Objective:To evaluate the effect of intraoperative optimization of regional cerebral oxygen saturation(rSO 2C) intervention on postoperative delirium(POD) in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). Methods:Two hundred and seventy-three pediatric patients of both sexes, aged 28 days-6 yr, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification ≤Ⅳ, scheduled for elective cardiac surgery under CPB, were divided into intervention group( n=136) and control group( n=137) based on the computer random coding. In intervention group, optimized intervention measures were given when rSO 2C was below 75% of the baseline value for more than 1 min. In control group, rSO 2C was not monitored during operation, and intraoperative management was performed according to the routine monitoring indicators of pediatric cardiac surgery under CPB. The occurrence of POD within 7 days after operation was evaluated, and the duration and first occurrence time of POD were recorded. Results:Compared with control group, no significant change was found in the incidence of POD( P>0.05), the first occurrence time of POD was significantly prolonged, and the duration of POD was shortened in intervention group( P<0.05). Conclusions:Intraoperative optimization of rSO 2C intervention can delay the time to the first occurrence of POD and shorten the duration in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery under CPB.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of the flipped classroom combined with 3D body anatomy software in the teaching of ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block.Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, 100 second-year resident physicians from the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at our hospital, male or female, aged 22-26 yr, who rotated during January 2023 to January 2025, were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=50 each) using a table of random numbers: experimental group and control group. Experimental group employed the teaching model of flipped classroom combined with 3D body anatomy software, while control group used the traditional teaching model. The scores of theoretical assessment, accuracy rate of ultrasound image identification, scores of procedural skills, success rates of clinical procedure, teaching satisfaction, and success rates of clinical translation after 1 month follow-up were compared between two groups. Results:Compared with control group, the scores of theoretical assessment, accuracy rate of ultrasound image identification, scores of procedural skills, success rates of clinical procedure, teaching satisfaction, and success rates of clinical translation after 1 month follow-up were significantly increased in experimental group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The combination of flipped classroom and 3D body anatomy software is more effective than the traditional teaching methods when used for teaching of ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a burdensome, often overlooked condition. This study aimed to investigate the global distribution and trends in the burden of infertility from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: We obtained data on the prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) related to infertility from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study and evaluated them by calculating the estimated annual percentage change in age-standardized rates. We investigated the relationship between sociodemographic index (SDI) and the burden of infertility on the global, regional, and national levels. RESULTS: In 2021, there were 143,261,562 female and 55,481,380 male infertility cases worldwide, respectively. In China, female and male infertility cases accounted for 23.59% and 21.47% of the global totals, reaching 33,795,944 and 11,909,889, respectively. Compared with 2019, the global number of female and male infertility cases increased by 5,286,227 in females and 2,017,271 in males. In contrast, China saw a decline in both female and male infertility cases, with reductions of 698,735 and 154,591, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) and age-standardized YLDs rate (ASYR) for female infertility both increased by 0.59% annually, whereas these two corresponding indicators for male infertility increased by 0.50% annually worldwide. The burden of female infertility was consistently higher than that of male infertility and demonstrated a faster rate of increase. East Asia had the highest ASPR and ASYR for female infertility, whereas Eastern Europe had the highest metrics for male infertility. A horizontal S-shaped association was observed between the SDI and ASPR and ASYR of infertility, with a rapid decline in the infertility burden when the SDI exceeded 0.7. CONCLUSIONS The global burden of infertility has increased over the years, with a higher burden on women and underdeveloped regions. These findings emphasize the need to prioritize healthcare for patients with infertility to address the rising burden.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Global Burden of Disease ; Prevalence ; Infertility/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Infertility, Male/epidemiology* ; Persons with Disabilities/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Infertility, Female/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years

The personalized patient preference predictor proposed in 2024 has sparked widespread discussion. It mainly integrates machine learning with fine-tuning large language models to extract patients’ medical preferences by training and analyzing patients’ personalized sample data， to achieve better treatment. Combined with the current research situation， this paper pointed out its application dilemma： that is， the risks of inductive and analogical reasoning trigger its technical dilemma in accurate prediction， process explanation， and functional evaluation， ultimately leading to the ethical dilemma of the reduction of subject autonomy. Its solution paths were also clarified， including introducing substantive induction theory and substantive analogy theory to ensure the validity of sample data； implementing technology integration， perspective change， and evaluation system construction to improve the accuracy of prediction； as well as clarifying the priority of human subject status to protect the patient’s subjective autonomy. These showed that the personalized patient preference predictor has important social value and practical significance.

