Objective: Spinal stenosis and degenerative spinal disorders are increasingly prevalent and have a substantial impact on quality of life. Surgical decompression, performed using either open microscopic or endoscopic approaches, remains a cornerstone of management for these conditions. This study examines evolving trends in single-level lumbar spinal decompression procedures performed at a tertiary academic hospital in Singapore. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted involving 588 patients who underwent single-level spinal decompression between 2021 and 2024, including endoscopic spine surgery (ESS; n=364) and microdecompression (n=224). Primary outcome measures were changes in 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, reoperation rates, and operative time. Patient demographics, spinal level and pathology characteristics, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Difference-in-differences (DID) analysis was used to compare outcomes between the 2 groups. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in SF-36 and VAS scores. At 2 years, Short Form Health Survey physical function (SFPF) scores improved in the endoscopic group (mean difference [MD], 18.6; standard deviation [SD], 21.7; p=0.064) and in the open microscopic group (MD, 36.7; SD, 20.9; p=0.007), with a non-significant DID of -18.1 (p=0.155). No DID comparisons across SF-36 domains reached statistical significance. Mean operative time for endoscopic procedures decreased from 249 minutes in 2022 to 145 minutes in 2024, reflecting a procedural learning curve. Surgeons with higher endoscopic caseloads exhibited greater improvements in functional outcomes. Conclusion Both endoscopic and open microscopic decompression achieve comparable short- and long-term clinical outcomes. ESS provides similar effectiveness while being associated with shorter recovery periods and reduced hospital stay. Further research is warranted to identify factors contributing to incomplete symptom resolution or the need for revision surgery.

Background/Aims: Chronic constipation is prevalent yet under-diagnosed across Asia, compromising quality of life and burdening healthcare systems. Cultural stigma, varied diets, and limited access to standardized diagnostic tools delay timely care. Methods: The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable in November 2024, brought together experts from 11 Asian countries. The group reviewed epidemiological data, analyzed multinational questionnaire on clinical practice pattern, and conducted structured discussions to identify key barriers and propose region-specific recommendations. Results: Chronic constipation prevalence varies across Asia, ranging from 1.8% in India to 16.6% in Japan, with women and the elderly disproportionately affected. Under-reporting persists owing to cultural taboos and widespread self treatment with laxatives and traditional medications. Although the Rome IV criteria remains the global standard, they may not fully reflect Asian symptom profiles, and diagnosis is limited by scarce motility laboratories. First line therapies such as dietary-fiber optimization and osmotic laxatives are widely available, but newer pharmacotherapies (prucalopride, linaclotide, lubiprostone, and elobixibat) remain costly and unevenly accessible. Biofeedback for dyssynergic defecation is underutilized due to limited availability. Experts recommend expanded regional research on to refine diagnostic criteria, coupled with enhanced physician education and public awareness. They advocate accessibility to second-line and novel therapies that incorporate culturally attuned regional guidelines, and improved access to gastrointestinal motility testing. Conclusions The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable highlighted Asia’s need for region specific diagnostics and management. Addressing diagnostic and treatment gaps will improve outcomes, while ongoing researcher clinician policy collaboration must standardize guidelines, advance research, and ensure equitable care across Asia.

Nipah virus (NiV), a pathogen with pandemic potential, lacks approved treatments or vaccines, highlighting the urgent need for research on immune-targeted antigenic determinants. A significant gap persists in NiV research, as studies on the fusion (F) protein critical for viral entry as well as the B cells epitopes, have primarily focused on computational prediction rather than experimental validation of immunogenic epitopes obtained through immunoinformatics approach. This study focused on the conserved F protein across NiV human isolates and employed an immunoinformatics approach to predict linear B-cell epitopes capable of direct immune activation. Predicted epitopes were screened for antigenicity, toxicity, and allergenicity. Molecular docking analysis was performed to evaluate its binding affinity with B-cell receptors (BCRs). To validate its immunogenicity, the LF6 peptide was synthesized and used in an indirect ELISA to test sera from cohort previously infected with NiV as well as with negative cohort. Epitope LF6 (LISNIEIGFCL) was identified as a strong candidate based on its immunogenic properties. Molecular docking showed favorable binding of LF6 with BCR. ELISA results revealed that one sera from the survival cohort showed positive response which is an IgG antibody response 2-fold higher (0.343) than the cut-off value (0.0171). This study provides the first reported evidence linking computational predictions with functional immune reactivity for a B-cell epitope of NiV. The findings suggest that LF6 has the potential to elicit specific immune responses. However, given the small sample size, further validation in larger cohorts is essential to confirm LF6’s vaccine relevance.

