AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.

AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of proximal gastrectomy (PG) versus total gastrectomy (TG) for the treatment of Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMbase, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched for literature comparing the efficacy and safety of PG and TG for the treatment of Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ AEG. The search period was from database inception to March 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results A total of 23 articles were included, including 16 retrospective cohort studies, 5 prospective cohort studies, and 2 randomized controlled trials. The total sample size was 2 826 patients, with 1 389 patients undergoing PG and 1 437 patients undergoing TG. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with TG, PG had less intraoperative blood loss [MD=−19.85, 95%CI (−37.20, −2.51), P=0.02] and shorter postoperative hospital stay [MD=−1.23, 95%CI (−2.38, −0.08), P=0.04]. TG had a greater number of lymph nodes dissected [MD=−6.20, 95%CI (−7.68, −4.71), P<0.001] and a lower incidence of reflux esophagitis [MD=3.02, 95%CI (1.24, 7.34), P=0.01]. There were no statistically significant differences between the two surgical approaches in terms of operative time, postoperative survival rate (1-year, 3-year, 5-year), and postoperative overall complications (P>0.05). Conclusion PG has advantages in terms of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay, while TG has advantages in terms of the number of lymph nodes dissected and the incidence of reflux esophagitis. There is no significant difference in long-term survival between the two surgical approaches.

Objective:To explore the value of color Doppler ultrasound scanner in screening peripheral artery atherosclerosis(AS)of undergraduates on campus.Methods:From June 2020 to June 2022,a total of 300 college student volunteers were selected from Sichuan University of Arts and Sciences and Dazhou Vocational and Technical College,and they were divided into peripheral AS group(59 cases)and healthy control group(241 cases)according to the occurrence of peripheral AS.The general data and blood flow parameters of the two groups were compared,and the risk factors of peripheral AS of undergraduates on campus were further analyzed.Results:The differences of the gender,hyperglycemia rate,hypertension rate,smoking history rate,triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)between the AS group and the healthy control group were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The differences of age,obesity rate,hyperlipidemia rate and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)between AS group and healthy control group were statistically significant(t=6.666,x2=4.256,5.292,t=4.515,P<0.05),respectively.The maximum blood flow velocity(Vmax)and minimum blood flow velocity(Vmin)of the AS group were lower than those of the healthy control group,with statistically significant differences(t=-3.753,-3.905,P<0.05).The resistance index(RI)of the AS group was higher than that of the healthy control group,with statistically significant differences(t=3.126,P<0.05).The dependent variable of the AS group was assigned a value of 1,and the healthy control group was assigned a value of 0.The factors with P<0.05 in univariate analysis were used as independent variables.The multiple factor binary logistic analysis showed that age and high LDL-C were risk factors for peripheral AS(OR=1.664,1.192,P<0.05),while high Vmax and high Vmin were protective factors for peripheral AS(OR=-0.102,-0.170,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:The higher the LDL-C level,the lower the Vmax and Vmin,are the higher risks of undergraduates who occur peripheral AS.The LDL-C and ultrasonic blood flow parameters(Vmax and Vmin)can be used to assist the diagnosis about whether occurs peripheral AS.

Objective To design a mobile personnel radiation protection equipment for operation in environments with high radiation such as spent fuel reprocessing plants, to achieve simultaneous protection against γ radiation, neutron radiation, and radioactive aerosol, to reduce the internal and external exposure dose of radioactive workers, and to meet the requirement of operation for two hours. Methods The core parts of the mobile personnel radiation protection equipment included a shielding chamber and a respiratory maintenance system. An automated chassis was used for the movement and lifting of the shielding chamber. MCNP software was used to simulate and calculate the protective effects of shielding chamber made of different materials and material thicknesses. Experimental verification of the shielding chamber design was conducted. Mathematical models were established to describe the variations in the content of various gases in the chamber with personnel operation time. A respiratory maintenance system, a harmful gas absorption device, and an automated mobile chassis were designed. Results The shielding chamber made of polyethylene with a thickness of 80 mm achieved an 80% neutron shielding rate. The respiratory maintenance system could support workers for 2 hours of operation inside the equipment. The mobile chassis allowed operation of the equipment with one person. Conclusion This mobile personnel radiation protection equipment can solve the problem in simultaneous protection against γ radiation, neutron radiation, and radioactive aerosol. The equipment can provide radiation protection for radioactive workers, reduce exposure dose, and reduce personnel burden. This system provides technical means for the operation and maintenance of equipment in high-radiation sites such as spent fuel reprocessing plants.

