Objective: To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and influencing factors of resolution discrepancies within the minipool (MP) testing model across Chinese blood station laboratories in 2024. Methods: A nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted, including 334 blood station laboratories that reported nucleic acid reactive data among enzyme immunoassay non-reactive samples. Of these, 296 laboratories adopted the pool resolution model, with a total of 12 536 273 samples tested. Systematic analysis was performed on resolution data, focusing on the MP-NAT reactivity rate, the pool resolution concordance rate, and the resolution discrepancy rate. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on reagent types, viral targets, and Ct values. Potential causes were further explored through laboratory surveys and re-examination of raw amplification curves. Results: In 2024, the national average MP-NAT reactivity rate was 0.15%. The overall pool resolution concordance rate was 57.86%, which showed a gradual decline as Ct values increased across all reagents. The national average resolution discrepancy rate was 0.081‱(102/12 536 273), with 17.91%(53/296) of laboratories reporting at least one discrepancy. Nine reagent types were associated with these events, exhibiting reagent-specific patterns. For Reagent A2, the predominant discrepancy was HBV reactive pools resolving as HIV (36.36%); for Reagent D1, HBV pools frequently resolved as HCV (38.89%); and for Reagent E, the most common pattern was HIV pools resolving as HBV (48.00%). These resolution discrepancies were strongly associated with high Ct values: the median pool Ct for HBV exceeded 38, while those for HCV and HIV both exceeded 40. Investigations across 16 laboratories revealed that most discrepant samples exhibited “tailing” amplification curves, with some cases linked to cross-contamination or reagent batch-specific issues. Conclusion: While the incidence of resolution discrepancies in the MP-NAT model remains low in China, variations exist across different reagents and laboratories. These discrepancies are closely associated with low viral load, reagent performance, and laboratory operational practices.

Although global brain science research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, several fundamental questions in neuroscience remain unresolved. In particular, the physical mechanism underlying neural signal transmission remains controversial, and the carriers responsible for neural information storage and retrieval have not yet been fully clarified. These unresolved issues motivate us to re-examine the processes of neural information generation, transmission, integration, storage, and retrieval from multiple perspectives. A key observation is that neural electromagnetic activities are closely associated with time. Their duration, temporal structure, and dynamic evolution play crucial roles in neural information processing. In this work, we analyze neural electromagnetic activities from the perspective of temporal scales (referred to here as the “time course”). By reviewing and integrating findings from previous studies, we examine the characteristic time requirements and dynamic features of neural processes occurring at different stages of information processing. These stages include neural signal generation, signal transmission along axons, synaptic integration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation and retrieval. Based on this temporal analysis, we outline a framework describing neural electromagnetic activities across a wide range of time scales, spanning from microseconds to minutes, hours, or even longer periods associated with long-term memory, which suggests that neural information processing involves multiple physical processes operating at different time levels. Rapid electromagnetic events may occur on microsecond scales, whereas electrophysiological phenomena such as action potentials typically last on the order of milliseconds. Longer time scales are associated with synaptic plasticity and memory-related processes. From this perspective, we propose that the physical carrier of neural information may be transient electromagnetic pulses with durations on the microsecond scale. In this framework, action potentials can be interpreted as the macroscopic electrophysiological manifestation of underlying electromagnetic processes triggered by ionic currents across neuronal membranes. Rather than being the fundamental neural signal itself, the action potential may represent a measurable membrane-level response associated with the successful activation of these electromagnetic events. Moreover, we discuss a possible mechanism for long-term memory storage. Considering the apparent temporal contradiction between the millisecond-scale excitation of neurons and the long-term persistence of memories, we believe that long-term memory information may be stored within neural network topologies formed by electrical synapse coupling. Such structures, referred to as electrically coupled memory networks (ECMNs), may enable neurons within the same network to respond rapidly and synchronously to stimuli, thereby facilitating efficient memory retrieval. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of considering the temporal organization of neural electromagnetic activities when interpreting neural signaling mechanisms. It may provide new insights into the physical nature of neural information carriers and the mechanisms of memory storage and retrieval. Furthermore, highlighting the potential role of electromagnetic interactions in neural activity may contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches in neuroscience. Such perspectives may also offer valuable references for future research on neural coding, brain function mechanisms, and neuromodulation technologies.

ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.

The chemical constituents from the n-butanol fraction of ethanol extract of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) were isolated and purified using chromatographic process including MCI Gel CHP-20, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC method, and one alkyne and two phenylpropanoid derivants were obtained. Their structures were identified as (5R,E)-tetradecane-12-ene-8,10-diyne-1,5,14-triol (1), (E)-8-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl n-butyl cinnamate (2), and (7S,8S)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzene)-7-butyl-8,9-diol (3) by modern spectroscopy methods (1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, IR and MS). 1-3 are all new compounds. Compounds 1-3 were screened for their anti-renal fibrosis activities in vitro, and none of them showed obvious effect.

Testicular radiation injury is a structural and functional abnormality of the testes caused directly or indirectly by radiation, which disrupts spermatogenesis and compromises male fertility. The development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions is essential because of the high prevalence of this condition in clinical settings and its profound effect on patients′ reproductive health and overall well-being. The concept of "the struggle between vital qi and pathogen" is first seen in the Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases. It denotes the dynamic struggle between vital and pathogenic qi. The occurrence, development, and sequelae of all diseases reflect this ongoing conflict. In this context, this study defines the "vital qi" of the testis as its capacity to generate and preserve the essence of reproduction and to resist damage. The pathogenic qi associated with testicular radiation injury is categorized into two types: ionizing poison and retaining evil. The pathogenesis of testicular radiation damage is delineated into three stages by integrating the characteristics of vital and pathogenic qi: the injury, adhesion, and recovery phases. Based on the theoretical framework advanced by this study, the therapeutic approach for testicular radiation injury should adhere to the fundamental principle of strengthening vital qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. Although the primary focus of treatment should be on strengthening vital qi, it should also be complemented by strategies to eliminate pathogenic influences. This paper aims to provide a novel perspective and strategic approach to the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of testicular radiation injury. By elucidating the process of testicular radiation injury and its corresponding treatment principles, it seeks to offer valuable insights for clinical practice.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis mediated by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 （ACSL4） signalling pathway in rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome and the intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyutang. MethodsSPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group， sham-operation group， model group， trimetazidine group （5.4 mg·kg^-1）， low-， medium-， and high-dose group （3.51， 7.02，14.04 g·kg^-1） of Xuefu Zhuyutang. The coronary artery left anterior descending ligation method was used to prepare a model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome， and continuous treatment for 7 d was conducted， while the sham-operation group was only threaded and not ligated. The general macroscopic symptoms of the rats were observed， and indicators such as electrocardiogram， echocardiography， and blood rheology were detected. The pathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the changes in mitochondria in myocardial tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The level of iron deposition in myocardial tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The levels of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid （12-HETE） and 15-HETE were detected in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A biochemical colourimetric assay was used to detect the levels of Fe²⁺， lipid peroxidation （LPO）， glutathione （GSH）， and T-GSH/glutathione disulfide （GSSG） in myocardial tissue. DCFH-DA fluorescence quantitative assay was employed to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS）. Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was adopted to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）， ACSL4， and ly-sophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase3 （LPCAT3） in myocardial tissue. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group， the rats in the model group were poor in general macroscopic symptoms. The electrocardiogram showed widened QRS wave amplitude and increased voltage， bow-back elevation of the ST segments， elevated T waves， J-point elevation， and accelerated heart rate. Echocardiography showed a significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） and left ventricular fraction shortening （LVFS） （P<0.01）. Blood rheology showed that the viscosity of the whole blood （low， medium， and high rate of shear） was significantly increased （P<0.01）. HE staining showed an abnormal structure of myocardial tissue. There was a large area of myocardial necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration and a large number of connective tissue between myocardial fibers. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria were severely atrophy or swelling. The cristae were reduced or even broken， and the matrix was flocculent or even vacuolated. Prussian blue staining showed that there were a large number of iron-containing particles， and the iron deposition was obvious. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in the serum was significantly increased （P<0.01）. The content of Fe²⁺， LPO， and ROS in myocardial tissue was significantly increased （P<0.01）. The content of GSH was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and T-GSH/GSSG was decreased （P<0.01）. The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 in myocardial tissue were both significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while those of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 increased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the general macroscopic symptoms and electrocardiogram results of rats in low-， medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang were alleviated， and the differences in LVEF/LVFS ratios were all significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The differences in whole-blood viscosity （low， medium， and high rate of shear） were all significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The results of HE staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the morphology， structure， and mitochondria of cardiomyocytes were improved. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in serum was reduced to different degrees in low-， medium-， and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The content of Fe²⁺， LPO， and ROS was significantly reduced in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the content of GSH and T-GSH/GSSG was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 were significantly increased to varying degrees in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were decreased to different degrees in the low-， medium-， and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionXuefu Zhuyutang can regulate iron metabolism and anti-lipid oxidation reaction to mediate ferroptosis through the ACSL4 signalling pathway， thus exerting a protective effect on rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome.

