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.

Sichuan Province is a hilly schistosomiasis-endemic province in China with the highest endemicity and largest coverage. During the period of more than 70 years of integrated control, there are five distinct phases of schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province, including baseline investigation, Oncomelania hupensis snail control, chemotherapy for both humans and livestock, management of source of Schistosoma japonicum infections, and sustained control and intensified surveillance and early warning, and a package of key interventions are implemented, including environmental modification, snail control with chemical treatment, large-scale chemotherapy for humans and livestock, management of source of S. japonicum infections, intensified integrated control, establishment of an early warning and surveillance system. As a result, schistosomiasis has been eliminated across all 63 disease-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Sichuan Province by June 2025. Government-led multi-sectoral collaborations, science and technology-supported precision control strategies, and a sustainable control model tailored to the ecological and socio-economic conditions in endemic regions are essential to achieving the target of schistosomiasis elimination in Sichuan Province.

BACKGROUND: The use of inserted sham acupuncture as a placebo in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is controversial, because it may produce specific effects that cause an underestimation of the effect of acupuncture treatment. OBJECTIVE: This systematic survey investigates the magnitude of insert-specific effects of sham acupuncture and whether they affect the estimation of acupuncture treatment effects. SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify acupuncture RCTs from their inception until December 2022. INCLUSION CRITERIA: RCTs that evaluated the effects of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture and no treatment. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: The total effect measured for an acupuncture treatment group in RCTs were divided into three components, including the natural history and/or regression to the mean effect (controlled for no-treatment group), the placebo effect, and the specific effect of acupuncture. The first two constituted the contextual effect of acupuncture, which is mimicked by a sham acupuncture treatment group. The proportion of acupuncture total effect size was considered to be 1. The proportion of natural history and/or regression to the mean effect (PNE) and proportional contextual effect (PCE) of included RCTs were pooled using meta-analyses with a random-effect model. The proportion of acupuncture placebo effect was the difference between PCE and PNE in RCTs with non-inserted sham acupuncture. The proportion of insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture (PIES) was obtained by subtracting the proportion of acupuncture placebo effect and PNE from PCE in RCTs with inserted sham acupuncture. The impact of PIES on the estimation of acupuncture's treatment effect was evaluated by quantifying the percentage of RCTs that the effect of outcome changed from no statistical difference to statistical difference after removing PIES in the included studies, and the impact of PIES was externally validated in other acupuncture RCTs with an inserted sham acupuncture group that were not used to calculate PIES. RESULTS: This analysis included 32 studies with 5492 patients. The overall PNE was 0.335 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.255-0.415) and the PCE of acupuncture was 0.639 (95% CI, 0.567-0.710) of acupuncture's total effect. The proportional contribution of the placebo effect to acupuncture's total effect was 0.191, and the PIES was 0.189. When we modeled the exclusion of the insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture, the acupuncture treatment effect changed from no difference to a significant difference in 45.45% of the included RCTs, and in 40.91% of the external validated RCTs. CONCLUSION The insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture in RCTs represents 18.90% of acupuncture's total effect and significantly affects the evaluation of the acupuncture treatment effect. More than 40% of RCTs that used inserted sham acupuncture would draw different conclusions if the PIES had been controlled for. Considering the impact of the insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture, caution should be taken when using inserted sham acupuncture placebos in RCTs. Please cite this article as: Luo XC, Liu JL, Yao MH, Chen YM, Fan AY, Liang FR, Zhao JP, Zhao L, Zhou X, Zhong XY, Yang JH, Li B, Zhang Y, Sun X, Li L. Specific effect of inserted sham acupuncture and its impact on the estimation of acupuncture treatment effect in randomized controlled trials: A systematic survey. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):630-640.
Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Placebo Effect ; Placebos ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF. METHODS: Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus. RESULTS: LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response. CONCLUSION The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Lassa Fever/virology* ; Lassa virus/classification* ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny

Objective To evaluate the resuscitation efficacy of novel lyophilized platelets(LP,thrombin-stimulated platelets)combined with lactated Ringer's(LR)solution in rabbits with hemorrhagic shock and seawater immersion.Methods Fifty rabbits were randomly assigned to 5 groups(Groups A,B,C,D and E,n=10).After all rabbits were anesthetized with 3%pentobarbital sodium at a dose of 1 mL/kg,soft tissue injury was inflicted in the left lower limb.The blood loss from the soft tissue injury was quantified after gauze hemostasis.The right lower limb was subjected to femoral artery catheterization,followed by blood withdrawal equivalent to 26%of the total blood volume of the rabbit.The rabbits were then vertically immersed in 3%artificial seawater,with the water level reaching above the xiphoid process,and were retrieved in 15 min later.Resuscitation strategies were applied to the rabbits from different group:Group A(no resuscitation),Group B(resuscitation with LR solution),Group C(resuscitation with LR solution and fresh platelets),Group D(resuscitation with LR solution and LP),and Group E(resuscitation with LR solution and novel LP).Coagulation function test,routine blood test,blood gas analysis,and thromboelastography were conducted at baseline and at 1,2 and 4 h after injury.Results The LP and rabbit model of hemorrhagic shock and seawater immersion were successfully prepared.At 1 h after injury,the mean arterial pressure(MAP)of Groups C,D and E(infused with platelet preparations)was significantly higher than that of Group A(without resuscitation,P<0.05);the lactate(Lac)content of Group C was obviously lower than that of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the base excess(BE)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels of Groups C,D and E were notably lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);and the prothrombin time(PT)of Group A was significantly longer than that of before injury(P<0.05).At 2 h after injury,the MAP of Groups C and D was significantly higher than that of Groups A and B,and that of Group E was notably higher than that of Group A(P<0.05);the Lac content of Groups C and E was obviously lower than that of Groups A and B,while that of Group D was also lower than that of Group A(P<0.05);the BE and BUN levels of Groups C,D and E were remarkably lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the maximum amplitude(MA)value of Group C was higher than that of Group A,while the value of Groups A and D at this time was significantly lower than the corresponding value before injury(P<0.05);and the activated partial clotting time(APTT)of Groups A and D was statistically longer than the corresponding baseline time(P<0.05).At 4 h after injury,the MAP of Groups C,D,and E was higher than that of Groups A and B,and that of Group B was higher than that of Group A(P<0.05);the Lac and BUN levels of Groups C,D,and E were lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the BE level of Groups C and D were lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the MA value of Groups B,C,and E were higher than those of Group A(P<0.05),while the MA value and APTT value of Groups A and D were significantly lower than their corresponding baseline values(P<0.05).Conclusion For rabbits with hemorrhagic shock and seawater immersion,the novel LP combined with LR solution can significantly increase the MAP level,reduce Lac content,and sustainably maintain blood clot firmness and coagulation function.

Thoracolumbar spine fracture often leads to severe pain, functional impairments, and neurological deficits, for which open reduction and internal fixation can effectively restore the spinal structural stability. Open decompression and reduction with internal fixation can help relieve spinal cord compression and improve spinal function in cases of concomitant cord injury. Although spinal stability can be restored through surgery, patients often face chronic pain and functional impairments postoperatively. A postoperative rehabilitation program is critical in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the risk of secondary injuries. However, current rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, functional training, and pain management, are confronted with problems in clinical practice, including significant variation in efficacy, poor patient adherence, and prolonged rehabilitation period. There is an urgent need for a unified rehabilitation strategy to address these problems. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Spine Health Professional Committee of the Chinese Human Health Technology Promotion Association organized experts from relevant fields to formulate Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults ( version 2025) by integrating evidences from clinical researches and advanced rehabilitation concepts at home and abroad. A total number of 14 recommendations concerning the rehabilitation treatment with multimodal analgesia, psychological intervention, deep vein thrombosis prevention, core muscle and extremity exercise, appropriate use of braces, early weight-bearing, device-aided rehabilitation exercise, neuroregulatory therapy, rehabilitation team were put forward, aiming to standardize the post-operative rehabilitation process following internal fixation, promote the functional recovery, and enhance patients′ quality of life.

