Objective To explore the causal relationship between immune cells and heart failure (HF), and the mediating role of serum metabolites, in order to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, analyzing the direct and indirect effects of 731 types of immune cells and 1 400 metabolites on HF. We selected valid instrumental variables and conducted statistical analyses using R software. The primary analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted method, supplemented by MR-Egger analysis and weighted median method. The stability of the results was assessed through tests such as Cochran’s Q test. Results Our research found a negative causal relationship between PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ and HF. Sensitivity analysis supported this result. The reverse MR analysis did not find an effect of HF on PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+, indicating that PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ might play a unidirectional role in reducing the risk of HF. Further mediation MR analysis showed that PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ might influence the risk of HF onset by regulating the levels of sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), with a mediation effect ratio of 6.7%. Conclusion PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ may reduce the risk of HF by elevating the levels of sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), which provides a new perspective for understanding the pathogenesis of HF.

Quality control (QC) of biospecimens from oral and maxillofacial tumors patients constitutes a critical foundation for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and precision medicine research of these diseases. Biospecimen quality directly governs the discovery and validation of disease biomarkers, the elucidation of pathogenesis, and the efficacy of clinical translation. QC spans the entire biospecimen lifecycle—encompassing collection, processing, storage, transportation, and utilization. Its primary objectives are to ensure sample integrity, reliability, traceability, and consistency, thereby guaranteeing the robustness of research data; the accuracy of molecular subtyping, biomarker identification, and treatment response prediction; and the precision of clinical decision-making. However, current QC frameworks for these biospecimens remain underdeveloped. Drawing on domestic and international technical standards, regulatory guidelines, and recent research advances, this paper elaborates on the importance of implementing a QC management system throughout the biospecimen lifecycle. It focuses on QC methodologies tailored to diverse biospecimen types, examining how standardized sampling procedures, regulated preprocessing workflows, and optimized long-term storage conditions influence sample quality. We aim to provide concrete guidance and a transferable paradigm for establishing standardized QC protocols and an informatics-enabled traceability system specific to oral and maxillofacial tumors. Such efforts are intended to enhance the research value and clinical utility of these biospecimens, furnishing reliable sample resources and technical support for the development of precision diagnostics and therapeutics. Furthermore, we advocate for a dual-track “QC plus Ethics” management framework within biobanks. This approach would reinforce ethical and legal safeguards, establishing a robust barrier to support safe scientific innovation and clinical translation.

Objective To understand the distribution, species composition, seasonal fluctuations, and presence of Dabie bandavirus in ticks in Tai'an City, providing a basis for assessing tick-borne disease risks and formulating prevention strategies. Methods Free-living ticks were monitored using the flagging method, whereas parasitic ticks were monitored through host surface examination. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the presence of Bandavirus dabieense in tick specimens. Results The density of free-living ticks in Tai'an City showed a continuous decreasing trend over the 3 years from 2021 to 2023, with an average tick density of 0.43 ticks/(flag·100 m). The dominant habitats were scenic areas and forests, and the seasonal fluctuations exhibited a bimodal pattern, peaking in March and August. The only free-living tick species captured was Haemaphysalis longicornis. Over the 3 years, the average tick index for parasitic ticks was 1.85, with sheep as the primary host. Seasonal fluctuations also followed a bimodal pattern, peaking in March and August. The primary parasitic tick species captured were H. longicornis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. No Dabie bandavirus was detected in the tick specimens. Conclusions Tick density in Tai'an City remains relatively high, necessitating continued efforts to enhance tick surveillance and implement targeted prevention measures in rural environments to further reduce the health risks posed by tick-borne diseases.

In recent years, with the clinical application of minimally invasive surgical techniques and comprehensive preoperative treatment, the survival rate of locally advanced esophageal cancer has significantly improved. However, the treatment of metastatic esophagogastric cancer still relies mainly on systemic therapy, and immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has become a first-line treatment option, prolonging the survival of patients with metastatic esophageal cancer. Oligometastatic esophageal cancer is expected to bring survival benefits through systemic therapy combined with local treatment. The 2024 European clinical practice guidelines for oligometastatic esophagogastric cancer have been officially released, which standardize the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of oligometastatic esophageal cancer for further prospective studies. The authors interpret this guideline, especially by reviewing the clinical evidence of oligometastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic esophageal cancer in China.