Introduction: Accurate diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, a condition resulting from excessive thyroid hormone activity, is essential for appropriate management. However, access to diagnostic tools such as thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) assays and thyroid ultrasonography remains limited in resource-constrained settings, highlighting the need for cost-effective alternatives. Recent studies suggest that the free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) ratio may serve as a potential biomarker for differentiating the causes of thyrotoxicosis. Methodology: This cross-sectional study evaluated the FT3/FT4 ratio in newly diagnosed thyrotoxicosis patients aged ≥18 years recruited from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Hospital Banting, Klinik Kesihatan Pelabuhan Klang, and Klinik Kesihatan Pandamaran between February and December 2025. All participants underwent thyroid function testing (FT3, FT4, and TSH) and autoantibody assessment (TRAb and anti-thyroid peroxidase [anti-TPO]). Diagnostic performance of the FT3/FT4 ratio for Graves’ disease was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Fifty-eight patients were included, of whom 58.6% were diagnosed with Graves’ disease. Patients with Graves’ disease had significantly higher FT3 levels (median 16.8 pmol/L; IQR 10.9–25.7) compared to those with non-Graves’ thyrotoxicosis (median 8.3 pmol/L; IQR 5.3–13.5; p <0.001), with similar trends observed for FT4 levels (p <0.001). However, the FT3/ FT4 ratio did not differ significantly between groups (p >0.05), with an overall ROC AUC of 0.572, indicating poor discriminatory ability. Subgroup analysis based on FT4 levels improved performance; at FT4 <30 pmol/L, the FT3/FT4 ratio demonstrated 75.0% sensitivity, 91.7% specificity, and 87.5% diagnostic accuracy at a cutoff of 0.3445 (AUC = 0.813; 95% CI: 0.570–1.000; p = 0.069). No significant association was observed between the FT3/FT4 ratio and TRAb or anti-TPO. Conclusion The FT3/FT4 ratio has limited overall diagnostic utility but may provide adjunctive value in selected biochemical contexts, particularly in settings with limited access to immunological testing.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Thyroxine ; Triiodothyronine ; Thyrotoxicosis ; Cross-Sectional Studies

Objective This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity, differentiation, and population structure of Aedes albopictus across different geographical regions in Shandong Province, and to explore the relationship between genetic diversity and geographical distribution. Methods Between July and August 2024, ten Ae. albopictus populations were sampled from seven cities in Shandong Province. Genomic DNA was extracted from individual mosquitoes, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COⅠ)gene was amplified using PCR and sequenced. The obtained sequences were verified using BLAST and analyzed with MAFFT, MEGA 11, DnaSP v6.12, Arlequin 3.5, PopART 1.7, STRUCTURE 2.3.4 and the R packages adegenet and vegan to assess genetic diversity and population structure. Results A total of 229 COⅠ sequences(662 bp) was obtained, revealing ten variable sites with no insertions or deletions. The overall base composition showed an AT bias of 67.7%. Haplotype analysis identified 11 haplotypes, with Hap2 being the dominant and most widely distributed haplotype across all populations. Neutrality tests showed significant population expansion only in the Rizhao population. Mantel testing result revealed that geographical distance does not significantly impede gene flow. Overall, genetic differentiation among populations was low, indicating frequent gene flow. When combined with additional samples from Shanghai, Fujian, Guangdong, Yunnan, Hainan and Guangxi, STRUCTURE, UPGMA and DAPC analyses revealed two primary genetic clusters of Ae. albopictus. Conclusions Ae. albopictus populations in Shandong Province exhibit frequent gene flow, low genetic differentiation, and relatively low overall genetic diversity. However, the Rizhao population showed signs of recent expansion, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and targeted control measures in this area.

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.

