Objective To quantitatively evaluate age-,sex-,and segment-related characteristics of lumbar disc degeneration(LDD)in patients with low back pain(LBP)using T1rho MRI,and assess its diagnostic value in early-stage disc degeneration.Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 89 LBP patients(balanced distribution across ages 20～29,30～39,40～49,50～59 years and genders)admitted in Department of Orthopedics of First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from March 2024 to February 2025.All patients underwent lumbar MRI including T1rho sequences.Two senior radiologists performed blinded Pfirrmann grading on 445 intervertebral discs and measured T1rho values of the nucleus pulposus(NP).Kappa test was used to evaluate the inter-observer agreement of Pfirrmann grading,and Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the correlation between Pfirrmann grade and NP-T1rho value.Disc degeneration characteristics were compared across different ages,sexes,and spinal segments.After adjusting for body mass index(BMI)and gender,partial correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between NP-T1rho value of each lumbar segment and age.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to analyze the diagnostic performance of T1rho quantification for early LDD in LBP patients.Results Good inter-observer agreement was observed in Pfirrmann grading across segments,with a Kappa coefficient of>0.70.The NP-T1rho values of all NP were in a strong negative correlation with Pfirrmann grades(r=-0.877,P<0.001).The NP-T1rho values were progressively decreased from Pfirrmann gradesⅠ to Ⅳ(P<0.001),with a steep decline between gradesⅡ and Ⅲ.The patients aged 20～29 and 30～39 years showed significantly higher NP-T1rho values in Pfirrmann grades Ⅰ and Ⅱ discs when compared with those aged 40～49 and 50～59 years(P<0.05).The males had significantly higher mean NP-T1rho values in grade I than the females(P=0.006).In the upper spinal segments(L1～L4),the males exhibited significantly higher mean NP-T1rho value than the females(P=0.025),and NP-T1rho value was decreased obviously with increase of age across all age groups(P<0.05).Except L5/S1 segments,NP-T1rho value and age in all spinal segments had significant negative correlations(r=-0.548～-0.349,P<0.001).The area under the curve(AUC)for distinguishing grade Ⅰ from Ⅱ discs was 0.824(95%CI:0.772～0.876),and for grades Ⅱ from Ⅲ was 0.978(95%CI:0.964～0.992).Conclusion T1rho MRI provides accurate quantitative assessment of early lumbar disc degeneration in LBP patients,with an NP-T1rho value of 79.87 ms serving as a discriminative threshold between grade Ⅱ and grade Ⅲ.

Objective To explore the changes and significane of USP20 and HIF-α expression in breast cancer.Methods Following transfection of shRNA-USP20 lentivirus into breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells,the gene and protein expression levels of USP20 were detected using fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western Blot.Subsequently,the overexpression of USP20 was observed to determine its effect on HIF-α expression.Similarly,siRNA-USP20 was used to knock down USP20 in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells,followed by detection of gene and protein expression levels using fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western Blot.The subsequent changes in HIF-α expression were then examined.Rusults The positive expression rates of USP20 and HIF-α in breast cancer tissues were 69.6%and 46.83%,respectively,while they were negatively expressed in the adjacent normal tissues,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.01).The positive expressions of USP20 and HIF-α were predomi-nantly observed in the cytoplasm of breast cancer tissue,with a smaller amount present in the nucleus.There was a significant positive correlation between USP20 and HIF-α in breast cancer.Following transfection of shRNA-USP20 lentivirus into MDA-MB-231 cells,both the protein and gene expression levels of USP20 significantly increased(P＜0.01).Over-expression of USP20 did not affect HIF-α mRNA levels but led to a significant increase in HIF-α protein expression(P＜0.01).Conversely,siRNA-USP20 interference resulted in a significant decrease in both the protein and gene expression levels of USP20(P＜0.01),without affecting HIF-α mRNA levels;however,it caused a notable reduction in HIF-α protein expression(P＜0.01).Conclusion The expression of USP20 exhib-ited a significant positive correlation with HIF-α in breast cancer.Overexpression of USP20 led to a substantial increase in HIF-α protein expression,while knock-down of the USP20 gene resulted in a significant decrease in HIF-α protein levels.Therefore,it can be inferred that USP20 may exert its influence on the development of breast cancer through modulation of HIF-α expression,thereby providing crucial experimental evidence for clinical treat-ment,prognosis,and further investigations.