Abnormal expression of CMTM4 protein is closely related to tumour occurrence,development and prognosis.Although the important role of CMTM4 in tumours has been gradually manifested,its spe-cific mechanism of action in cervical cancer remains unclear.The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between CMTM4 expression and clinicopathological features in cervical cancer and study its mechanism.Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression level of CMTM4 in cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues,and it was found that CMTM4 was significantly under-ex-pressed in cervical cancer tissues(P＜0.001).The chi-square test analysed the relationship between high and low CMTM4 expression and the clinical and pathological characteristics of cervical cancer pa-tients and results found that CMTM4 expression was correlated with the number of births,HPV infection status,pathological type,FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis.Data from Western blot and RT-qPCR found that CMTM4 protein and mRNA levels in HaCaT cells were significantly higher than that of C-33A cells,HeLa cells,U14 cells,and HT-3 cells.Among them,the most significant change in CMTM4 ex-pression was observed in C-33A cells,so the C-33A cell line was selected for subsequent overexpression experiments.CCK-8 analysis found that the proliferation ability of C-33A cervical cancer cells in the pcDNA-CMTM4 group was significantly lower than that in the pcDNA-NC group(P＜0.001).Flow cy-tometry and Western blot results indicated that CMTM4 overexpression promoted apoptosis(P＜0.001),significantly increased Bax(P＜0.001)and cleaved caspase 3(P＜0.05)protein levels,and significant-ly decreased Bcl-2 protein level(P＜0.01).Western blot results further found that CMTM4 overexpres-sion significantly reduced the protein levels of p-PI3K(P＜0.001)and p-AKT(P＜0.01),but did not affect the protein levels of PI3K and AKT(P＞0.05).The above findings indicated that CMTM4 gene expression was down-regulated in cervical cancer,and CMTM4 overexpression inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway.Therefore,CMTM4 may be used as a biological marker for screening cervical cancer.

Objective To develop a hypoxia endurance testing system for aviation physiological training of pilots.Methods The hypoxia endurance testing system comprised a low-oxygen mixed gas generator,a pressurization system for low-oxygen mixed gas and a personal breathing apparatus.The low-oxygen mixed gas generator consisted of a main unit composed of an air compressor,a filter,a buffer tank,polymer membrane,a control module,sensors and regulators,wire cables,supporting hoses,etc.;the pressurization system for low-oxygen mixed gas was made up of a protective box,a cooling fan,a motor and a driver,a control module,a solenoid valve,a convergence block,a pressure gauge,etc.;the personal breating apparatus was composed of a gas cylinder,a pressure reducer,an oxygen supply regulator,etc.Forty-eight subjects were selected for hypoxia exposure tests to verify the effectiveness of the system.Results The system developed had the functions of low-oxygen gas preparation,pressurized filling and hypoxia experiment,and the experimental results indicated the acute hypoxia exposure by the system significantly caused signs and symptoms of hypoxia and weakened physiological functions.Conclusion The system developed gains advantages in high accuracy of gas volume fraction control,safety and remarkable effect of simulated hypoxia,and can be an effective tool for acute high-altitude hypoxia testing and training of pilots.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):23-28]