Objective Exploring the behavioral changes induced by quinpirole in obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD)mouse,investigating the activation of neurons in different brain regions,and identifying differentially expressed genes(DEGs)and enriched biological pathways through transcriptome sequencing technology to elucidate the pathogenesis of OCD.Methods Randomly assign 32 male C57BL/6J mice,aged two months,to an OCD group and a control group(n=16).Administering quinpirole(0.75 mg/kg)via subcutaneous injection to the OCD group mice every other day for a total of 19 injections,while the control group mice received an equivalent volume of saline solution.Following the completion of the model construction,open field testing,elevated plus maze testing,and marble burying tests were conducted.After the completion of behavioral studies,tissue samples were collected.Neuronal damage was assessed using Nissl staining,while the expression of c-Fos and Iba1 proteins was examined through immunofluorescence staining.Transcriptome sequencing technology was utilized to screen for differentially expressed genes and to enrich relevant signaling pathways.The expression of inflammatory cytokines,including TNF-α,NF-κB p65,phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65),and IL-6,was detected using Western Blot analysis.Results Mouse induced with OCD by quinpirole exhibit anxiety-like behaviors and compulsive-like behaviors.Neurons in the hippocampal and hypothalamic regions exhibit signs of damage.The expression of c-Fos and Iba1 proteins is increased in the cortex,striatum,hypothalamus,and other brain regions.Western Blot result indicate a significant increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α,p-NF-κB p65,and IL-6.Conclusions In OCD mouse,neurons in multiple brain regions are abnormally activated,microglia exhibit dysfunction,and neuroinflammation induced by the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway accompanies the development of OCD.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)is increasingly being applied in low-risk and younger patients.However,this trend necessitates that cardiac surgeons take on the responsibility of comprehensive lifetime management.This article explores three critical aspects of lifetime management,including the selection of the initial valve,the procedural success and the device success rates of TAVR,and the durability of the valve.Younger TAVR recipients require comprehensive lifetime management strategies,including the potential risk of reintervention.Improving TAVR's procedural and device success rates is the cornerstone of lifetime management,necessitating efforts in surgical strategy and operation to reduce complications.Valve durability is a key guarantee;current surgical bioprosthetic valves show good durability,but long-term data on TAVR valves'durability is still needed.Meanwhile,novel valves are being improved in durability,offering new directions for optimizing lifetime management in TAVR patients.

Objective To explore the clinical effects and influencing factors of recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH)treatment in pediatric patients with growth hormone deficiency.Methods The study subjects were pediatric patients with growth hormone deficiency,all of whom received a combination therapy of stanozolol tablets 2 mg(qd)and 0.1 U·kg-1·d-1 of recombinant human growth hormone injection for a continuous period of one year.After one year,the patients were divided into active group and invalid group based on clinical outcomes.Comparisons were made between the two groups in terms of height,annual growth velocity(GV)and height standard deviation score(HtSDS)before and after treatment,and safety evaluations were conducted.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors that influenced the treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with growth hormone deficiency.Results After one year of treatment,a total of 93 cases pediatric patients were included in the analysis,with 62 cases in the active group and 31 cases in the invalid group.The heights of the patients before and after treatment were(119.40±2.48)and(129.08±2.37)cm,respectively;the GV were(3.08±0.39)and(7.34±1.02)cm·year-1,respectively;the HtSDS were-2.45±0.49 and-1.68±0.35,respectively,with statistically significant differences observed for all comparisons(all P＜0.05).In the active and invalid groups,the proportions of patients with GV＜3.0 cm·year-1 before treatment were 32.26％and 58.06％,respectively;the proportions of patients with peak growth hormone(GH)levels＜5.0 ng·mL-1 before treatment were 30.65％and 54.84％,respectively;the average maternal heights were(158.83±5.76)and(155.48±6.58)cm,respectively,with statistically significant differences observed for all comparisons(all P＜0.05).The results of the Logistic regression model showed that GV＜3.0 cm·year-1 before treatment,peak GH levels＜5.0 ng·mL-1 before treatment,and a shorter maternal height were independent risk factors for poor treatment outcomes with rhGH in pediatric patients with growth hormone deficiency(all P＜0.05).No severe adverse reactions occurred during the treatment of any patient;seven patients experienced pain at the injection site,one patient had a slight increase in blood glucose,and five patients had mild decreased appetite.The total incidence of adverse drug reactions were 13.98％(13 cases/93 cases).Conclusion Treatment with rhGH for pediatric patients with growth hormone deficiency can significantly improve height development and has good safety,but it is influenced by factors such as growth velocity,peak GH levels,and maternal height.

Objective To design a shared appointment pool system to realize shared appointment resources for on-line and off-line ways based on data synchronization and information sharing.Methods The system was designed with Internet Plus on-line and off-line intelligent medical appointment platform,which used Oracle 11g database for data storage and the front-end server and data center server for data exchange.PowerBuilder language and Java language were used for the development of the system,and there were five functional modules included in the system for appointment resource definition,appointment resource generation,appointment resource distribution,appointment list adjustment and outpatient consultation arrangement.Results The system developed contributed to unified managment of on-line and off-line appointment resources,and could be used for tracing,summarization and analysis of appointment resources.Conclusion The system developed realizes the synch-ronization of multi-way consultation data and the maximum sharing of appointment resources under the background of smart healthcare,which is of conducive for improving the utilization rate of medical resources.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):42-47]