Serological evidence of sarbecovirus exposure along Sunda pangolin trafficking pathways.

Background: Early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) involved in the illegal wildlife trade in mainland China were identified as hosts of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoVs). Although it is unconfirmed whether pangolins or other traded wildlife served as intermediate hosts for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the trafficking of pangolins presents a clear risk for transmission of viruses with zoonotic and epizootic potential regardless. We have investigated the origins of pangolin carcasses seized in Hong Kong and have evaluated their potential exposure to SARSr-CoVs, other coronaviruses, and paramyxoviruses, aiming to address a gap in our knowledge with regard to the role of wildlife trade in the maintenance and emergence of pathogens with zoonotic and epizootic potential.

Performance of ChatGPT and Bard on the medical licensing examinations varies across different cultures: a comparison study.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of GPT-3.5, GPT-4, GPT-4o and Google Bard on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB), the Hong Kong Medical Licensing Examination (HKMLE) and the National Medical Licensing Examination (NMLE).

Methods: This study was conducted in June 2023.

UV radiation enhanced encapsulation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) in microparticles derived from tumor repopulating cells.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as microparticles secreted by the cells can be manipulated and used for delivering therapeutic drugs to target and eradicate cancer cells. However, high encapsulation efficiency and mass production of the microparticles remain difficult to achieve. Efficient and targeted delivery to cancer cells is another hurdle to be addressed.

Outer Membrane Vesicle-Cancer Hybrid Membrane Coating Indocyanine Green Nanoparticles for Enhancing Photothermal Therapy Efficacy in Tumors.

Cell membrane-coated nanomaterials are increasingly recognized as effective in cancer treatment due to their unique benefits. This study introduces a novel hybrid membrane coating nanoparticle, termed cancer cell membrane (CCM)-outer membrane vesicle (OMV)@Lip-indocyanine green (ICG), which combines CCMs with bacterial OMV to encapsulate ICG-loaded liposomes. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to assess its physical and chemical properties as well as its functionality.

Online registry of neonatal necrotising enterocolitis in Shenzhen: protocol for a multicentre, prospective, open, observational cohort study.

Introduction: Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) of the intestine of preterm infants leads to the risk of abdominal surgery, short bowel syndrome, neurodevelopmental disorders and death. Although the risks of NEC and its complications have been recognised in many countries, few countries have established NEC-specific registries to continuously monitor its aetiology and prognosis. In China, the understanding of risk factors and prognosis of NEC is incomplete, characterised by a lack of evidence from prospective and multicentre studies.

Balloon guide catheters for endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion in China (PROTECT-MT): a multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomised controlled trial.

Background: The effectiveness of using a balloon guide catheter during endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation remains uncertain. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of using a balloon guide catheter during endovascular thrombectomy, compared with using a conventional guide catheter, in this patient population.

Methods: We conducted a multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomised controlled trial at 28 hospitals in China.

Risk factors and prognostic analysis of vitreous cavity opacification after silicone oil removal.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the risk factors for postoperative vitreous cavity opacification following pars plana silicone oil removal and its impact on prognostic visual acuity.

Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted. A total of 66 eyes from 66 patients were enrolled in the study.

Insufficient Muscle Development Level Associated with Serum Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt Levels in Children Aged 6 to 9 Years in Shenzhen, China.

Some trace elements have been found to be associated with muscle mass and muscle function; however, evidence in children is limited, and it remains unclear which trace elements are more relevant. We aimed to explore the association of levels of individual and combined essential trace elements and muscle development level (MDL) in young children. Muscle mass was measured by body composition analysis, and trace elements were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

A deep neural network improves endoscopic detection of laterally spreading tumors.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the malignant tumor of the digestive system with the highest incidence and mortality rate worldwide. Laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) of the large intestine have unique morphological characteristics, special growth patterns and higher malignant potential. Therefore, LSTs are a precancerous lesion of CRC that could be easily missed.

A novel androgen-independent radiotracer with dual targeting of NTSR1 and PSMA for PET/CT imaging of prostate cancer.