Objective:To screen for preoperative frailty risk factors in elderly patients with spinal degenerative diseases and construct a risk prediction model.Methods:From September 2021 to August 2022, convenience sampling was used to select 324 elderly patients who underwent spinal surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University as research subjects. The patients were surveyed using the General Information Questionnaire, Barthel Index, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, Mini-mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Generalized Anxiety Disorde-7, Athens Insomnia Scale, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and Modified Frailty Index. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of preoperative frailty in elderly patients with spinal degenerative diseases and establish a risk prediction model. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the discriminative power of the model, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to evaluate the goodness of fit of the model.Results:A total of 324 questionnaires were distributed, and 308 valid questionnaires were collected, with a valid response rate of 95.06% (308/324). Among 308 elderly patients with degenerative spinal diseases, 56 patients experienced preoperative frailty. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that falls within one year, CCI, serum albumin, activities of daily living, and self-rated health status were the influencing factors for preoperative frailty in elderly patients with spinal degenerative diseases ( P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the prediction model was 0.851, with a sensitivity of 0.786 and a specificity of 0.778. Hosmer Lemeshow test indicated that the predictive model had a good fit (χ 2=3.764, P=0.709) . Conclusions:Falls within one year, CCI, serum albumin, activities of daily living, and self-rated health status are influencing factors for preoperative frailty in elderly patients with spinal degenerative diseases. The risk prediction model constructed can identify preoperative frailty early and has good predictive performance, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To explore the gene expression profile in paraspinal muscle degeneration(PMD)and identify key ferroptosis genes.Methods RNA sequencing was performed on paraspinal muscle tissue of 3 normal and 3 PMD patients respectively to obtain differentially expressed genes.Through protein-protein interaction(PPI)and gene functional enrichment analysis,the intersection of ferroptosis genes was identified to identify key hub genes associated with ferroptosis.The diagnostic value for PMD disease was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results A total of 292 differentially expressed genes were identified in PMD.Among them,125 genes were significantly downregulated and 167 genes were significantly upregulated.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that 14 differentially expressed genes were associated with ferroptosis.Among them,ferroptosis genes MUC1,ATF3 and CDKN1A were key hub genes with good specificity and sensitivity for diagnosing PMD.Functional enrichment analysis revealed that they may mediate the occurrence and progression of PMD by regulating cell apoptosis,ferroptosis and skeletal muscle tissue development and differentiation.Conclusion Ferroptosis genes MUC1,ATF3 and CDKN1A can serve as biomarkers for diagnosing PMD,providing theoretical basis for decoding the pathological mechanism of PMD and developing new drugs.