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of extracellular volume(ECV)based on CT delayed phase in combination with pathologic indicators in predicting early recurrence of gastric mesenchymal tumors after surgery.Methods A retrospective case-control trial was conducted on the imaging,clinical and pathological data of 110 patients with gastric mesenchymal tumors who were surgically resected at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January 2011 to August 2022.They were 60 males and 50 females,at a mean age of 58±10 years.All of them received preoperative multiphase dynamic CT enhancement examination of the abdomen,and ECV value was calculated with the formula:ECV=(1-hematocrit)×(△HU tumor/△HU aorta).According to the postoperative recurrence within 24 months after surgery,they were divided into early recurrence group and non early recurrence group.Statistical indexes:① Consistency analysis.② The factors affecting early recurrence after resection of gastric mesenchymal stromal tumors were analyzed and a prediction model was conducted.Delong test was used to assess the predictive value of the model.Then a nomogram was plotted based on the combines model,and calibration curves were drawn to assess the efficacy of the column charts,and decision curve analysis(DCA)was adopted to assess the value of the model for clinical application.Results ① Consistency analysis.After 2 radiologists outlined the region of interest and obtained ECV value according to the above formula,The intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)was 0.806.② For the 110 subjected patients,21 cases of them had early recurrence,and 89 one did not.Multivariate analysis showed that ECV value,risk degree,and tumor length were independent influencing factors for predicting early recurrence.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve(AUC)value of ECV,hazard degree,and tumor length diameter in predicting early recurrence was 0.838(95％CI 0.758～0.918),0.774(95％CI 0.656～0.892),and 0.700(95％CI 0.589～0.810),respectively,and the value of their combined model was 0.899(95％CI 0.811～0.987),which was higher than that of each independent model.The sensitivity and specificity of the combined model was 85.71％and 86.52％,respectively,and the optimal cutoff value was 0.19.Delong test revealed that there was statistical difference between the combined model and the clinical model established by the hazard level(Z=6.548,P＜0.001,95％CI 0.140～0.259).Calibration curve analysis suggested that the combined model had a better fit,and DCA displayed that the combined model had a better net benefit.Conclusion The model established by ECV combined with pathological indicators has good predictive performance and can be used as a more effective predictor of early recurrence of gastric mesenchymal tumors after surgery.

Objective To investigate the biological safety of commercially available natural rubber latex and synthetic polyurethane condoms.Methods Natural rubber latex condom brands of A1 and A2 and polyurethane condom brands of B1 and B2 were purchased from large chain pharmacies in Chengdu,with three packages randomly selected for each brand.The study assessed the toxic effects of condom extracts on L-929 mouse fibroblasts according to GB/T standards.Gross observation and histopathological evaluation were conducted to assess the irritation reactions of condoms on the vagina and penis of rabbits(3 rabbits were used for each brand),as well as their sensitization effects on guinea pig skin.Additionally,the impact of continuous perfusion of condom extracts of the vaginas of SD rats for 30 days on their reproductive systems was evaluated,following GB/T standards(5 rats were used for each brand).Results Extracts from natural rubber latex condom brands A1 and A2,at concentrations of 100%and 50%,exhibited significant cytotoxicity,with optical density(OD)values being significantly lower than those of the blank control group and the polyurethane condom brands B1 and B2(P＜0.01).There was no significant difference in cell morphology and OD values between the extracts of B1 and B2 and the blank control group(P＞0.05).Vaginal congestion was found in 3 rabbits from A1 group and 1 rabbit from the A2 group,while no obvious congestion was noted in rabbits from the B1 and the B2 groups.Histopathological examination showed scattered inflammatory cell infiltration in the vaginal tissue of 3 rabbits from the A1 group and 2 rabbits from the A2 group,and slight congestion in the blood vessels of the lamina propria.No obvious pathological changes were observed in the vaginal tissue of polyurethane brand rabbits.Two rabbits from the A1 group and 1 rabbit from the A2 group showed transient and mild erythema on the penis during the experiment.Histopathological examination showed that 1 rabbit from A1 group had small foci of pericapillary lymphocytes in the dermis of the penis,while no significant pathological changes were observed in the penile tissue of A2,B1,and B2 groups.After 30 days of continuous vaginal perfusion with condom extract,3 rats in A1 group and 2 rats in the A2 group had uterine congestion,with the degree of congestion being lower in the A2 group.No significant congestion or pathological changes were observed in the vaginal and penile tissues of rabbits,or in the uterine tissues of rats from the polyurethane groups.None of the 4 groups of guinea pigs showed significant skin allergic reactions to the condom extracts.Conclusion Significant differences in biosafety exist among condoms of various materials and brands.To ensure product safety,it is crucial to strengthen quality control and regulatory oversight after condoms become commercially available.

