Objective: To analyze the process of handling a pulmonary tuberculosis(TB) outbreak among senior high school students in a boarding school in Chongqing, as well as to investigate the underlying causes of the outbreak, so as to provide evidence to inform TB prevention and control strategies in school settings. Methods: From November 2023 to April 2024, an epidemiological investigation was conducted into the TB outbreak in a grade 12 class from a boarding high school. Suspected cases were screened using symptom screening, tuberculin skin test (TST), and chest X-ray examinations. Confirmed cases underwent individual epidemiological interviews and sputum culture; Cultured positive mycobacterial strains were subjected to whole genome sequencing after identification as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results: A total of 10 active pulmonary TB cases were identified, all from the same class, yielding a student attack rate of 16.67%. Three isolates were culture positive, as well as all strains were of L2 type，and the WGS analysis of the strains suggested a common transmission chain. Excluding the index case, four additional cases were detected through symptom driven health care visits. Notably, 70% of patients presented with "chest tightness and chest pain" symptoms, and 50% had "cough" symptoms,but none were detected during morning health checks or tracking of absences due to illness. A total of 326 contacts were identified and underwent three rounds of screening and one follow up examination. In the initial screening, 35 close contacts from the same class showed strong TST positivity, corresponding to a strong positivity rate of 55.56%, significantly higher than the 20.76% observed among casual contacts ( χ 2=29.80, P <0.01). Among the 35 strongly TST positivvity close contacts and five individuals with moderate TST positivity whose induration had increased by ≥10 mm over two years, none received timely preventive treatment initially; five of them were subsequently diagnosed with active TB within three months. Following this, 25 individuals initiated preventive therapy, resulting in a preventive treatment initiation rate of 62.50%. Among TST negative classmates who converted to strong positivity on repeat TST testing at three months, 75.00% started preventive treatment, but only 22.22% completed the full course. Conclusion Inadequate implementation of morning health checks and cause tracking for absenteeism due to illness, poorly standardized screening procedures, and delayed preventive treatment may have been key factors contributing to the spread of the outbreak.

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

Objective:To explore the mechanism of modified Shaoyao Decoction with Astragali Radix and Houttuynize Herba in regulating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway against intestinal mucosal barrier injury in ulcerative colitis (UC) rats.Methods:Totally 72 Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group, a mesalazine group, and modified Shaoyao Decoction high-, medium-, and low-dose groups using a random number table method. After successful modeling, the mesalazine group was given 0.2 g/kg of mesalazine suspension by gavage, while modified Shaoyao Decoction high-, medium-, and low-dose groups were given 44.5, 22.3, and 11.1 g/kg of modified Shaoyao Decoction by gavage, once a day, for a total of 4 weeks. The pathological changes of colon tissue were observed using HE staining; immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expressions of tight junction protein (ZO-1), cytoskeletal protein (F-actin), and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE cadherin) in colon tissue; Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of PI3K, Akt, NF-κB, VEGF, and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) in colon tissue; QRT PCR was used to detect the expressions of PI3K and Akt mRNA in colon tissue; ELISA method was used to detect the levels of serum TNF-α and endothelin (ET).Results:Compared with the model group, the DAI scores of the mesalazine group and modified Shaoyao Decoction high-dosage group decreased significantly on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after modeling ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). In mesalazine group and modified Shaoyao Decoction high-, medium-, and low-dose groups, the pathological injury score of colon tissue decreased ( P<0.01), the immunofluorescence intensity of ZO-1, F-actin and VE-cadherin protein expression in colon tissue increased ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the expressions of PI3K, Akt, NF-κB and VEGF protein decreased ( P<0.01). The expression of COX-2 protein and the levels of PI3K mRNA and Akt mRNA decreased in the mesalazine group and modified Shaoyao Decoction high- and medium groups ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:Modified Shaoyao Decoction can antagonize the intestinal barrier injury of UC by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway and promote the healing of intestinal mucosal ulcer.

Acupuncture treatment of chronic pain combined with depression (CPDC) is the result of a multi-target, multi-pathway approach. Acupuncture can treat CPDC by inhibiting the activation of glial cells, regulating the release of inflammatory mediators, regulating the expressions of neurotransmitters, changing the plasticity of neural synapses, regulating related epigenetic effects, regulating the microbiota-brain-gut axis, inhibiting nerve cell apoptosis, and antagonizing oxidative stress. The mechanism of its effect mainly involves anti-inflammatory related signaling pathways, regulation of neural synapse-related signaling pathways, and exerts its therapeutic effect through hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and amygdala.

