Genetic and transcriptional insights reveal hepatitis C virus as a driver of kidney cancer.

Objectives: Observational studies suggest a potential link between Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and extrahepatic cancers, but the causal relationship remains unclear.

Methods: We applied a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to evaluate the causal relationships between HCV infection and various extrahepatic cancers. A two-step MR was used to identify potential mediators, followed by colocalization analysis to identify HCV-associated susceptibility genes (HSGs).

Use of MRI-double inversion recovery sequence for early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: case series.

The choice of additional Double Inversion Recovery (DIR) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sequences may affect the judgment of the presence and nature of lesions. Herein, we reported three cases initially presenting with non-typical multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms, in which the final diagnosis of MS was confirmed after incorporating spinal cord and brain DIR MRI sequence. The sequence revealed more conspicuous lesions compared to conventional T2-weighted imaging or T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2WI/FLAIR) sequences.

Association of dietary mineral intake with depression in overweight or obese adults: A cross-sectional study in the United States.

Background: This study explored the association between mineral intake and depression in overweight/obese adults in the United States.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2015 to 2018. Depression was evaluated using the PHQ-9 questionnaire.

Driving pressure-guided dynamic PEEP titration reduces atelectasis and improves oxygenation in pediatric laparoscopy: a randomized trial on personalized ventilation strategies.

Background: Pediatric laparoscopic surgery often induces atelectasis due to pneumoperitoneum, postural changes, and immature respiratory physiology, increasing postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Fixed PEEP may fail to address perioperative variability. This study evaluated whether dynamic PEEP adjustment reduces atelectasis and improves oxygenation.

F-box/LRR-repeat protein 12 reorchestrated microglia to inhibit scarring and achieve adult spinal cord injury repair.

Scarring is an insurmountable obstacle for axonal regeneration in recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI). It impedes the repair effects of therapeutic targets in cortical neurons, such as PTEN and hyper-IL-6, which cannot break through dense scar barriers to reconstruct neural circuits. However, methods for eliminating this process remain elusive.

Associations between multiple circulating metals and clinical characteristics in lung adenocarcinoma: a hospital-based pilot study.

Metal exposure has been identified as a risk factor for lung adenocarcinoma, yet the relationship between internal metal exposure and clinical characteristics reflecting tumor development has been underexplored. In this cohort study, we enrolled 285 consecutively admitted lung carcinoma patients and 118 age and sex-matched healthy participants, and determined the metal concentrations in paired plasma and blood cells by using a well-evaluated ICP-MS method. The associations between individual or combined metal exposures and tumor size, location, stage, or lymph node metastasis were evaluated by using univariable tests, logistic regression, restricted cubic spline analysis, weighted quantile sum, and Bayesian kernel machine regression.

Immunoglobulin G N-glycan signatures as potential diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for non-small-cell lung cancer.

Our previous research revealed aberrant serum N-glycan profiles in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the specific protein sources remain unclear. While immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation has been implicated in cancer, its alterations in NSCLC are not well defined. Herein, we profiled the serum IgG N-glycome of 314 NSCLC patients and 364 healthy controls using a high-throughput MALDI-TOF-MS platform.

Real-time Monitoring Unveils Three Distinct Neuronal Response Patterns to SAW Ultrasound via L-type Calcium Channels.

Ultrasound neuromodulation shows promise for treating neurological disorders, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we developed an integrated surface acoustic wave (SAW) ultrasound chip enabling simultaneous electrophysiological recording and Ca imaging of cultured hippocampal neurons to investigate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission during ultrasound stimulation. This study revealed, for the first time, three distinct neuronal response patterns induced by SAW ultrasound: an immediate response showing rapid activation, a delayed response exhibiting facilitation after several minutes, and a non-response maintaining baseline activity.

The effects of the night shift on cognitive function and cerebral oxygenation/hemodynamics in sub-plateau-area PICU nurses.

Night shift work is an essential part of hospital nursing, but it can disrupt nurses' biological rhythms, leading to sleep deprivation and fatigue, affecting cognitive function and cerebral oxygenation. This impact may be exacerbated in sub-plateau regions due to environmental factors. Existing research on the effects of night shifts on the cognitive function and cerebral oxygenation of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurses in sub-plateau areas needs to be more extensive.

Efficacy and Safety of SmofKabiven Versus Hospital-Compounded All-in-One Parenteral Nutrition in Chinese Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Multicenter, Randomized, Active-Controlled, Phase III Trial.

This multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority phase III trial (NCT03792100) aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SmofKabiven, a three-chamber parenteral nutrition (PN) emulsion in adult patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Eligible participants were randomized to either SmofKabiven group (SEG) ( = 135) or hospital-compounded PN group (HCG) ( = 134) for five consecutive postoperative days. The primary endpoint was the change in serum prealbumin levels from baseline to day 6, with a non-inferiority margin of -2.

Global, regional and national burden of infections among pregnant women, 1990-2021: a prospective cohort study.

Objectives: We aimed to analyse the trends, age distribution and disease burden of maternal sepsis and other maternal infections (MSMI) to improve management strategies.

Design: We extracted data from the global burden of disease (GBD) 2021 database to evaluate MSMI burden with different measures for the whole world, 21 GBD regions and 204 countries from 1990 to 2021.

Setting: Studies from the GBD 2021 database generated by population-representative data sources identified through a literature review and research collaborations were included.

Spatially blocked split CRISPR-Cas12a system for ultra-sensitive and versatile small molecule activation and detection.