Objective To analyze the burden and epidemic trends of gastric cancer in China from 1990 to 2021, and to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of effective prevention and control strategies. Methods　Data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database were used to extract the number of the incidence, prevalence, and death cases, as well as the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) for gastric cancer in China from 1990 to 2021. The corresponding crude rates and age-standardized rates were calculated. The Joinpoint regression model was employed to analyze the trends in the burden of gastric cancer, and a comprehensive examination was conducted from multiple dimensions including age, gender, and time. Results From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of gastric cancer in China decreased from 48.03 per 100,000 to 29.05 per 100,000, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) decreased from 67.17 per 100,000 to 57.23 per 100,000, the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) decreased from 46.05 per 100,000 to 21.51 per 100,000, and the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) decreased from 1181.61 per 100,000 to 501.26 per 100,000. The AAPCs of ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR were -1.61%, -0.50%, -2.44%, and -2.75%, respectively. The incidence, prevalence, mortality and DALY rates showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing with age. Although females had higher incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY numbers in the older age groups, males exhibited higher crude rates across all age groups. Conclusion　The overall disease burden of gastric cancer in China showed a downward trend from 1990 to 2021, and men and middle-aged and elderly people are the key populations for prevention and control efforts.

Objective To analyze etiology and DNA genotypes of human adenovirus (HAdV) in 5566 children with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI). Methods A total of 5 566 children with ALRI admitted to the hospital were between October 2023 and October 2024, and their nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected. HAdV and the other etiology were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The viruses isolation in HAdV positive samples was performed, and DNA genotypes of the isolated viruses were detected by PCR amplification. The clinical characteristics of children with ALRI-HAdV and different DNA genotypes were analyzed. Results Among the 5 566 children with ALRI, positive rate of HAdV was 27.56% (1534/5566). The positive rate was the highest in those with age of 3-6 years (57.51%). There was HAdV infection throughout the year, and the incidence was the highest in summer (41.39%). Among 1534 children with HAdV positive, there were 976 cases with pneumonia and 558 cases with bronchitis. The common clinical manifestations were fever, cough, dry and sore throat, and common complications were respiratory failure and myocardial injury. There were 1201 children with successful classifications, proportions of HAV-B, HAV-C and HAV-E were 53.04%, 42.96% and 4.00%, respectively. The detection rate of HAV-B3 in subgroup B was the highest (34.05%), followed by HaV-C1 in subgroup C (19.48%). There was no difference in distribution of HAdV classifications among children with different genders and age (P>0.05). However, there were differences in distribution of HAdV classifications among admission children in different seasons (P<0.05). Among 1201 children, there were 457 cases with single HAdV infection and 744 cases with mixed infection, and incidence of mixed infection (Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection + influenza virus infection) was higher. Conclusions The incidence of HAdV infection is the highest in ALRI children with age of 3-6 years, and the onset is mainly in summer. The main infection type is Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection + influenza virus infection, main manifestations include fever, cough, dry throat and sore throat, and main genotypes of HAdV infection include HAdV-B3 and HAdV-C1.

Objective To develop a radiomics nomogram based on contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) for preoperative prediction of high-risk and low-risk thymomas. Methods Clinical data of patients with thymoma who underwent surgical resection and pathological confirmation at Northern Jiangsu People&#39;s Hospital from January 2018 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Feature selection was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. An ExtraTrees classifier was used to construct the radiomics signature model and the radiomics signature. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was applied to analyze clinical-radiological characteristics and identify variables for developing a clinical model. The radiomics nomogram model was developed by combining the radiomics signature and clinical features. Model performance was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value. Calibration curves and decision curves were plotted to assess model accuracy and clinical values. Results A total of 120 patients including 59 females and 61 males with an average age of 56.30±12.10 years. There were 84 patients in the training group and 36 in the validation group, 62 in the low-risk thymoma group and 58 in the high-risk thymoma group. Radiomics features (1 038 in total) were extracted from the arterial phase of CECT scans, among which 6 radiomics features were used to construct the radiomics signature. The radiomics nomogram model, combining clinical-radiological characteristics and the radiomics signature, achieved an AUC of 0.872 in the training group and 0.833 in the validation group. Decision curve analysis demonstrated better clinical efficacy of the radiomics nomogram than the radiomics signature and clinical model. Conclusion The radiomics nomogram based on CECT showed good diagnostic value in distinguishing high-risk and low-risk thymoma, which may provide a noninvasive and efficient method for clinical decision-making.