Objective To establish a classification tree model for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)among aircrews,screen for influencing factors of NAFLD,so as to provide scientific basis for prevention and intervention decisions for NAFLD.Methods Aircrews who underwent recuperation at a sanatorium from January 2019 to December 2023 were selected as the research objects.Their annual physical examination data were collected and the NAFLD detection rate was calculated.Age,body mass index(BMI),blood pressure,waist circumference,blood routine,biochemistry indexes,and thyroid function were incorporated,and a NAFLD risk model was constructed using classification regression tree method.The predictive performance of the NAFLD classification tree model was evaluated through model misclassification matrix,risk statistics,and receiver operating characteristic curve.Results A total of 4088 aircrews were included in the study,and NAFLD was detected in 380 persons(380/4088,9.30%).The NAFLD model consisted of three layers,and five explanatory variables affecting the onset of NAFLD were extracted,including BMI,triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and total bilirubin(TBIL).BMI was located at the top of the classification tree and was the most important risk factor for NAFLD in aircrews.The area under the curve(AUC)of the model was 0.853.The predictive accuracy of NAFLD was 90.9%,indicating that the model has good accuracy and fitting effect.Conclusion In this study,the detection rate of NAFLD in aircrews was 9.30%.BMI,TG,HDL-C,ALT,and TBIL are risk factors for the onset of NAFLD.NAFLD is mainly related to weight gain and lipid metabolism disorders caused by unhealthy lifestyles.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety and effectiveness of the "talus home technique (THT) " in the surgery of pronation open ankle fractures (POAF). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 14 patients with POAF admitted between January 2023 and December 2023 who met the selection criteria. There were 7 males and 7 females; age ranged from 26 to 58 years, with a median age of 53 years. Injury causes included 9 cases of traffic accident injury, 3 cases of fall from hight injury, and 2 cases of crush injury. There were 5 cases of type Ⅱ, 6 cases of type ⅢA, and 3 cases of type ⅢB according to Gustilo classification; and 6 cases of pronation-abduction grade Ⅲ and 8 cases of pronation-external rotation grade Ⅳ according to Lauge-Hansen classification. Emergency first-stage debridement of the ankle joint was performed, followed by second-stage open reduction and internal fixation surgery. The THT was used through a limited incision on the lateral malleolus to restore the height of the lateral malleolus, rotational alignment, and anatomical relationship of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTFS). Wound healing was observed postoperatively. At 4 months postoperatively, weight-bearing anteroposterior, lateral, and mortise view X-ray films and CT scans of both ankles were reviewed to measure the medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), distal fibular tip to lateral process of talus (DFTL), and anterior/posterior syndesmosis distances of DTFS, and the quality of reduction of ankle fractures was evaluated. Ankle joint function was assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, and active dorsiflexion/plantar flexion range of motion were recorded at last follow-up. RESULTS: After second-stage internal fixation, 8 patients achieved wound healing by first intention, 1 case had skin edge necrosis, 2 cases had local skin necrosis, 1 case had extensive medial soft tissue defect, and 2 cases developed medial wound infection with sinus formation. All 14 patients were followed up 13-24 months (mean, 16.8 months). Postoperative X-ray films showed 1 case of delayed union of the lateral malleolus, which healed after bone grafting at 12 months; the remaining 13 cases achieved clinical union at 12-32 weeks (mean, 21.5 weeks). At 4 months postoperatively, X-ray films and CT examination showed no significant differences in MCS, TFCS, DFTL, and anterior/posterior syndesmosis distances of DTFS between the healthy and affected sides ( P>0.05), with no poor DTFS reduction. AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score ranged from 80 to 95, with an average of 87.7; ankle range of motion ranged from 10° to 25° (mean, 19.6°) in dorsiflexion and from 32° to 50° (mean, 41.2°) in plantar flexion. CONCLUSION THT is safe and effective in POAF surgery. It can restore lateral malleolar height and rotational alignment, enhance DTFS reduction quality, and obtain satisfactory short-term functional recovery of the ankle.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Ankle Fractures/surgery* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Pronation ; Fractures, Open/surgery* ; Talus/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Debridement/methods* ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Open Fracture Reduction/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of reducing posterior malleolar fractures via the modified Rammelt transfibular approach. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 26 patients with ankle fractures who met the selection criteria and were admitted between September 2023 and May 2024. There were 13 males and 13 females, aged from 14 to 59 years (median, 43.5 years). Causes of injury included traffic accident (1 case), falls (7 cases), and sprains (18 cases). Time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 13 days (mean, 3.9 days). According to the Lauge-Hansen classification, there were 5 supination-external rotation type Ⅲ fractures and 21 supination-external rotation type Ⅳ fractures. According to the Bartoníček classification for posterior malleolar fractures, there were 12 type Ⅱ fractures, 10 type Ⅲ fractures, and 4 type Ⅳ fractures. During operation, the fracture was exposed via the modified Rammelt transfibular approach; then, the fracture reduction was achieved under direct vision using techniques such as towel clip traction, posterolateral compression, and lifting with a posterior transverse periosteal elevator; finally, the fracture was fixed using anteroposterior cannulated screws or Kirschner wires. The incision healing was observed after operation. At 4 months after operation, X-ray film and CT were reviewed to evaluate the quality of fracture reduction. The medial clear space, tibiofibular clear space, and the anterior/posterior tibiofibular syndesmotic distances were measured. At last follow-up, the ankle function was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the range of motion. RESULTS: The marginal necrosis occurred in 2 lateral malleolar incisions, and superficial infection occurred in 1 lateral malleolar incision; the remaining incisions healed by first intention. All 26 patients were followed up 13-21 months (mean, 15.6 months). X-ray films showed that fractures in 25 patients achieved clinical union within 3-8 months (mean, 5.4 months); 1 case had delayed union of the lateral malleolus. At 4 months after operation, no significant difference was found between the injured and healthy sides in the medial clear space, tibiofibular clear space, or the anterior/posterior tibiofibular syndesmotic distances ( P>0.05). No malreduction of the posterior malleolus or the tibiofibular syndesmosis occurred. At last follow-up, the AOFAS score ranged from 80 to 100 (mean, 91.9). The range of motion ranged from 17° to 22° (mean, 21.0°) in active ankle dorsiflexion and from 40° to 49° (mean, 44.6°) in plantar flexion. Internal fixator was removed in 12 patients at 1 year after operation, with no ankle instability occurring. Ankle joint degeneration was observed in 1 patient at last follow-up. CONCLUSION The modified Rammelt transfibular approach is a safe and reliable technique. It enables precise reduction under direct vision, improves the quality of reduction for the distal tibial articular surface and the tibiofibular syndesmosis, and provides satisfactory ankle functional recovery in short-term follow-up.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Ankle Fractures/diagnostic imaging* ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Adolescent ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; Bone Screws ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Fibula/surgery* ; Range of Motion, Articular

Objective: To explore the mechanism of action of hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) in diabetes mellitus and to construct a conditional animal model of mice with islet β ⁃cell⁃specific HLF gene knockout. Methods: At the cellular level , the effects of HLF inhibition or overexpression on the proliferation of MIN6 cells was verified by the CCK⁃8 assay. The effects of HLF inhibition or overexpression were detected at the mRNA level and protein level by Cre + / - mice (C57BL/6J) to obtain offspring mice. The genotypes of the mice were identified by the PCR method.The differences in the expression levels of the HLF gene at the mRNA and protein levels in islet β ⁃cell knockout mice (HLFflox/flox Cre + / - ) and control mice (HLFflox/flox ) were detected by RT⁃qPCR technology and Western blot technology to verify the knockout effect. At the same time , the islet tissues of the mice in two groups were taken to make paraffin sections and analyzed by hematoxylin⁃eosin (HE) staining. Results: HLF gene inhibition or overex⁃pression had no significant effect on the proliferation of MIN6 cells. When the HLF gene was inhibited in MIN6 cells , the mRNA expression level decreased by 74% compared with the control group , and the protein expression level decreased by 60% compared with the control group. After overexpressing the HLF gene , the mRNA expres⁃sion level was 2. 13 times compared with that of the control group , and the protein expression level was 1. 8 times compared with that of the control group. The mRNA expression level of the HLF gene in the knockout mice de⁃creased by 89% compared with the control group , and the protein expression level decreased by 65% compared with the control group. The results of HE staining showed that there was no significant difference in the cell mor⁃phology in the islet tissues between the knockout mice and the control mice. Inhibiting HLF increased the glycogen content in MIN6 cells by approximately 20% . Conclusion The HLF gene knockout mice are successfully con⁃structed , providing an animal model for studying the role of HLF in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.