Objective:To evaluate the predictive value of whole blood cell derived inflammatory marker (including systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), neutrophil count/lymphocyte count (NLR), platelet count/lymphocyte count (PLR), and monocyte count/lymphocyte count (MLR)) and in combination with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with chronic heart failure hospitalized in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from January 2019 to August 2022 were enrolled. Patients were followed up and were divided into survival group and death group according to the follow-up results. Clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of each whole blood cell derived inflammatory marker for predicting all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn, and log-rank test was used to compare the difference in survival of chronic heart failure patients with different levels of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the effects of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers and NT-proBNP on the all-cause death of patients with chronic heart failure. ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive value of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers combined with NT-proBNP on the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.Results:A total of 324 patients with heart failure aged (64.76±13.78) years were enrolled, with 212 males (65.43%). 297 patients (91.67%) completed follow-up, 27 patients (8.33%) were lost to follow-up. The follow-up time was 24.0 (18.0, 41.8) months. There were 258 patients in the survival group and 66 patients in the death group. The optimal cut-off values of SII, SIRI, NLR, PLR and MLR determined by ROC curve were 739.83, 1.65, 3.14, 151.95 and 0.37, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with chronic heart failure with high levels of SII (≥739.83), SIRI (≥1.65), NLR (≥3.14), PLR (≥151.95) and MLR (≥0.37) had higher incidence of all-cause death than patients with low levels of inflammatory markers (all P<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that age ( HR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, P=0.002), NT-proBNP ( HR=2.93, 95% CI 1.64-5.23, P<0.001), SII≥739.83 ( HR=3.27, 95% CI 1.18-9.02, P=0.022) and PLR≥151.95 ( HR=2.67, 95% CI 1.02-6.96, P=0.045) were independent predictors of all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. ROC curve analysis showed that the predictive value of SII and PLR combined with NT-proBNP ( AUC=0.850) for the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure was better than that of SII ( AUC=0.779)、PLR ( AUC=0.782)、NT-proBNP ( AUC=0.727) and CRP ( AUC=0.668) alone (all P<0.001). Conclusions:Whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers——SII, PLR, and NT-pro BNP were independently associated with all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. SII and PLR can independently predict the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure, combination of SII and PLR with NT-pro BNP has better predictive value for the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl₄ and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of intraoperative optimization of regional cerebral oxygen saturation(rSO 2C) intervention on postoperative delirium(POD) in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). Methods:Two hundred and seventy-three pediatric patients of both sexes, aged 28 days-6 yr, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification ≤Ⅳ, scheduled for elective cardiac surgery under CPB, were divided into intervention group( n=136) and control group( n=137) based on the computer random coding. In intervention group, optimized intervention measures were given when rSO 2C was below 75% of the baseline value for more than 1 min. In control group, rSO 2C was not monitored during operation, and intraoperative management was performed according to the routine monitoring indicators of pediatric cardiac surgery under CPB. The occurrence of POD within 7 days after operation was evaluated, and the duration and first occurrence time of POD were recorded. Results:Compared with control group, no significant change was found in the incidence of POD( P>0.05), the first occurrence time of POD was significantly prolonged, and the duration of POD was shortened in intervention group( P<0.05). Conclusions:Intraoperative optimization of rSO 2C intervention can delay the time to the first occurrence of POD and shorten the duration in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery under CPB.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of the flipped classroom combined with 3D body anatomy software in the teaching of ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block.Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, 100 second-year resident physicians from the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at our hospital, male or female, aged 22-26 yr, who rotated during January 2023 to January 2025, were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=50 each) using a table of random numbers: experimental group and control group. Experimental group employed the teaching model of flipped classroom combined with 3D body anatomy software, while control group used the traditional teaching model. The scores of theoretical assessment, accuracy rate of ultrasound image identification, scores of procedural skills, success rates of clinical procedure, teaching satisfaction, and success rates of clinical translation after 1 month follow-up were compared between two groups. Results:Compared with control group, the scores of theoretical assessment, accuracy rate of ultrasound image identification, scores of procedural skills, success rates of clinical procedure, teaching satisfaction, and success rates of clinical translation after 1 month follow-up were significantly increased in experimental group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The combination of flipped classroom and 3D body anatomy software is more effective than the traditional teaching methods when used for teaching of ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block.

