Objective To assess the accuracy of pN staging prediction in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) using ultrasound radiomics and deep neural networks (DNN). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 375 patients with pathologically confirmed PTC, comprising 261 cases in the training set and 114 in the test set. Staging was categorized as pN0 (no cervical lymph node metastasis), pN1a (central neck lymph node metastasis), and pN1b (lateral neck lymph node metastasis). An ultrasound physician manually segmented the regions of interest (ROIs) for PTC, extracting 1899 radiomic features. Dimensionality reduction was performed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. A DNN model for predicting PTC pN staging was developed using the H2O deep learning platform, trained on the training set, and validated on the test set to assess the accuracy of the optimal model. Results A total of 153 patients were in the pN0 stage, 131 patients in the pN1a stage, and 91 patients in the pN1b stage. LASSO regression selected 15 radiomic features for each PTC. The optimal DNN model, constructed using these 15 features, achieved accuracies of 85.82% on the training set and 81.57% on the test set. Conclusion Ultrasound radiomics of PTC demonstrates high accuracy in predicting pN staging and shows potential for automating N staging in patients.

Background: and Purpose Previous research on patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has shown a 0.5% incidence of major gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) requiring blood transfusion during hospitalization. The existing literature has insufficiently explored the long-term incidence in this population despite the decremental impact of GIB on stroke outcomes. Methods: We analyzed the data from a cohort of patients with AIS admitted to 14 hospitals as part of a nationwide multicenter prospective stroke registry between 2011 and 2013. These patients were followed up for up to 6 years. The occurrence of major GIB events, defined as GIB necessitating at least two units of blood transfusion, was tracked using the National Health Insurance Service claims data. Results: Among 10,818 patients with AIS (male, 59%; mean age, 68±13 years), 947 (8.8%) experienced 1,224 episodes of major GIB over a median follow-up duration of 3.1 years. Remarkably, 20% of 947 patients experienced multiple episodes of major GIB. The incidence peaked in the first month after AIS, reaching 19.2 per 100 person-years, and gradually decreased to approximately one-sixth of this rate by the 2nd year with subsequent stabilization. Multivariable analysis identified the following predictors of major GIB: anemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and a 3-month modified Rankin Scale score of ≥4. Conclusion Patients with AIS are susceptible to major GIB, particularly in the first month after the onset of AIS, with the risk decreasing thereafter. Implementing preventive strategies may be important, especially for patients with anemia and impaired renal function at stroke onset and those with a disabling stroke.

Background: Although total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil is frequently used to optimize intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), the exact effect of remimazolam on IONM remains unknown. Here, we compared the effects of propofol and remimazolam along with remifentanil on IONM during TIVA. Methods: In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 64 patients requiring IONM during cervical spine surgery were administered either propofol (Group P) or remimazolam (Group R). The preoperative latencies of the somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEP; N20 for the median nerve and P37 for the tibial nerve) were measured. SEP latencies and amplitudes and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were measured 30 min after anesthetic induction (T1), 30 min after surgical incision (T2), after laminectomy or discectomy (T3), immediately after plate insertion or pedicle screw fixation (T4), and before surgical wound closure (T5). The primary outcome was the between-group difference in the N20 latency changes measured at T1 and preoperatively. Results: The change in SEP latencies including N20 and P37 at T1 compared with preoperative time was not significantly different between Groups P and R. Except for the amplitude of the right abductor brevis, there was no significant group-by-time interaction effect for intraoperative MEP amplitudes or SEP latencies and amplitudes. Conclusions TIVA with remimazolam and remifentanil for cervical spine surgery yielded stable IONM, comparable to those observed with conventional TIVA with propofol and remifentanil. Further clinical trials are needed in other surgical contexts and with more diverse patient populations to determine the effects of remimazolam on IONM.

Allogeneic stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue, placenta, and umbilical cord blood have shown potential in treating delayed systemic aging and aging-related diseases. Aging induces cellular senescence, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and stem cell depletion, all of which contribute to tissue damage and functional decline. Recent advances in regenerative medicine suggest that allogeneic stem cells can mitigate these aging processes through immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. In particular, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells have gained attention for clinical applications owing to their strong immunomodulatory properties and low immunogenicity. These cells can repair damaged tissues and enhance metabolic and cognitive function by secreting various cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes, offering potential treatment for aging-related conditions such as osteoporosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Both clinical and preclinical studies indicate that allogeneic stem cells play a critical role in alleviating these diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite their therapeutic potential, challenges remain, such as immune compatibility, long-term safety, and the lack of standardized protocols for large-scale production. This review outlines the biological mechanisms by which allogeneic stem cells contribute to delayed aging, summarizes current clinical research, and explores future prospects. Allogeneic stem cells may offer novel strategies for delaying aging and extending lifespan.