Objective To explore the longitudinal associations of body roundness index(BRI),visceral adiposity index(VAI),and metabolic score for visceral fat(METS-VF)with the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods This study included participants from the UK Biobank who were free of AF or pregnancy at baseline and completed the first and second assessments of BRI,VAI,and METS-VF.The changes in BRI,VAI,and METS-VF were classified using K-means clustering analyses,and the cumulative adiposity indices were also calculated.The primary outcome was new-onset AF.Three Cox regression models were employed to investigate the longitudinal associations of the BRI,VAI,and METS-VF changes with the risk of incident new-onset AF.The results were presented as hazard ratios(HRs)and the corresponding 95%confidence intervals(CIs).Restricted cubic spline analyses were performed to explore potential non-linear associations between baseline or cumulative adiposity indices and the risk of new-onset AF.C-index analyses were conducted to evaluate the predictive value of BRI,VAI,and METS-VF for new-onset AF.Subgroup analyses were performed according to age,gender,race,smoking status,alcohol consumption,and physical activity.Polygenic risk scores were applied to account for genetic susceptibility and investigate potential interactions between adiposity indices and genetic risk.Univariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships of cumulative adiposity indices and magnetic resonance imaging and dual X-ray absorptiometry parameters,including visceral adipose tissue(VAT)volume,VAT mass,trunk fat volume,and trunk fat mass.We further applied the eXtreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost)algorithm,with the feature importance being measured to evaluate the predictive value of each adiposity index for imaging parameters.Mendelian randomization analysis was further conducted to investigate the potential causal relationship between trunk fat mass and AF.Results A total of 12 776 participants were included.Over a median follow-up of 9.60 years,761(5.96%)new-onset AF events were recorded.Participants were divided into four classes based on the changes in adiposity indices.In the fully adjusted model,compared to participants in Class 1 of BRI,those in Class 3(HR=1.30,95%CI 1.04-1.63,P=0.023)and Class 4(HR=2.17,95%CI 1.61-2.93,P＜0.001)were associated with significantly higher risks of new-onset AF.Regarding METS-VF,participants in Class 4 of METS-VF also demonstrated a significantly higher risk of new-onset AF compared to those in Class 1(HR=1.66,95%CI 1.15-2.39,P=0.007).However,no significant association was observed between different classes of VAI and the risk of new-onset AF.For every 1 standard deviation increase in cumulative BRI,VAI,and METS-VF,the fully adjusted HRs of new-onset AF were 1.23(95%CI 1.13-1.35),1.02(95%CI 0.94-1.10),and 1.23(95%CI 1.12-1.35),respectively.Cumulative adiposity indices(BRI,VAI,and METS-VF)were divided into quartiles.Using the first quartile as reference,participants in the highest quartiles of BRI(HR=1.40,95%CI 1.10-1.79,P=0.007)and METS-VF(HR=1.44,95%CI 1.13-1.83,P=0.003)both exerted a significantly higher risk of new-onset AF.Regarding VAI,no significant association was observed(HR=1.00,95%CI 0.81-1.23,P=0.988).Restricted cubic spline analyses revealed non-linear relationships between cumulative BRI,baseline/cumulative VAI,and baseline/cumulative METS-VF with new-onset AF risk(all Poverall＜0.05,Pnon-linear＜0.05).In the C-index analysis,BRI demonstrated the highest predictive performance for new-onset AF,followed by METS-VF and VAI.Subgroup analysis indicated a stronger association between METS-VF and the risk of new-onset AF amongst participants younger than 60 years(Pinteraction=0.008).Polygenic risk score analysis stratified by genetic risk demonstrated a synergistic effect between BRI and genetic risk with new-onset AF,with the overall risk of new-onset AF increasing as both BRI and genetic risk increased.Linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between cumulative BRI with VAT volume,VAT mass,trunk fat volume,and trunk fat mass.The feature importance plot derived from the XGBoost algorithm indicated that cumulative BRI had the greatest predictive value on VAT volume,VAT mass,trunk fat volume,and trunk fat mass.Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed a significant causal relationship between trunk fat mass and AF.Conclusions There are significant non-linear associations between BRI,METS-VF,and VAI with new-onset AF.Higher BRI and METS-VF are significantly associated with a higher risk of new-onset AF,whereas no significant association is observed for the VAI.BRI exhibits a positive correlation with VAT and trunk fat,and demonstrates superior performance in predicting new-onset AF compared to VAI and METS-VF.Monitoring and managing BRI may be important in the early detection and intervention of AF.