Objective Small cell carcinoma of the bladder(SCCB)is a rare malignant tumor of the bladder.This study aims to explore its clinicopathological features and prognostic factors and to explore the role of perioperative treatment methods.Methods The clinical data of SCCB patients admitted to West China Hospital,Sichuan University over 8 years from January 2016 to January 2024 were collected.The clinicopathological features of SCCB were summarized.The survival outcomes and prognostic factors were analyzed.The effect of perioperative treatment on the improvement in prognosis was explored.Results A total of 31 confirmed cases of SCCB were enrolled.We observed a number of clinicopathologic features.All cases had advanced clinical staging,with the T staging status being above T2 in all cases,and distant metastasis was found in 23％of the newly diagnosed cases.A high proportion of the SCCB cases were combined with other histologic types,with 96％showing combination with urothelial carcinoma(UC).The SCCB patients had a poor prognosis,presenting a median survival of 12 months,1-year overall survival(OS)of 57.9％,and 3-year OS of 27.6％.Patients with extensive-stage SCCB had a significantly worse prognosis than those with limited-stage SCCB did(median OS time of 17.0 months vs.4.4 months,P＜0.05).In limited-stage SCCB,the median OS of patients who underwent radical cystectomy(RC)was 19.9 months,while that of the patients who did not undergo RC was 15.2 months(P＜0.05).The OS of patients who received perioperative therapy in combination with RC had longer OS than those who received only RC did(P＜0.05).Among these,patients recevied neoadjuvant therapy(NAT)had a significantly longer OS than patients who didn't receive NAT(P＜0.05).Subgroup analysis revealed that patients who were responsive to neoadjuvant therapy had longer disease-free survival and longer OS than those who were not responsive did(P＜0.05).Lymph node metastasis was an independent factor of poor prognosis(hazard ratio[HR]=15.21,95％confidence interval[CI]:1.732-133.912,P=0.014).NAT prior to RS was an independent protective factor,significantly reducing the risk of death compared with RC alone(HR=0.03,95％CI:0.001-0.724,P=0.031).Conclusion RC is an effective treatment that prolongs the survival of patients with limited-stage SCCB.RS combined with NAT can further improve their survival.

Objective:To discuss the comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of iodine deficiency disorders prevention and control in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (Corps for short) using technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) and rank-sum ratio (RSR) methods, and identify weaknesses in the prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders in the Corps at present.Methods:The monitoring data on iodine deficiency disorders in the Corps from 2014 to 2020 were collected from the Disease Control and Prevention Center of the Corps. Six indexes were selected, including the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt, the coverage rate of iodized salt, the qualified rate of iodized salt, the appropriate percentage of urinary iodine in children, the goiter rate of children and the appropriate percentage of urinary iodine in pregnant women. The TOPSIS method and RSR method were combined to comprehensively evaluate the prevention and control effect of iodine deficiency disorders in the Corps.Results:The results of TOPSIS method showed that the control effect was from superior to inferior in the order of 2020, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2015, 2017 and 2014. Based on the RSR method, the control effect was divided into three levels: 2018 and 2020 (with an estimated RSR value of ≥0.525) in the first level (good), 2014 (estimated RSR value < 0.007) in the third level (poor), and other years (0.007≤estimated RSR value < 0.525) in the second level (medium). Referring to the monitoring data, the appropriate percentage of urinary iodine in children and pregnant women in the middle years was the weak point. Conclusions:TOPSIS method combined with RSR method can accurately and reasonably evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders in the Corps, the evaluation results are consistent with the actual situation. It is found that the appropriate iodine nutrition levels of children and pregnant women are the weak points in the prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders in the Corps.