目的：探讨LINC00958/血管内皮生长因子C（VEGF-C）信号通路在宫颈癌的淋巴管生成和淋巴转移中的作用。方法：从2020年9月至2022年9月期间在河南省人民医院接受手术的患者中收集了42例宫颈癌组织标本，通过qPCR检测宫颈癌组织和宫颈癌细胞（Hela、C33A、SiHa、Caski）中LINC00958的表达情况。将LINC00958过表达载体（LINC00958组）或对照载体（CMV组）转染Caski细胞，敲减LINC00958（shLINC00958组）、VEGF-C（shVEGF-C组）的shRNA序列或阴性对照shRNA（shNC组）转染SiHa细胞。分别通过CCK-8法、Transwell实验检测过表达或敲减LINC00958对宫颈癌细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响。观察转染后细胞的培养上清液对人淋巴管内皮细胞（HLEC）淋巴管形成能力的影响。建立小鼠腘淋巴结转移模型，观察过表达LINC00958或同时敲减VEGF-C对宫颈癌淋巴结转移的影响。结果：LINC00958在宫颈癌组织中呈高表达（P<0.001），高水平的LINC00958与大肿瘤、晚期肿瘤分级、浸润深度和淋巴转移有关联（P<0.05或P<0.01）。与正常人宫颈上皮细胞ende1617相比，宫颈癌细胞中LINC00958水平均显著升高（P<0.01或P<0.001）。shLINC00958组SiHa细胞的增殖、迁移、侵袭能力及其培养上清液的促HLEC淋巴管形成能力均显著低于shNC组（P<0.05、P<0.01或P<0.001），LINC00958组Caski细胞的增殖、迁移、侵袭能力及其培养上清液的促HLEC淋巴管形成能力显著高于CMV组（P<0.05、P<0.01或P<0.001）。通过RNA下拉、RNA免疫沉淀实验发现宫颈癌细胞中LINC00958能够特异性结合VEGF-C。LINC00958+shVEGF-C组Caski细胞的增殖、迁移、侵袭能力及其培养上清液的促淋巴管形成能力显著低于LINC00958组（P<0.01或P<0.001）；在小鼠腘淋巴结转移模型中，LINC00958+shVEGF-C组中小鼠腘窝淋巴结的体积和VEGF-C蛋白、N-cadherin蛋白以及LYVE-1的阳性细胞比例均显著低于LINC00958组（均P<0.001）。结论：LINC00958通过直接与VEGF-C蛋白相互作用增强宫颈癌细胞的增殖、侵袭、淋巴管生成能力，促进小鼠腘淋巴结转移模型的淋巴结转移。

Objective To understand the characteristics and temporal trends of stroke incidence in the household population of Shanghai&#39;s Qingpu District and to provide a basis for the development of comprehensive prevention and control strategies. Methods The stroke case database for Qingpu District from 2017-2022 was obtained from the Shanghai Stroke and Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry and Reporting Information System. The average age of onset, incidence rate, standardised incidence rate, and constitutive ratio were calculated. Independent samples t-tests were used for comparisons between groups, 2-tests and 2-trend tests for comparisons of rates, and the Joinpoint regression model for calculating the annual percentage change (APC) to analyse the temporal trend of rates. Results Between 2017 and 2022, the average age of stroke onset in the household population of Shanghai&#39;s Qingpu District was 73.69±11.60 years. The average annual incidence rate was 556.62/100 000, with an average annual standardised incidence rate of 333.76/100000. There was an increasing trend in the incidence and standardised incidence of stroke in males (APC=7.06%, t=3.44, P=0.03, APC=5.32%, t=3.04, P=0.04). The incidence of stroke increases with age, with cases mainly concentrated in those aged 65 years and above, accounting for 79.47%. Ischemic stroke dominates the stroke typology, accounting for 91.08% of cases, while the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke shows an increasing trend (APC=4.64%, t=4.59, P=0.01). Conclusion The occurrence of stroke in the general population of Shanghai’s Qingpu District is concerning. The study indicates that males, individuals aged 65 years and above, and ischaemic stroke are significant factors that require attention for stroke prevention and control.

Objective: To study the clinical efficacy of biological ceramics (iRoot BP Plus ) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in direct pulp capping of mature permanent teeth, to provide referrence for clinical application. Methods : Seventy-four patients with pulp exposure due to deep caries or reversible pulpitis in 75 mature permanent teeth were selected and were randomly divided into two groups. iRoot BP Plus were used as pulp capping agents in the treatment group and MTA were used as pulp capping agents in the control group respectively. The clinical efficacy and imaging analysis were performed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. Treatment success rate of the two groups were calculated, and the influence of various factors including gender, age, tooth position, cavity, number and size of pulp exposure on the efficacy of direct pulp capping were analyzed. Results : Sixty patients with 61 mature permanent teeth were selected. Twelve mouths after treatment, 61 teeth of 60 patents were completely investigated (iRoot group: 31 teeth 30 patients; MTA group: 30 teeth 30 patients). The success rates of the 2 groups were 90.3% (iRoot BP Plus) and 90.0% (MTA), respectively. There was no statistical difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). Statistical analysis also showed that gender, age, tooth position, cavity, number and size of pulp exposure had no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Both iRoot BP Plus and MTA are effective in direct pulp capping of mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure, while the operation of iRoot is simple and convenient.