Objective To explore the longitudinal associations of body roundness index (BRI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and metabolic score for visceral fat (METS-VF) with the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods This study included participants from the UK Biobank who were free of AF or pregnancy at baseline and completed the first and second assessments of BRI, VAI, and METS-VF. The changes in BRI, VAI, and METS-VF were classified using K-means clustering analyses, and the cumulative adiposity indices were also calculated. The primary outcome was new-onset AF. Three Cox regression models were employed to investigate the longitudinal associations of the BRI, VAI, and METS-VF changes with the risk of incident new-onset AF. The results were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic spline analyses were performed to explore potential non-linear associations between baseline or cumulative adiposity indices and the risk of new-onset AF. C-index analyses were conducted to evaluate the predictive value of BRI, VAI, and METS-VF for new-onset AF. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age, gender, race, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Polygenic risk scores were applied to account for genetic susceptibility and investigate potential interactions between adiposity indices and genetic risk. Univariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships of cumulative adiposity indices and magnetic resonance imaging and dual X-ray absorptiometry parameters, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, VAT mass, trunk fat volume, and trunk fat mass. We further applied the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm, with the feature importance being measured to evaluate the predictive value of each adiposity index for imaging parameters. Mendelian randomization analysis was further conducted to investigate the potential causal relationship between trunk fat mass and AF. Results A total of 12 776 participants were included. Over a median follow-up of 9.60 years, 761 (5.96%) new-onset AF events were recorded. Participants were divided into four classes based on the changes in adiposity indices. In the fully adjusted model, compared to participants in Class 1 of BRI, those in Class 3 (HR＝1.30, 95%CI 1.04-1.63, P＝0.023) and Class 4 (HR＝2.17, 95%CI 1.61-2.93, P＜0.001) were associated with significantly higher risks of new-onset AF. Regarding METS-VF, participants in Class 4 of METS-VF also demonstrated a significantly higher risk of new-onset AF compared to those in Class 1 (HR＝1.66, 95%CI 1.15-2.39, P＝0.007). However, no significant association was observed between different classes of VAI and the risk of new-onset AF. For every 1 standard deviation increase in cumulative BRI, VAI, and METS-VF, the fully adjusted HRs of new-onset AF were 1.23 (95%CI 1.13-1.35), 1.02 (95%CI 0.94-1.10), and 1.23 (95%CI 1.12-1.35), respectively. Cumulative adiposity indices (BRI, VAI, and METS-VF) were divided into quartiles. Using the first quartile as reference, participants in the highest quartiles of BRI (HR＝1.40, 95%CI 1.10-1.79, P＝0.007) and METS-VF (HR＝1.44, 95%CI 1.13-1.83, P＝0.003) both exerted a significantly higher risk of new-onset AF. Regarding VAI, no significant association was observed (HR＝1.00, 95%CI 0.81-1.23, P＝0.988). Restricted cubic spline analyses revealed non-linear relationships between cumulative BRI, baseline/cumulative VAI, and baseline/cumulative METS-VF with new-onset AF risk (all P_overall＜0.05, P_non-linear＜0.05). In the C-index analysis, BRI demonstrated the highest predictive performance for new-onset AF, followed by METS-VF and VAI. Subgroup analysis indicated a stronger association between METS-VF and the risk of new-onset AF amongst participants younger than 60 years (P_interaction＝0.008). Polygenic risk score analysis stratified by genetic risk demonstrated a synergistic effect between BRI and genetic risk with new-onset AF, with the overall risk of new-onset AF increasing as both BRI and genetic risk increased. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between cumulative BRI with VAT volume, VAT mass, trunk fat volume, and trunk fat mass. The feature importance plot derived from the XGBoost algorithm indicated that cumulative BRI had the greatest predictive value on VAT volume, VAT mass, trunk fat volume, and trunk fat mass. Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed a significant causal relationship between trunk fat mass and AF. Conclusions There are significant non-linear associations between BRI, METS-VF, and VAI with new-onset AF. Higher BRI and METS-VF are significantly associated with a higher risk of new-onset AF, whereas no significant association is observed for the VAI. BRI exhibits a positive correlation with VAT and trunk fat, and demonstrates superior performance in predicting new-onset AF compared to VAI and METS-VF. Monitoring and managing BRI may be important in the early detection and intervention of AF.