with reduced ejection fraction. Genetic testing identified TAZ gene variations in all 21 patients: 11 missense mutations, 2 nonsense mutations, 2 frameshift mutations, 2 whole code mutations, 2 exon deletions, 1 splicing mutation, and 1 synonymous mutation. Fifteen mutations were maternally inherited, 2 were de novo, and 4 lacked verified variant origin.In terms of treatment, all 18 patients with heart failure received routine heart failure treatment, of whom 11 patients also received intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids. After the follow-up of 91.0 (75.5, 109.5) months, 15 of the 18 patients showed restoration of cardiac function after 4.5 (3.0, 9.8) months of treatment, with one case of significant improvement, while 2 cases suddenly died.Conclusions:BTHS predominantly affects males with early onset, mainly characterized by abnormal cardiac structure and function, along with clinical features including fatigue, delayed growth and development, and neutropenia. Early diagnosis and intervention, including heart failure treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin, and corticosteroids, can lead to significant improvement in cardiac function, though sudden death remains a risk.

Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.

Objective:To construct a nomogram based on preoperative MRI imaging features for the prediction of muscle-invasive upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma（UTUC）and evaluate its performance.Methods:This retrospective cohort study analyzed the clinical data of 99 UTUC patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 2018 to May 2024. Among them，69（69.7%）were male and 30（30.3%）were female，with a median age of 67.0 years. All patients underwent preoperative MRI and radical nephroureterectomy. According to postoperative pathology，tumors staged ≥ T 2 were assigned to the muscle-invasive group，and those staged ≤ T 1 were assigned to the non-muscle-invasive group. Baseline data，pathological information，and imaging characteristics were collected and compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for muscle-invasive UTUC，and a nomogram was constructed. The diagnostic performance of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curves，calibration curves，and decision curve analysis（DCA）. Results:Among the 99 patients，70（70.7%）were diagnosed with muscle-invasive UTUC，and 29（29.3%）with non-muscle-invasive UTUC. The muscle-invasive group had significantly larger tumor size［4.5（2.8，7.0）cm vs. 3.0（2.3，4.5）cm， P = 0.029］，a higher incidence of multifocal tumors［37.1%（26/70）vs. 3.5%（1/29）， P < 0.001］，patchy tumors［30.0%（21/70）vs. 6.9%（2/29）， P = 0.019］，spiculated tumor margins［52.9%（37/70）vs. 17.2%（5/29）， P = 0.001］，tumor compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat［68.6%（48/70）vs. 10.3%（3/29）， P < 0.001］，high-grade pathology［92.9%（65/70）vs. 75.9%（22/29）， P = 0.043］，lymph node metastasis［28.6%（20/70）vs. 0， P = 0.001］，and lymphovascular invasion［42.9%（30/70）vs. 10.3%（3/29）， P=0.002］. The apparent diffusion coefficient（ADC）values［0.9（0.8，1.1）× 10 -3 mm2/s vs. 1.1（1.0，1.4）× 10 -3 mm2/s， P < 0.001］and normalized ADC（NADC）values［0.8（0.7，1.0）vs. 0.9（0.8，1.1）， P = 0.002］were significantly lower in the muscle-invasive group. Univariate logistic regression identified multifocality，patchy tumor patterns，spiculated tumor margins，tumor compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat，and low NADC values as risk factors for muscle-invasive UTUC（all P < 0.05）. Multivariate analysis revealed multifocality（ OR = 17.903，95% CI 1.650 - 194.253， P = 0.018），tumor compression on renal parenchyma or perirenal / ureteral fat（ OR = 14.690，95% CI 3.069 - 70.323， P < 0.001），and low NADC value（ OR = 0.016，95% CI 0.001 - 0.471， P = 0.017）as independent risk factors. A nomogram was constructed based on these factors. The area under the ROC curve（AUC）of the model was 0.898（95% CI 0.838 - 0.957），with an optimal cutoff value of 0.639. The model showed an accuracy of 83.8%，sensitivity of 81.4%，and specificity of 89.7%. Calibration curves indicated good calibration，and DCA showed that the model provided substantial clinical net benefit. Conclusions:This study constructed a nomogram based on preoperative MRI features，including tumor multifocality，compression on renal parenchyma or periureteral/peripelvic fat and NADC value，which demonstrates good predictive performances for muscle-invasive UTUC.