Background Microparticles (MPs) are one of the main medium of inflammatory reaction with an important role in atherosclerotic progression. Studies on association of air pollution exposure and levels of peripheral blood MPs are limited among human. Objective To evaluate the effects of short-term exposure to air pollution on levels of peripheral blood MPs. Method A panel of 73 healthy adults was followed with 4 repeated follow-ups in Beijing, China, from November 2014 to January 2016. During each visit, we collected questionnaire information, fasting venous blood, urine, and exposures to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), black carbon, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. We used linear mixed-effect models to analyze associations of air pollution exposure with levels of total MPs (TMPs) and MPs derived from various cells. Stratified analysis was conducted by levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results The results showed significant associations between air pollution exposure and peripheral blood TMPs at 2 h-6 d prior to the follow-ups (P<0.05), while no statistical associations were found for MPs derived from different cell types. Significant increases in TMPs of 7.8% (95%CI: 0.7%, 15.3%) and 14.3% (95%CI: 2.8%, 27.2%) were observed with each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM_2.5 (IQR=64.9 μg·m⁻³) at prior 18 h and NO (IQR=40.5 μg·m⁻³) at prior 48 h. Among participants with low levels of CRP and MDA, significantly positive associations were observed between air pollution exposure and levels of TMPs (P<0.05). Conclusion Short-term exposure to air pollution is significantly associated with increased levels of circulating MPs in healthy adults, and in people with lower systemic inflammation, peripheral blood MPs levels are more easily affected after exposure to air pollutants.

Based on the modern understanding that lipid metabolism disorders mediate tumor microenvironmental imbalance in esophageal carcinoma， this paper proposes that failure of spleen and kidney warming and internal accumulation of phlegm-toxin constitute the core pathogenesis of esophageal carcinoma. Deficiency of spleen and kidney yang qi serves as the root cause， while impaired transformation and transportation of lipids and the accumulation of phlegm-toxin represent the superficial manifestations. Phlegm originates from the transformation of lipids， while toxin arises from and attaches to phlegm. Their interaction forms a sticky and persistent pathological state that runs throughout the entire disease process. The evolution of pathogenesis follows a dynamic and progressive pattern. In the early stage， failure of spleen and kidney warming and dysfunction of lipid metabolism mediate abnormalities in a lipid-enriched microenvironment； in the middle stage， lipid turbidity condenses into phlegm， and phlegm-toxin stasis promotes the formation of an inflammatory and hypercoagulable microenvironment； in the late stage， dysfunction of the sanjiao （三焦） warming function and impaired qi transformation lead to an imbalance in the hypoxic and metabolically dysfunctional microenvironment. Accordingly， a staged therapeutic approach is proposed， including warming the kidney and strengthening the spleen， transforming phlegm and resolving toxin， and warming and unblocking the sanjiao. By regulating lipid metabolism to restore tumor microenvironmental homeostasis， this approach provides a new theore-tical perspective and practical strategy for the intervention of esophageal cancer progression through traditional Chinese medicine.

Based on the modern understanding that lipid metabolism disorders mediate tumor microenvironmental imbalance in esophageal carcinoma， this paper proposes that failure of spleen and kidney warming and internal accumulation of phlegm-toxin constitute the core pathogenesis of esophageal carcinoma. Deficiency of spleen and kidney yang qi serves as the root cause， while impaired transformation and transportation of lipids and the accumulation of phlegm-toxin represent the superficial manifestations. Phlegm originates from the transformation of lipids， while toxin arises from and attaches to phlegm. Their interaction forms a sticky and persistent pathological state that runs throughout the entire disease process. The evolution of pathogenesis follows a dynamic and progressive pattern. In the early stage， failure of spleen and kidney warming and dysfunction of lipid metabolism mediate abnormalities in a lipid-enriched microenvironment； in the middle stage， lipid turbidity condenses into phlegm， and phlegm-toxin stasis promotes the formation of an inflammatory and hypercoagulable microenvironment； in the late stage， dysfunction of the sanjiao （三焦） warming function and impaired qi transformation lead to an imbalance in the hypoxic and metabolically dysfunctional microenvironment. Accordingly， a staged therapeutic approach is proposed， including warming the kidney and strengthening the spleen， transforming phlegm and resolving toxin， and warming and unblocking the sanjiao. By regulating lipid metabolism to restore tumor microenvironmental homeostasis， this approach provides a new theore-tical perspective and practical strategy for the intervention of esophageal cancer progression through traditional Chinese medicine.