A substantial proportion of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) develop treatment resistance or mortality after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Current methods for identifying and locating recurrent lesions using prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, which relies on androgen levels, often result in diagnostic delays. Therefore, the development of an androgen-independent radiotracer is critical for the early identification of recurrent lesions.

Hypertension self-management trajectory patterns and associated factors among Chinese patients with aortic dissection after surgical repair: A longitudinal study.

Aims: In patients with aortic dissection (AD) after surgical repair, especially those with hypertension, better management of blood pressure is associated with better health outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify hypertension self-management trajectory patterns and associated factors among Chinese aortic dissection patients after surgical repair to assist in developing tailored behavioural interventions for this population.

Methods And Results: 178 patients with aortic dissection who underwent surgical repair were followed for 3 months.

Bridging the gap: advancing gender equality in medical research.

Introduction: Gender inequality in medical research persists globally, hindering scientific innovation and social equity. Despite incremental progress, women remain underrepresented in authorship, funding, and leadership roles. This review explores the extent of gender disparities, their impact, and strategies to advance equity in the field.

Comparing the in-hospital outcomes of patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Secondary Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) differs from primary TTS in terms of clinical characteristics, management, and prognosis. COPD exacerbation has been recognized as a physical trigger for TTS, but its prognostic implications for secondary TTS are poorly understood.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of COPD on in-hospital outcomes in TTS patients.

A single-center clinical trial evaluating topical propranolol for preventing stress-induced hair loss.

There is currently a lack of pathological research on the hair loss caused by stress, and there is no effective treatment available. It has been previously reported that stress can cause sympathetic nerve activation and release of norepinephrine, which binds to beta-2 adrenergic receptors and causes a series of chemical reactions. Propranolol, as a beta-2 adrenergic receptors blocker, competitively antagonizes the effects of norepinephrine.

The mediating role of inflammation in the association between cotinine levels and remnant cholesterol: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Remnant Cholesterol (RC) has emerged as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the factors influencing RC levels remain incompletely understood. This research investigates smoking-a major modifiable risk factor-to elucidate its impact on RC levels and examine the mediating role of inflammation in this relationship.

Role of the ventral tegmental area in general anesthesia.

The ventral tegmental area (VTA), located in the midbrain, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of many important behaviors, such as reward, addiction, aversion, memory, learning, and sleep-wakefulness cycles. The majority of VTA neurons are dopaminergic neurons, although there is a significant proportion of GABAergic neurons and few glutamatergic neurons. These neuronal types project to different brain regions, thus mediating various biological functions.

[Efficacy of Xihuang capsules as an adjuvant treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer and its impact on immune function].

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of Xihuang capsules as an adjuvant treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer and their impact on immune function. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 112 patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. The patients were categorized into two groups: a control group (n=56) that did not take Xihuang capsules and an observation group (n=56) that did.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Nonacute Subdural Hematoma.

Background: The effect of embolization of the middle meningeal artery in patients with subacute or chronic subdural hematoma is uncertain.

Methods: We performed a multicenter, open-label, randomized trial in China, involving patients with symptomatic nonacute subdural hematoma with mass effect. Patients were assigned to undergo burr-hole drainage or receive nonsurgical treatment at the surgeon's discretion, and patients in each group were then randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to undergo middle meningeal artery embolization with liquid embolic material or to receive usual care.

p.C124W variant contributes to schizophrenia by attenuating LLPS-mediated synapse formation.

KCTD10, a member of the potassium channel tetramerization domain (KCTD) family, is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders and functions as a substrate recognition component within the RING-type ubiquitin ligase complex. A rare de novo variant of KCTD10, p.C124W, was identified in schizophrenia cases, yet its underlying pathogenesis remains unexplored.

Neutrophil-activating protein in spores inhibits casein allergy via TLR2 signaling.

Background: Milk allergy commonly occurs in children, mainly caused by bovine-derived casein (CAS) protein. Neutrophil-activating protein (NAP) of plays an immunomodulatory role with potential to suppress Th2-type immune responses. () spores are commonly used as oral vectors for drug delivery.