Objective:To understand the usage situation of e-cigarettes among residents aged 18-65 in Beijing, explore the relationship between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking as well as smoking cessation behaviors, and provide scientific support for the developing and improving policies and measures related to e-cigarettes.Methods:Using 19 684 residents data from the Beijing Non-communication Chronic Disease and Risk Factors Surveillance in 2022, complex sampling weighted methods were used to estimate proportions, and complex sampling logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the relationship between e-cigarette use, cigarette smoking, and smoking cessation.Results:Among all study participants, the proportion of those who had ever used e-cigarettes was 3.36%, with the current e-cigarette use at 1.26%. The proportion of current e-cigarette users (1.87%) and the former e-cigarette users (3.47%) were higher ( χ2=64.70, P<0.001) among males compared to females (0.60% and 0.64% respectively). The top three reasons for using e-cigarettes were wanting to quit smoking, perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful, and enjoying the flavors of e-cigarettes. 83.54% of e-cigarette users started with cigarettes. The results of the complex sampling multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that current smoking ( OR=61.35, 95% CI: 36.98-101.76) and former smoking ( OR=31.20, 95% CI: 15.52-62.71) were positively associated with e-cigarette, while current e-cigarette use ( OR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.04-0.39) was negatively associated with quitting cigarette smoking. Conclusions:The proportion of e-cigarette use in Beijing was relatively low. E-cigarette use was associated with cigarette use and was not conducive to smoking cessation. Therefore, stronger regulatory measures and health education campaigns regarding the risks of e-cigarettes should be implemented.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP)is an environmental pollutant commonly found in plastic products and has toxic effects on female reproductive system.DEHP can interfere with the synthesis of progesterone,testosterone and estradiol through female hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis,aggravate insulin resistance and obesity by affecting glucose and lipid metabolism,and cause ovarian damage through inducing oxidative stress,excessive autophagy and pyroptosis of oocyte or granulosa cells.It can also alter epigenetic genes relating to follicular development and prevent follicles from mature.These factors are closely contribute to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome.We systematically summarizes the mechanism of DEHP interfering with ovarian function and inducing polycystic ovary syndrome,in order to provide help for the prevention and treatment of female reproductive injury from environmental pollutant.

Objective:To analyze the prevalence trends and epidemiological characteristics of cardiometabolic multimorbidity(CMM) in Beijing from 2005 to 2022.Methods:A series of representative cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Beijing between 2005 and 2022 using a stratified multistage cluster random sampling method. A total of 110 496 permanent residents aged 18-79 years participated in face-to-face interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory testing. Complex sampling logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with CMM, and Joinpoint regression was used to assess temporal trends in prevalence. Results:The prevalence of CMM was 22.3% in 2005 and 24.3% in 2022, with an average annual percent change of 0.1%(95% CI -1.3%-1.3%, P>0.05). In rural areas, the prevalence increased by 1.3% per year(95% CI 0.2%-2.6%, P<0.05), while among obese individuals, it decreased by 1.0% annually( P<0.05). The most common CMM patterns were hypertension combined with dyslipidemia(13.2%), hypertension combined with diabetes(7.0%), and diabetes combined with dyslipidemia(5.8%). The prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia comorbidity showed a long-term decline among females, those aged 60-79 and obese individuals( P<0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes comorbidity increased over time in rural residents and individuals with normal body weight( P<0.05). Furthermore, diabetes and dyslipidemia comorbidity rates increased significantly among males, adults aged 18-59 years, those with a college education or above, rural residents and individuals with normal body weight( P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that male, older age, overweight, obese, and lower education level were independently associated with a higher risk of CMM( P<0.05). Conclusion:From 2005 to 2022, the prevalence of CMM remained high among adults in Beijing. While prevalence decreased among obese individuals, it increased significantly in rural areas. Hypertension combined with dyslipidemia was the most common multimorbidity pattern throughout the study period.

Objective:To develop an artificial intelligence system using fully convolutional neural networks（FCN）to assist echocardiographers in the quantitative assessment of mitral regurgitation（MR）severity.Methods:From August 2021 to June 2024，echocardiographic images of 441 patients with MR were prospectively collected from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and the Central Hospital of Wuhan. After screening，a total of 269 patients（4 917 frames）were included in the study. Of these，3 644 frames（128 patients）of apical four-chamber color Doppler MR flow convergence images from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were selected as the training/validation set，while images from 121 patients（813 frames）were used as the internal test set. Additionally，images from 20 patients（460 frames）from the Central Hospital of Wuhan were selected as the external test set. The FCN algorithm was employed to capture features and segment the MR color region on the left atrial side，simultaneously outputting the regurgitant radius（r）for the calculation of the effective regurgitant orifice area and regurgitant volume. The severity of MR was then classified according to the 2017 guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography. The segmentation and classification performance of the model was evaluated，and the measurement results of the AI system was compared with that of both senior and junior physicians.Results:In the internal test set，the accuracy of r identification for cases classified as Grade Ⅰ to Ⅳ was 0.48，0.81，0.86，and 0.87，respectively. In the external test set，the accuracy of r identification for cases classified as Grade Ⅰ to Ⅳ was 0.60，0.77，0.64，and 0.77，respectively. The average accuracy of MR classification in the internal and external test sets was 0.91 and 0.88，respectively.Conclusions:The FCN model is capable of segmenting the left atrial side regurgitant areas in apical four-chamber heart color Doppler images，aiding physicians in obtaining quantitative assessment parameters for MR，and assisting junior physicians in accurately assessing the severity of MR.