The global distribution of medical resources is uneven and organ shortages are becoming increasingly serious. ASEAN countries have been working hard to explore and promote local organ transplantation in order to alleviate the serious imbalance between organ donation and organ transplantation needs. However, the development of cadaveric organ donation varies among ASEAN countries, and the cadaveric organ donation rate in most countries is generally low. Since 1991, China and ASEAN have evolved from dialogue to strategic cooperation, then to a community with a shared future, and further to a comprehensive strategic partnership, all demonstrating broad prospects for cooperation. This article analyzes the current situation and challenges of organ donation and transplantation in ASEAN countries, combining field visits and its own experience, and proposes strategies for strengthening international cooperation, optimizing policy environment, enhancing technical capabilities, and increasing public awareness in the field of organ donation and transplantation under the China-ASEAN development strategy framework. The aim is to build a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable organ donation and transplantation system, contributing to the realization of global public health security and a community of common health for mankind.

Objective: To investigate the role and mechanism of PGC-1 α-mediated mitochondrial biosynthesis in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist anti-hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) ． Methods : SD rats were randomly divided into Control group，HIRI group，HIRI + AICAR group，HIRI + SR-18292 group and HIRI + AICAR + SR-18292 group，with 8 rats in each group．The rats were intraperitoneally injected with AICAR (500 mg / kg) or SR-18292 (32 mg / kg) before operation，and then the HIRI model was established by non-invasive vascular clamp clamping method．The samples were taken 24 hours after reperfusion．The contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) ，superoxide dis- mutase (SOD) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in liver tissue were detected．HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue．The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the changes of mitochondri- al membrane potential in liver tissue were detected by fluorescence probe．The copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the mitochondrial biosynthesis-related genes PGC-1 α, NRF1，TFAM，UQCRC2 and other mRNA ex- pression levels were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of AMPKα, p-AMPKα , mTOR , p-mTOR , PGC-1α and TFAM in liver tissue． Results : Compared with the control group，the levels of ALT and AST in serum and MDA and ROS in liver tissue of rats in HIRI group increased，while the levels of SOD and ATP decreased ( all P ＜0. 05) ．At the same time，the mtDNA copy number，mitochondrial membrane potential and the mRNA expression levels of PGC-1α , NRF1，TFAM，and UQCRC2 in liver tissues de- creased，and the protein ratio of p-AMPKα/AMPKα and the protein expression levels of PGC-1α and TFAM de- creased．The ratio of p-mTOR/ mTOR protein increased (both P＜0. 05) ．Compared with HIRI group，the levels of ALT and AST in serum and MDA and ROS in liver tissue of rats in HIRI + AICAR group decreased，while the levels of SOD and ATP increased ( all P ＜0. 05) ．At the same time，the mtDNA copy number，mitochondrial membrane potential and the mRNA expression levels of PGC-1α , NRF1，TFAM，and UQCRC2 in liver tissue increased，and the protein ratio of p-AMPKα/AMPKα and the protein expression levels of PGC-1α and TFAM increased．The ratio of p-mTOR/ mTOR protein decreased (both P＜0. 05) ．However，combined with SR-18292 intervention，the protective effect of AICAR on liver tissue of HIRI rats was significantly reversed． Conclusion PGC-1α mediated mitochondri- al biosynthesis is involved in the regulation of AMPK agonist-mediated protective effect of HIRI，and its mechanism may be related to the activation of AMPK/ mTOR signaling pathway．

Objective:To compare the efficacy of 18F-AlF-1, 4, 7-triazacyclononane-1, 4, 7-triacetic acid (NOTA)-octreotide (OC) PET/CT and MRI in detecting liver metastases (LM) of neuroendocrine neoplasm (NENLM). Methods:18F-AlF-NOTA-OC PET/CT and MRI findings (dynamic contrast enhanced MRI and diffusion weighted imaging) of 44 patients (26 males, 18 females, age (53.8±13.4) years) with neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) confirmed by pathological or clinical follow-up in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2021 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the size of LM, patients were divided into 3 groups with long diameter ≤1 cm, 1 cm< long diameter ≤2 cm and long diameter >2 cm. According to the 2019 WHO pathological grade, patients were divided into G1, G2, G3 and neuroendocrine carcinoma groups. McNemar χ2 test was used to compare the difference in detecting LM and lesions between the two methods. Results:The detection rate of 18F-AlF-NOTA-OC PET/CT and MRI in patients with NENLM was 95.45%(42/44). Among 44 patients, 227 lesions were detected by PET/CT and 303 were detected by MRI. Based on lesion analysis ( n=307), the detection rate of 18F-AlF-NOTA-OC PET/CT for NENLM was lower than that of MRI (73.94%(227/307) vs 98.70%(303/307); χ2=66.96, P<0.001). For NENLM with long diameter ≤1 cm, 1 cm < long diameter ≤2 cm, long diameter >2 cm, the detection rates of MRI were higher than those of 18F-AlF-NOTA-OC PET/CT (98.72%(77/78), 93.55%(116/124), 97.35%(110/113) vs 47.44%(37/78), 73.39%(91/124), 87.61%(99/113); χ2 values: 5.88-36.21, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with 18F-AlF-NOTA-OC PET/CT, MRI has a higher detection rate for NENLM with different long diameters of NEN, especially for lesions with long diameter≤1 cm.