Suicidal cases involving sodium nitrite have been reported worldwide. However, postmortem features, such as brownish or grayish livor mortis, remain difficult to interpret, especially as decomposition advances. Here, we present three fatal cases (2020-2023) presumably caused by sodium nitrite ingestion. In these cases, characteristic nitrite-induced changes were inconsistent or obscured by decomposition, but ingestion traces (cup or bottle near the decedents) were observed at each scene. Additionally, containers labeled “sodium nitrite” were found in two cases; however, since sodium nitrite is designated a suicide-hazardous material in South Korea, future scenes may rarely reveal such clear labeling. Although autopsy, including methemoglobin testing, can confirm the cause of death, any delay in the investigative process risks the loss of critical evidence about the ingestion process and other factors. This underscores the importance of focusing on early scene evidence, particularly ingestion traces, and conducting thorough chemical and forensic examinations. Our findings illustrate that timely detection of ingestion-related evidence and subsequent forensic analysis, in conjunction with autopsy results, can elucidate a decedent’s cause and manner of death and clarify any criminal implications.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of modified Huanglian Wendantang on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome under the guidance of treating disease before its onset. MethodsA total of 82 patients with metabolic syndrome treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine from July 2023 to July 2024 were selected and allocated into an observation group （41 cases） and a control group （41 cases） by the random number table method. The control group received routine treatment， and the observation group was treated with modified Huanglian Wendantang on the basis of routine treatment. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The therapeutic effects on TCM symptoms after treatment in the two groups were evaluated. The levels of obesity degree indicators， blood pressure indicators， glucose and lipid metabolism indicators， inflammatory factors， and vascular endothelial function indicators before and after treatment in the two groups were measured， and the treatment safety was evaluated. ResultsAfter treatment， the total response rate of TCM symptoms in the observation group was 97.56% （40/41）， which was higher than that （87.80%， 36/41） in the control group （χ²=5.205， P<0.05）. After treatment， both groups showed declines （P<0.05） in systolic blood pressure （SBD）， diastolic blood pressure （DBP）， triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， fasting blood glucose， 2-hour postprandial blood glucose （2 h PG）， glycosylated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， fasting insulin （FINS）， Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance （HOMA-IR）， body mass index （BMI）， waist circumference （WC）， waist-to-hip ratio （WHR）， leptin （LEP）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， endothelin-1 （ET-1）， and inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）. Moreover， the declines in the observation group were more obvious than those in the control group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. After treatment， both groups showed elevated levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， adiponectin （ADP）， nitric oxide （NO）， and endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS） （P<0.05）， and the above indexes in the observation group were higher than those in the control group （P<0.01）. ConclusionUnder the guidance of the thought of treating disease before its onset， modified Huanglian Wendantang was used to treat patients with metabolic syndrome. The decoction improved the clinical efficacy by ameliorating IR to improve insulin sensitivity， reducing inflammation， and protecting the vascular endothelial function. It inhibits cardiovascular risk factors without inducing adverse reactions， being worthy of clinical application and promotion.

Background: Although total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil is frequently used to optimize intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), the exact effect of remimazolam on IONM remains unknown. Here, we compared the effects of propofol and remimazolam along with remifentanil on IONM during TIVA. Methods: In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 64 patients requiring IONM during cervical spine surgery were administered either propofol (Group P) or remimazolam (Group R). The preoperative latencies of the somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEP; N20 for the median nerve and P37 for the tibial nerve) were measured. SEP latencies and amplitudes and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were measured 30 min after anesthetic induction (T1), 30 min after surgical incision (T2), after laminectomy or discectomy (T3), immediately after plate insertion or pedicle screw fixation (T4), and before surgical wound closure (T5). The primary outcome was the between-group difference in the N20 latency changes measured at T1 and preoperatively. Results: The change in SEP latencies including N20 and P37 at T1 compared with preoperative time was not significantly different between Groups P and R. Except for the amplitude of the right abductor brevis, there was no significant group-by-time interaction effect for intraoperative MEP amplitudes or SEP latencies and amplitudes. Conclusions TIVA with remimazolam and remifentanil for cervical spine surgery yielded stable IONM, comparable to those observed with conventional TIVA with propofol and remifentanil. Further clinical trials are needed in other surgical contexts and with more diverse patient populations to determine the effects of remimazolam on IONM.