Objective To investigate the related factor underlying the differential vulnerability of inner hair cell(IHC)ribbon synapses to noise exposure.Methods Twenty-eight C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the noise exposure group(NED1)and the control group(CTR)with 14 mice in each group.The noise exposure group was exposed to bandpass noise of 2～20 kHz at 103 dB SPL for two hours while the control group was bred in a quiet environment.Before and after noise exposure,auditory brainstem response was conducted to detect the audi-tory function,whole-mount immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the number of inner hair cell ribbon synapses in different turns.The calcium influx of inner hair cells in the apical and middle turn using whole-cell patch clamp recording was analyzed.Furthermore,the immunofluorescence intensity of calpain in inner hair cells from dif-ferent mouse cochlear turns using whole-mount immunofluorescence staining was compared.Western blotting was used to verify that CtBP2 was degraded by calpain.Results After noise exposure,the ABR threshold of 11.3,16.0,22.6,32.0 kHz increased significantly and the number of ribbon synapses of inner hair cells at the middle turn and basal turn of the cochlea decreased significantly.However,whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed that calcium ion channels were fewer but single-channel current was higher at the apical turn of the cochlea.The open probability of calcium ion channels in IHCs showed no significant difference between the apical turn and the middle turn of the cochlea.But the expression level of calpain of the inner hair cells at the middle and basal turn of the basi-lar membrane was significantly higher than that at the apical turn after noise exposure.The western blotting results also showed that CtBP2 was cleaved in a Ca2+-dependent manner by calpain.Conclusion Calpain may be the main related factor that accounts for the vulnerability of ribbon synapses in inner hair cells in the high frequency region of basal membrane.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between miR-137 gene polymorphism and genetic susceptibility to gestational diabetes mellitus.Methods:A total of 500 pregnant women with gestational diabetes who were admitted to Shunde Women and Childrens Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from January 2023 to September 2023 were selected as the observation group, and 500 healthy pregnant women with normal glucose metabolism and no pregnancy complications were selected as the control group. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect rs1625579 polymorphisms of miR-137 gene between the two groups, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared to analyze the influencing factors of the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus.Results:The frequencies of GT+ GG genotype and allele G at rs1625579 site of miR-137 gene in observation group were 13.20% and 7.00%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in control group (all P<0.05). Fasting blood glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) of miR-137 genotype GT+ GG pregnant women in the observation group were (7.92±0.81)mmol/L, (19.92±3.10)mmol/L and 6.60±1.02, respectively. It was significantly higher than genotypic TT pregnant women (all P<0.05), and islet β cell function index (HOMA-β) was significantly lower than genotypic TT pregnant women (188.84±43.34) ( P<0.05). Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and average weekly weight gain during pregnancy in the observation group were (23.81±1.92)kg/m 2 and (445.50±35.65)g, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The proportion of family history of diabetes in the observation group was 8.60%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that preconception BMI and average weekly weight gain during pregnancy were the influential factors for the occurrence of gestational diabetes (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus has no significant correlation with miR-137 gene polymorphism, but is related to pre-pregnancy BMI and average weekly weight gain during pregnancy. Compared with other miR-137 genotypes, GT+ GG patients were more likely to develop abnormal blood glucose.

Objective:This study aims to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric appendicovesical fistula (AVF).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of a pediatric patient with AVF admitted to our hospital in March 2023. The patient was a 6-year and 11-month old male who was hospitalized on March 21, 2023, due to difficulty urinating accompanied by diarrhea for two weeks. Computed tomography (CT) revealed bladder stones. The preoperative diagnosis was bladder stones. Transurethral cystoscopic lithotripsy with laser was performed under general anesthesia. Two weeks postoperatively, the child presented with recurrent symptoms of frequent urination, urinary pain, and diarrhea. Urine routine examination indicated a urinary tract infection. Over a month of antibiotic treatment was ineffective, and symptoms such as pneumaturia and fecaluria emerged, with exacerbation of diarrhea, suggesting the possibility of a fistulous tract between the child's intestine and bladder. Further bladder ultrasonography with contrast showed microbubbles of contrast medium leaking from the right posterior bladder wall into the intestinal tract. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a small, sharp tube-like shadow at the upper edge of the right posterior bladder, with a strip-like, significantly enhanced shadow within the lumen. The preoperative diagnosis was revised to appendicovesical fistula. During cystoscopic examination, a papillary-like protrusion was identified on the right lateral wall of the bladder, with no evident orificium fistulae or foreign body discharge noted at the protrusion site. Consequently, robot-assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy, appendectomy, and lysis of adhesions were performed.Results:The patient was administered antibiotic for a 10-day course of anti-infection and a urinary catheter was maintained for 13 days. The patient recovered entirely and had been discharged after the removal of the urinary catheter. At an 11-month follow-up, there were no reported specific discomforts.Conclusions:Pediatric AVF is rare, and bladder contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and MRI are preferred for initial diagnostic evaluation. The diagnosis can be confirmed by specific clinical presentations such as intermittent pneumaturia and fecaluria, diarrhea with bladder stones. Laparoscopic surgery or robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery could be a feasible treatment option.