Objective:To evaluate the characteristic manifestations of lumbar fusion following oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), determine the specific incidence of these patterns, and the identify factors associated with fusion characteristics.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 209 patients who underwent OLIF surgery at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, between July 2017 and September 2023. The cohort had a mean age of 64.2±9.8 years and included 125 males and 84 females. A total of 338 lumbar segments were assessed, comprising 159 segments treated with stand-alone OLIF (OLIF-SA) and 179 segments treated with OLIF combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation (OLIF-PSF). Inclusion criteria were: patients aged 18-80 years who underwent OLIF with complete radiographic records. Surgical parameters, including fixation method, number of fused segments, surgical approach, and cage dimensions (height and width), were obtained from operative records. Radiographic evaluation included preoperative osteophytes, Hounsfield unit (HU) values of endplates, and cage positioning. Fusion rate, fusion pattern (lateral vs. central), cage subsidence, and related influencing factors were assessed. Clinical outcomes were measured via the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 1-year follow-up. Results:The overall fusion rate was 98.2% (332/338), with a non-union rate of 1.8% (6/338). The incidence of lateral fusion was 40.2% (136/338). In the OLIF-SA group, lateral and central fusion rates were 50.3% (80/159) and 49.7% (79/159), respectively, with no cases of non-union. In the OLIF-PSF group, lateral fusion occurred in 31.3% (56/179), central fusion in 65.4% (117/179), and non-union in 3.3% (6/179), with statistically significant differences between groups ( P<0.05). Preoperative osteophytes and higher endplate HU values were significantly associated with lateral fusion ( P<0.05). However, cage dimensions and cage position (anterior-posterior and lateral placement) were not significantly associated with fusion pattern ( P>0.05). Overall, 61.5% (208/338) of segments showed no cage subsidence; 24.5% (83/338) had settling, and 14.0% (47/338) had grade 1 or higher subsidence. Among lateral fusion cases, the rates of no subsidence, anchoring, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 subsidence were 67.6%, 21.3%, 7.4%, 3.9%, and 0.7%, respectively. In the central fusion group, these rates were 59.2%, 27.6%, 9.2%, 2.5%, and 1.3%, respectively. In the non-union group, grade 2 and 3 subsidence occurred in 50% (3/6) each, significantly higher than in the other fusion groups ( P<0.05). Post hoc analysis confirmed that grade 2 and 3 subsidence rates were significantly elevated in the non-union group compared to the lateral and central fusion groups, while other subsidence categories showed no significant differences across groups. Clinically, patients showed significant improvements in ODI and VAS scores following surgery ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Lateral fusion occurred in 40.2% of OLIF cases. The OLIF-SA technique, preoperative osteophytes, and elevated preoperative HU values were significantly associated with lateral fusion. In contrast, surgical approach, number of fused segments, cage height, width, and cage positioning did not significantly influence the occurrence of lateral fusion.

Objective:To develop and validate clinical predictive models for identifying poor short-term response to recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH) treatment in children with short stature.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 118 children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency or idiopathic short stature who were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and two other hospitals between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2024. A poor response to rhGH was defined as a height increase of less than 0.2 standard deviation score(SDS) after 6 months of rhGH treatment. LASSO regression was used to identify predictive variables from baseline and follow-up data. Two logistic regression models were conducted: Model A(incorporating baseline variables only) and model B(incorporating both baseline and follow-up variables), and nomograms were created for visualization. External data and internal resampling were used for dual validation of the models, and their performance was compared.Results:A total of 118 children with short stature were included. Six baseline predictive variables(diagnosis, initial height SDS, bone age, bone age-chronological age difference, rhGH dose, and gender) and one follow-up variable(height SDS after 3 months of rhGH treatment) were identified. Area under the curve values for Model A and Model B were 0.753(95% CI 0.696-0.811) and 0.930(95% CI 0.891-0.975), respectively. Calibration curves, decision curve analysis, and other evaluation metrics demonstrated good discrimination and clinical utility for both models. Model B, incorporating the 3-month follow-up variable, showed superior predictive performance compared to Model A. Conclusions:The clinical prediction models developed in this study(Model A and Model B) are practical and reliable tools for quantitatively, conveniently, and intuitively identifying children with short stature at risk of poor response to rhGH treatment.