Allogeneic stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue, placenta, and umbilical cord blood have shown potential in treating delayed systemic aging and aging-related diseases. Aging induces cellular senescence, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and stem cell depletion, all of which contribute to tissue damage and functional decline. Recent advances in regenerative medicine suggest that allogeneic stem cells can mitigate these aging processes through immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. In particular, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells have gained attention for clinical applications owing to their strong immunomodulatory properties and low immunogenicity. These cells can repair damaged tissues and enhance metabolic and cognitive function by secreting various cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes, offering potential treatment for aging-related conditions such as osteoporosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Both clinical and preclinical studies indicate that allogeneic stem cells play a critical role in alleviating these diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite their therapeutic potential, challenges remain, such as immune compatibility, long-term safety, and the lack of standardized protocols for large-scale production. This review outlines the biological mechanisms by which allogeneic stem cells contribute to delayed aging, summarizes current clinical research, and explores future prospects. Allogeneic stem cells may offer novel strategies for delaying aging and extending lifespan.

Suicidal cases involving sodium nitrite have been reported worldwide. However, postmortem features, such as brownish or grayish livor mortis, remain difficult to interpret, especially as decomposition advances. Here, we present three fatal cases (2020-2023) presumably caused by sodium nitrite ingestion. In these cases, characteristic nitrite-induced changes were inconsistent or obscured by decomposition, but ingestion traces (cup or bottle near the decedents) were observed at each scene. Additionally, containers labeled “sodium nitrite” were found in two cases; however, since sodium nitrite is designated a suicide-hazardous material in South Korea, future scenes may rarely reveal such clear labeling. Although autopsy, including methemoglobin testing, can confirm the cause of death, any delay in the investigative process risks the loss of critical evidence about the ingestion process and other factors. This underscores the importance of focusing on early scene evidence, particularly ingestion traces, and conducting thorough chemical and forensic examinations. Our findings illustrate that timely detection of ingestion-related evidence and subsequent forensic analysis, in conjunction with autopsy results, can elucidate a decedent’s cause and manner of death and clarify any criminal implications.

Objective: To evaluate the intervention effectiveness of co-occurrence and prevention for myopia and obesity among primary and secondary school students, so as to provide a scientific basis for the development of comprehensive intervention measures in myopia and obesity. Methods: From September 2022 to September 2023, a cluster random sampling method was used to select 6 primary schools and 6 junior high schools from Tongzhou District, Beijing. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (914 before intervention and 754 after intervention) and a control group (868 before intervention and 652 after intervention), with an expected duration of one academic year. Based on the RE-AIM framework, integrate resources from families, schools, communities, and medical institutions to develop a school-based intervention technology packagefor the co-occurrence and prevention of myopia and obesity in children. The intervention group received intervention according to the comprehensive intervention technology package, while the control group did not receive any intervention measures. Relevant health indicators during the baseline period and after intervention were measured and collected, and groups were compared by Chi quest test, t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: After intervention, the uncorrected visual acuity of primary and secondary school students in the intervention group (4.79±0.30) and the control group (4.77±0.33) both decreased compared to those before intervention (4.80±0.30, 4.90±0.32) ( t =-7.00,-5.24); the decrease in uncorrected visual acuity in the intervention group was smaller than that in the control group( t =5.33)( P <0.01). After intervention, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and body fat percentage of primary and secondary school students in the intervention group decreased compared to those before intervention. However, the changes in these indicators were not statistically significant ( t/Z =-0.03, - 0.36，- 0.30，- 0.01, P >0.05); the above indicators in the control group increased compared to those before intervention, but only hip circumference and body fat percentage showed statistically significant changes ( t/Z =2.17, 2.62, P <0.05). After intervention, both the intervention group and the control group showed increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to those before intervention(intervention group: t =2.16,5.29; control group: t =6.84,5.07); the intervention group had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the control group( t = -5.27 , -2.08)( P <0.05). After intervention, the intervention and the control groups had statistically significant differences in cognitive accuracy(92.48%, 69.33%) in terms of "outdoor exercise can prevent myopia" and "having 5 servings of adult fist sized vegetables and fruits every day" ( χ 2=6.30, 7.86, P <0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of primary and secondary school students in the intervention group (40.98%) and the control group (35.43%) for "who did not drink sugary drinks for every day in the past 7 days" ( χ 2=4.32, P <0.05). After intervention, the intervention group and the control group showed increases in "school outdoor activity duration on school days" and "outdoor activity duration on rest days" compared to those before intervention ( t/Z =-13.32,-9.71;- 2.59，-2.69）；the behavior rate of "visual acuity measurement frequency at least once every 3 months" in the intervention group (46.68%) and the control group (52.76%) increased compared to those before intervention (36.43%, 44.01%), and the increases in the intervention group were greater than that in the control group ( χ 2=17.52,11.08) ( P <0.05). Conclusions Comprehensive intervention measures have significant intervention effects on controlling the occurrence and development of comorbidity of myopia and obesity in children. It could actively promote collaboration and cooperation among families, schools, communities and medical institutions to reduce the occurrence of myopia and obesity among primary and secondary school students.