Objective:To fully learn about the iodine nutrition level and the status quo of prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) among children aged 8 - 10 years and pregnant women in Southern and Northern Xinjiang of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (hereinafter referred to as the Corps), and to provide a basis for consolidating the prevention and control effect of IDD and proposing sustainable prevention and control strategies.Methods:From May to November 2020, IDD monitoring was carried out within the Corps. ⑴Salt iodine monitoring: in 14 divisions of the Corps, 1 regiment was selected in each division from five directions of East, West, South, North and Middle, and 4 companies were selected from each regiment and edible salt samples were collected from the homes of 15 Corps employees to test for salt iodine. ⑵Monitoring of urinary iodine and goiter: in 13 divisions of the Corps, 1 regiment was selected from each division according to five directions of East, West, South, North and Middle, and 40 children aged 8 - 10 years (age balanced, half male and female) from one primary school and 20 pregnant women were selected as the survey subjects. Once random urine sample was collected from children and pregnant women to detect urinary iodine; the thyroid volume of children was measured and the goiter rate was calculated.Results:⑴A total of 4 149 salt samples were tested, the median salt iodine was 27.3 mg/kg, the coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.9% (4 146/4 149), the qualified rate of iodized salt was 98.1% (4 069/4 146), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 98.1% (4 069/4 149). Among them, 1 197 and 2 952 salt samples were tested in Southern and Northern Xinjiang of the Corps, the median salt iodine was 26.7 and 27.5 mg/kg, respectively; the coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.7% (1 194/1 197) and 100.0% (2 952/2 952), respectively; the qualified rate of iodized salt was 95.0% (1 134/1 194) and 99.4% (2 935/2 952), respectively; the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 94.7% (1 134/1 197) and 99.4% (2 935/2 952), respectively; and the differences between regions were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). ⑵A total of 2 602 urine samples of children aged 8 - 10 years were detected, and the median urinary iodine was 186.5 μg/L; the median urinary iodine of children (800 and 1 802) in Southern and Northern Xinjiang of the Corps was 181.9 and 188.5 μg/L, respectively. A total of 1 247 urine samples of pregnant women were detected, and the median urinary iodine was 192.6 μg/L; the median urinary iodine of pregnant women (397 and 850) in Southern and Northern Xinjiang of the Corps was 182.2 and 200.3 μg/L, respectively. ⑶A total of 2 602 children aged 8 - 10 years were examined for thyroid volume, and the goiter rate was 1.2% (31/2 602); the goiter rate of children in Southern and Northern Xinjiang of the Corps was 1.4% (11/800) and 1.1% (20/1 802), respectively. Conclusion:In 2020, the Corps has reached the elimination standard of IDD by divisions, and children aged 8 - 10 years and pregnant women are generally at an appropriate iodine level.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of COVID-19 confirmed cases with viral nucleic acid re-positive in anal and/or throat swabs after discharge during the domestic imported epidemic stage in Guangdong Province in early 2020. Methods: The COVID-19 confirmed cases with the onset time before March 1, 2020 in Guangdong Province were collected to analyze the demographic data, epidemiological characteristics, and specimen collection and testing data after discharge. Logistic regression model was used for influencing factors analysis of re-positive cases. Results: A total of 1 286 COVID-19 confirmed cases were included, the M(Q₁,Q₃) of age was 44(32,58)years, 617 cases were male, 224 cases were re-positive in anal and/or throat swabs with the re-positive rate 17.42%. The M(Q₁,Q₃) of age of re-positive cases was 35(23, 50) years, which was younger than that of re-negative cases age was those 46(33, 59) years (P<0.001). With the increase of age, re-positive rate decreased (χ²_trend=52.73, P<0.001). 85.27% (191/224) of re-positive cases were found in 14 d after discharge, the duration time of re-positive status was 13(7, 24) d, and 81.69% (183/224) of re-positive cases were re-tested negative in 28 d after re-positive date. No fever and other symptoms had been observed among re-positive cases during the whole follow-up. No secondary infectious cases had been found among close contacts after 14 d of centralized isolation and sampling screening. Univariate logistic regression model analysis revealed that the influencing factors of the re-positive cases included age, occupation, clusters, clinical types, and admission time. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis revealed that age was an independent risk factor. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acid re-positive is found in COVID-19 confirmed cases after discharge in Guangdong Province. Most re-positive cases are confirmed among 14 d after discharge and re-test to negative among 28 d after re-positive date. Age is an risk factor for re-positive cases after discharge.