Objective:To explore the association between different feeding methods during the first six months after birth and the physical growth of children aged 3 to 5 years.Methods:Data were from the "Taicang and Wuqiang mother-child cohort study"(TAWS) in China. Children were enrolled at birth between November 2016 and September 2020 and followed up at 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months, as well as at ages 3 to 5 years. Based on feeding methods within six months of age, children were categorized into an "exclusive breastfeeding group" and a "formula-feeding group". Birth-related information and feeding practices between 8 and 24 months were collected, alongside dietary habits, physical activity, and illness during preschool years. Height and weight of preschool children were measured to calculate height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), body mass index-for-age Z-score (BAZ), and the rates of stunting, underweight, wasting, overweight, and obesity. After adjusting for demographic factors, birth-related information, feeding practices between 8 to 24 months, preschool dietary habits, physical activity, and health status, multiple linear regression and logistic regression were adopted to analyze the influence of feeding methods within six months of age on the physical growth of children aged 3 to 5 years.Results:A total of 1 233 children were included, comprising 629 boys and 604 girls. The number of children aged 3, 4, and 5 years was 436, 406, and 391, respectively. About 754 children were categorized into the exclusive breastfeeding group and 479 into the formula-feeding group. Children who were introduced to formula milk within six months of age had higher HAZ (0.09±0.99), WAZ (0.24±1.07) and BAZ (0.26±1.11) scores at ages 3 to 5 compared to the exclusive breastfeeding group [HAZ, WAZ, and BAZ were (-0.04±0.92), (0.06±1.02) and (0.11±1.08), respectively]. After adjusting for confounding factors, multiple linear regression analysis showed that the β (95% CI) values for HAZ, WAZ and BAZ in the formula-feeding group were 0.16 (0.06-0.25), 0.17 (0.06-0.29) and 0.15 (0.02-0.27), respectively, compared to the exclusive breastfeeding group. After adjusting for confounding factors, the results of the multivariate logistic regression model indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in the risks of stunting, underweight, wasting, overweight, and obesity during the preschool years between the exclusive breastfeeding group and the formula-feeding group, with OR (95% CI) values of 1.04 (0.41-2.62), 0.99 (0.27-3.57), 1.63 (0.53-4.95), 1.08 (0.66-1.74), and 1.58 (0.70-3.60), respectively. Conclusion:Exclusive breastfeeding within six months of age does not increase the risk of undernutrition (including stunting, underweight or wasting) during preschool years. However, the introduction of formula feeding within six months of age significantly increases the physical growth level of the preschool stage.

ObjectiveTo investigate the features of liver histopathological damage in patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection， as well as the timing for initiating antiviral therapy in such patients. MethodsA retrospective screening was performed for the patients with chronic HBV infection who were hospitalized in The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital and underwent liver biopsy from March 2018 to April 2022， among whom the patients who met the criteria for indeterminate phase defined in Chinese guidelines for chronic hepatitis B prevention and treatment （2022 edition） were enrolled， and their clinical data were collected. Liver histopathological stage was determined using the Scheuer scoring system， with stages 0 — 4 for inflammation grade （G） and stages 0 — 4 for fibrosis degree （S）， and the patients were divided into groups based on the presence of significant necroinflammation （≥G2） and significant liver fibrosis （≥S2）. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between liver histopathology and clinical factors， and the Logistic regression model was used to identify the independent influencing factors for significant necroinflammation and liver fibrosis. ResultsA total of 271 patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection were enrolled， among whom 61 （22.5%） had significant necroinflammation （≥G2） and 124 （45.8%） had significant liver fibrosis （≥S2）. The Logistic regression analysis showed that alanine aminotransferase ≥30 U/L （for male patients） or ≥19 U/L （for female patients） （odds ratio ［OR］=2.69， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.39 — 5.21， P=0.003）， HBV DNA ≥2 000 IU/mL （OR=2.75， 95%CI： 1.38 — 5.48， P=0.004）， and liver stiffness measurement （LSM） ≥6.0 kPa （OR=4.57， 95%CI： 2.17 — 9.62， P<0.001） were independent risk factors for significant inflammation. HBV DNA ≥2 000 IU/mL （OR=1.82， 95%CI： 1.01 — 3.32， P=0.049） and LSM ≥6.0 kPa （OR=2.06， 95%CI： 1.23 — 3.43， P=0.006） were independent influencing factors for significant liver fibrosis. ConclusionAmong the patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection， a substantial proportion of patients have significant liver histopathological damage. Antiviral therapy should be initiated in a timely manner for patients with high-risk factors.