Objective:To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of X-linked intellectual disability associated with HUWE1 gene variants.Methods:A cases series study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 6 children with HUWE1 gene variants. The children were identified from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center of Guangzhou Medical University between April 2021 and July 2023.The data included sex, age, dysmorphic features, intellectual and motor development, seizure history, neuroimaging findings, family history, and genetic results was analyzed.Results:A total of 6 children, including 5 boys and 1 girl. The age of onset ranged from 1 day to 3 years. All children presented with varying degrees of intellectual disability, with or without motor developmental delay. Dysmorphic features were observed in 4 children, including microcephaly in 3 children. Short stature were observed in 3 children. One child was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and 1 child had seizures. Two boys had relevant maternal family histories of febrile seizures and mild intellectual disability, respectively. Abnormal neuroimaging findings were presented in 4 children, including cerebral dysplasia (1 child), prominent supratentorial ventricles (1 child), and mild white matter demyelination (2 children). Whole-exome sequencing identified 5 missense variants and 1 in-frame deletion variant. Five variants were novel and previously unreported (c.12290C>T, c.12701T>C, c.9875C>T, c.9641A>T and c.10313_10315del). The variants in 4 boys were maternally inherited, while the remaining 2 children had de novo variants. The child with the in-frame deletion variant (c.10313_10315del) presented with the most severe phenotype, exhibiting symptoms from 1 day of age, absent cognitive development, feeding difficulties, and congenital laryngeal chondrodysplasia. He was lost to follow-up at 3 months of age after treatment was withdrawn. The age at the last follow-up for the remaining 5 children ranged from 2 years and 10 months to 17 years. A boy with seizures died at 2 years and 10 months of age. The remaining 4 children were able to walk independently at the last follow-up, although their developmental progress was slow. Conclusions:HUWE1 gene related X-linked intellectual disability is characterized by varying degrees of developmental delay and intellectual disability, frequently accompanied by microcephaly, short stature, and occasionally by seizures and autism spectrum disorders. Missense variants are more common and the in-frame deletion variant appears to be associated with a particularly severe phenotypic presentation.

Objective:To evaluate the predictive value of whole blood cell derived inflammatory marker (including systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), neutrophil count/lymphocyte count (NLR), platelet count/lymphocyte count (PLR), and monocyte count/lymphocyte count (MLR)) and in combination with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with chronic heart failure hospitalized in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from January 2019 to August 2022 were enrolled. Patients were followed up and were divided into survival group and death group according to the follow-up results. Clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of each whole blood cell derived inflammatory marker for predicting all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn, and log-rank test was used to compare the difference in survival of chronic heart failure patients with different levels of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the effects of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers and NT-proBNP on the all-cause death of patients with chronic heart failure. ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive value of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers combined with NT-proBNP on the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.Results:A total of 324 patients with heart failure aged (64.76±13.78) years were enrolled, with 212 males (65.43%). 297 patients (91.67%) completed follow-up, 27 patients (8.33%) were lost to follow-up. The follow-up time was 24.0 (18.0, 41.8) months. There were 258 patients in the survival group and 66 patients in the death group. The optimal cut-off values of SII, SIRI, NLR, PLR and MLR determined by ROC curve were 739.83, 1.65, 3.14, 151.95 and 0.37, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with chronic heart failure with high levels of SII (≥739.83), SIRI (≥1.65), NLR (≥3.14), PLR (≥151.95) and MLR (≥0.37) had higher incidence of all-cause death than patients with low levels of inflammatory markers (all P<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that age ( HR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, P=0.002), NT-proBNP ( HR=2.93, 95% CI 1.64-5.23, P<0.001), SII≥739.83 ( HR=3.27, 95% CI 1.18-9.02, P=0.022) and PLR≥151.95 ( HR=2.67, 95% CI 1.02-6.96, P=0.045) were independent predictors of all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. ROC curve analysis showed that the predictive value of SII and PLR combined with NT-proBNP ( AUC=0.850) for the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure was better than that of SII ( AUC=0.779)、PLR ( AUC=0.782)、NT-proBNP ( AUC=0.727) and CRP ( AUC=0.668) alone (all P<0.001). Conclusions:Whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers——SII, PLR, and NT-pro BNP were independently associated with all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. SII and PLR can independently predict the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure, combination of SII and PLR with NT-pro BNP has better predictive value for the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.