Objective To study the 50％effective dose(ED50)and ED95 of remimazolam in the induc-tion of general anesthesia in preschool children,and to observe its safety and efficacy.Methods Children un-dergoing elective surgery who received endotracheal intubation and general anesthesia from March to October 2024 were selected as the research objects.The ED50 and ED95 of remimazolam were calculated by the modified sequential method.On this basis the additional,the aditional 68 subjects were randomly divided into the remimazolam group(group R,n=34)and the propofol group(group P,n=34).The respiratory rate(RR)and bispectral index(BIS)before induction(T0),1 min(T1)and 3 min(T2)after administration of remima-zolam or propofol in each group were recorded,and the oxygen saturation(SpO2),heart rate(HR)and mean arterial pressure(MAP)at T0,T1,T2,and 1 min after tracheal intubation(T3)were recorded.The success rate of sedation induction,hemodynamic stability and the incidence of adverse reactions such as injection pain,bradycardia,hypotension and panic during induction were compared between the two groups.Results Probit regression analysis showed that the ED50 of remimazolam for inducing loss of consciousness in preschool chil-dren was 0.414 mg/kg,95％CI:0.381-0.448,and the ED95 was 0.474 mg/kg,95％CI:0.443-0.826.The success rate of sedation induction in both groups was 100％.The disappearance time of eyelash reflex in group R was(59.44±5.24)s,which was longer than(29.79±4.04)s in group P(P＜0.001).The RR and BIS of group R at T1 and T2 were higher than those of group P,and the HR and MAP of group R at T1,T2 and T3 were also higher than those of group P(P＜0.05).The incidence of injection pain,bradycardia and hypoten-sion in group R was lower than that in group P(P＜0.05).There was 1 case of panic in group R.Conclusion The ED50 and ED95 of remimazolam for loss of consciousness during general induction in preschool children are 0.414 mg/kg and 0.474 mg/kg respectively.It has a definite sedative effect,stable hemodynamics and a low incidence of adverse reactions for the induction of general anesthesia in this population,demonstrating its suit-ability for clinical use.

OBJECTIVE To establish the an optimal prediction model for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter bau-mannii(CRAB)infection in ICU patients based on machine learning(ML)so as to help clinicians to diagnose and make decisions.METHODS The clinical data were collected from the patients who were hospitalized in ICUs of a three-A hospital from Jan.1,2017 to Dec.31,2024 and were randomly divided into the training set and the test set in a 7∶3 ratio.The characteristic variables were selected by means of LASSO regression analysis in combina-tion with multivariate logistic regression analysis.Five types of M L classification models were integrated,the opti-mal model was analyzed and identified.The performance of the prediction model for CRAB infection in the ICU patients was evaluated with the use of sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,areas under receiver operating characteris-tic curves(AUCs),calibration curves,Hosmer-Lemeshow test and decision curve analysis(DCA).The outputs of the ML models were interpreted by Shapley additive explanations(SHAP)and permutation importance.RESULTS A total of 2 904 patients were enrolled in the study,695(23.93％)of whom had CRAB infection.The AUC of XGBoost model was highest in the training set and the test set,respectively(0.994 and 0.907).The result of Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the calibration curves of the XGBoost model indicated that the predicated risk was highly con-sistent with the observed risk(x2=7.323 and 4.609,P=0.513 and 0.764,respectively).The DCA curves showed that the XGBoost model performed best within the whole range of threshold,with the highest net profit.The length of ICU stay,use of tigecycline,central venous catheterization,use of carbapenems and use of ventilator were determined as the major predictive factors by means of SHAP.CONCLUSIONS The XGBoost model is established and interpreted by SHAP.It provides bases for screening of the ICU patients at high risk of CRAB infection.