Detecting small molecules is pivotal across fields like clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. The CRISPR-Cas12a system, known for its simplicity and sensitivity, offers a promising basis for small molecule detection. However, current CRISPR-based detection methods face challenges, including complex design requirements, high background noise, and limited adaptability to different targets.

Comparison of non-intubated and intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for perioperative complications-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) avoids lung injury and intubation-related complications from mechanical ventilation, but the intraoperative safety and postoperative recovery quality of NIVATS remain controversial. Consequently, we systematically assessed the viability and safety of non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) in comparison to intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (IVATS). These findings provide evidence for optimizing anesthetic and surgical decision-making.

Development of a Diagnostic Algorithm for Epstein-Barr Virus-Related Diseases: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is linked to a spectrum of diseases. To investigate the characteristics of various EBV-associated diseases in China, we conducted a multi-center retrospective cohort study examining molecular and serological features. EBV DNA copy numbers in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), while four EBV-specific antibodies were assessed via chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Hydrogen activates ACOD1-itaconate pathway to ameliorate steroid-associated osteonecrosis.

Steroid-associated osteonecrosis (SAON) remains a challenging clinical condition as there are few effective preventive measures. This study investigates the effects of hydrogen (H) administrated via saturated hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in mice received high dose of glucocorticoids (for inducing SAON model). Here we find that HRW treatment significantly reduces osteocyte apoptosis, improves deteriorated trabecular architecture, increases osteoblast numbers and the bone formation, while decreases osteoclast numbers and the bone resorption.

Establishment of adult reference interval of oxalate in spot urine using real-world data.

Background: Hyperoxaluria, characterized by excessive oxalate production, can be attributed to high dietary oxalate intake, genetic disorders affecting oxalate metabolism, or certain intestinal diseases. Despite its clinical significance, there is a paucity of comprehensive discussions regarding the reference interval (RI) for oxalate levels in spot urine samples. This study aims to establish an appropriate adult RI for oxalate in spot urine to enhance the interpretation of clinical data.

Overexpression of miR-20a targeting DUSP3 inhibits OCLN ubiquitination levels and alleviates sepsis induced intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Sepsis is a severe organ dysfunction syndrome caused by the host's dysfunctional response to infection. Sepsis can severely damage intestinal epithelial tissue, lead to intestinal barrier dysfunction, and seriously endanger human health. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the mechanism of miR-20a in sepsis-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction.

The impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on postoperative bleeding in children undergoing tonsillectomy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Tonsillectomy in children is a common procedure to treat obstructive sleep apnea and other respiratory conditions. However, it is associated with postoperative complications, including bleeding, pain, and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used for pain management, but their effects on postoperative bleeding risk remains controversial.

Exposure to Multiple Metals and Cerebral White Matter Hyperintensity in Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Evidence about the impact of multiple metal exposure on brain neuroimaging metrics remains limited. We aim to investigate the effects of single and mixed metal exposure on white matter hyperintensities (WMHs).

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1183 subjects without stroke history from the META-KLS (Multi-modality Medical Imaging Study Based on Kailuan Study), which is an existing prospective cohort in Tangshan, China.

Neurotrophin-3/chitosan inhibits cuproptosis-related genes to enable functional recovery after spinal cord injury.

Objectives: This study investigated the regulatory mechanisms of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in spinal cord injury (SCI) and explored the therapeutic potential of neurotrophin-3 (NT3)-loaded chitosan in promoting functional recovery.

Methods: We conducted integrated bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analyses of mouse spinal cord tissue at various time points after SCI. The key CRGs were identified using differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and machine learning.

Fine particulate matter exposure and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Studies examining the relationship between fine particulate matter (PM) exposure and cancer risk is inconclusive, with an evident scarcity of comprehensive data on the overall cancer risk. Given the emergence of new evidence, updated meta-analyses is essential. A search was performed on multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to Jan 2025.

The multifaceted roles of extracellular vesicles in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a severe disease characterized by bone tissue necrosis due to vascular impairment, often leading to joint collapse and requiring surgical intervention. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as crucial mediators of intercellular communication, influencing osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune regulation. This review summarizes the dual role of EVs in both the pathogenesis of ONFH and post-necrosis bone repair, highlighting the impact of various EV-mediated signaling pathways on bone regeneration and the potential crosstalk among these pathways.

[Clinical study of double-channel core decompression combined with medullary cavity irrigation for non-traumatic osteonecrosis of femoral head].

Objective: To compare the effects of double-channel core decompression (CD) combined with medullary cavity irrigation with those of simple CD on progression of collapse and clinical outcomes in non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 19 patients (30 hips) with non-traumatic ONFH who underwent double-channel CD combined with medullary cavity irrigation and admitted between January 2024 and October 2024 (CD+irrigation group). According to a 1: 2 ratio, 54 patients (60 hips) who underwent simple CD and were matched in terms of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were included as the control (CD group).

Outcome predictors in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy after temporal resective surgery.

Background: Temporal lobe epilepsy is one of the most common types of partial epilepsy. Although surgical treatment has led to significant improvements in seizure-free rates, nearly one-third of patients still have poor seizure control after surgery. Moreover, the long-term outcome is less favorable compared to short-term outcome, with 48-58% of patients experiencing seizures five years after surgery.

Assessment of serum free light chain measurements in a large Chinese chronic kidney disease cohort: a multicenter real-world study.

Objectives: Diagnosing monoclonal gammopathy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is challenging due to the complex interpretation of serum free light chain (FLC) levels. This study aimed to assess the FLC levels in a large cohort of Chinese CKD patients.

Methods: We enrolled 5,287 patients with all-cause nondialysis CKD from three medical centers between February 2018 and April 2023.