COVID-19 ; China/epidemiology* ; Epidemics ; Humans ; Male ; Nucleic Acids ; SARS-CoV-2

Objective:To understand the iodine content of edible salt in residents of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (referred to as Corps), and provide scientific evidence for prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders.Methods:According to the requirements of the "National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Surveillance Program" form 2015 to 2019, in accordance with the principle of random sampling, one regiment from each of the five directions of east, west, south, north and center in the Corps was selected, and four companies were selected from each regiment. Edible salt samples from the homes of 15 residents in each company were collected, and salt iodine content was quantitatively tested and the test results were analyzed.Results:From 2015 to 2019, 21 028 household salt samples were collected, qualified iodized salt were 20 204, non-qualified iodized salt were 712, non-iodized salt were 112, iodized salt coverage rate was 99.47% (20 916/21 028), iodized salt qualified rate was 96.60% (20 204/20 916), qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 96.08% (20 204/21 028). The average salt iodine content was (27.72 ± 4.81) mg/kg. From 2015 to 2019, the iodized salt coverage rates in the whole Corps were all > 95%, and the iodized salt qualified rates and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate were all > 90%. Among the 14 divisions of the Corps, iodized salt coverage rates were all > 95%, except for the 12th and 14th divisions, where the iodized salt qualified rates and qualified iodized salt consumption rates were < 90%, all other divisions were > 90%.Conclusions:Iodized salt coverage rate, iodized salt qualified rate and qualified iodized salt consumption rate have all reached the national standard for eliminating iodine deficiency disorders from 2015 to 2019, however, non-iodized salt exists in some areas, and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate is low. We should strengthen monitoring of iodized salt in key areas and promote health education, consolidate and maintain achievements in eliminating iodine deficiency disorders.

Objective: To analyze the delay of seeking medical treatment and associated factors among students with tuberculosis in Shaanxi Province from 2015 to 2019, so as to provide scientific evidence for the early detection and control of tuberculosis epidemics in schools. Methods: Data from 6 739 students with pulmonary tuberculosis registered in Shaanxi Province from 2015 to 2019 were collected from the TB Management Information System of China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Results: Among 6 739 cases of students with pulmonary tuberculosis from 2015 to 2019 in Shaanxi Province, 3 040 patients delayed seeking medical treatment. The rate of delayed treatment was as high as 45.1%, and the median delayed treatment time was 38(24, 68) days. From 2015 to 2019, the overall delay rate of students showed a downward trend, with a significant difference(χ 2=120.45, P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in delay rate between different patient sources, diagnosis results and regions(χ 2=274.19, 26.75, 24.12, P<0.05), among which for factors such as tracing, tuberculosis pleurisy, doctor delay in the northern part of Shaanxi, the rates were higher. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the regions of northern Shaanxi(OR=2.74), central Shaanxi(OR=2.09), and southern Shaanxi(OR=2.39), and clinical consultation(OR=1.84), recommendation(OR=2.81), tracing(OR=3.28), and tracing (OR=6.07) were risk factors for delay of consultation. A lack of etiology results(OR=0.47) was to protect delay of consultation. Conclusion From 2015 to 2019 in Shaanxi Province, a delay in seeking medical treatment was relatively common among students with tuberculosis. The region, source of patients and diagnosis results were factors that influenced the delay in finding tuberculosis patients in Shaanxi Province.