BACKGROUND: The protective effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury has been widely reported. Dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DP-MSCs) have therapeutic effects on various diseases, including diabetes and cirrhosis. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of DP-MSCs on I/R injury and elucidate the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Myocardial I/R injury model mice were treated with DP-MSCs or a miR-19a-3p mimic. The infarct volume, fibrotic area, pyroptosis, inflammation level, and cardiac function were measured. Cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation were transfected with the miR-19a-3p mimic, miR-19a-3p inhibitor, or negative control. Pyroptosis and protein expression in the interferon regulatory factor 8/mitogen-activated protein kinase (IRF-8/MAPK) pathway were measured. RESULTS: DP-MSCs protected cardiac function in cardiac I/R-injured mice and inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. The upregulation of miR-19a-3p protected cardiac function, inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, and inhibited IRF-8/MAPK signaling in cardiac I/R-injured mice. DP-MSCs inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and the IRF-8/MAPK signaling by upregulating the miR-19a-3p levels in cardiomyocytes injured by I/R. CONCLUSION DP-MSCs protected cardiac function by inhibiting cardiomyocyte pyroptosis through miR-19a-3p under I/R conditions.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis/genetics* ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology* ; Mice ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Dental Pulp/cytology* ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/therapy* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/physiology*

OBJECTIVE: To explore decompression strategies for lateral lumbar spinal stenosis under unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) assistance. METHODS: A clinical data of 86 patients with lateral lumbar stenosis treated with UBE-assisted intervertebral decompression between September 2022 and December 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 42 males and 44 females with an average age of 63.6 years (range, 45-79 years). The disease duration ranged from 6 to 14 months (mean, 8.5 months). Surgical levels included L _{2, 3} in 3 cases, L _{3, 4} in 26 cases, L _{4, 5} in 42 cases, and L ₅, S ₁ in 15 cases. According to Lee's grading system, there were 21 cases of grade 1, 37 cases of grade 2, and 28 cases of grade 3 for lumbar spinal stenosis. Based on the location of stenosis and clinical symptoms, the 33 cases underwent interlaminar approach, 7 cases underwent interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision, 26 cases underwent contralateral inclinatory approach, and 20 cases underwent paraspinal approach; then, the corresponding decompression procedures were performed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate lower back/leg pain before operation and at 1 and 3 months after operation, while Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to evaluate spinal function. At 3 months after operation, the effectiveness was evaluated using the modified MacNab evaluation criteria. The spinal stenosis and decompression were evaluated based on Lee's grading system using lumbar MRI before operation and at 3 months after operation. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed with mean operation time of 95.1 minutes (range, 57-166 minutes). Dural tears occurred in 2 cases treated with interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 3-10 months (mean, 5.9 months). The clinical symptoms of the patients relieved to varying degrees. The VAS scores and ODI of lower back and leg pain at 1 and 3 months after operation significantly improved compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05), and the indicators at 3 months significantly improved than that at 1 month ( P<0.05). According to the modified MacNab evaluation criteria, the effectiveness at 3 months after operation was rated as excellent in 52 cases, good in 21 cases, and poor in 13 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 84.9%. No lumbar instability was detected on flexion-extension X-ray films during follow-up. The Lee's grading of lateral lumbar stenosis at 2 days after operation showed significant improvement compared to preoperative grading ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION For lateral lumbar spinal stenosis, UBE-assisted decompression of the spinal canal requires the selection of interlaminar approach, interlaminar approach with auxiliary third incision, contralateral inclinatory approach, and paraspinal approach based on preoperative imaging findings and clinical symptoms to achieve better effectiveness.
Humans ; Spinal Stenosis/diagnostic imaging* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Decompression, Surgical/methods* ; Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Pharmacotranscriptomic profiles, which capture drug-induced changes in gene expression, offer vast potential for computational drug discovery and are widely used in modern medicine. However, current computational approaches neglected the associations within gene‒gene functional networks and unrevealed the systematic relationship between drug efficacy and the reversal effect. Here, we developed a new genome-scale functional module (GSFM) transformation framework to quantitatively evaluate drug efficacy for in silico drug discovery. GSFM employs four biologically interpretable quantifiers: GSFM_Up, GSFM_Down, GSFM_ssGSEA, and GSFM_TF to comprehensively evaluate the multi-dimension activities of each functional module (FM) at gene-level, pathway-level, and transcriptional regulatory network-level. Through a data transformation strategy, GSFM effectively converts noisy and potentially unreliable gene expression data into a more dependable FM active matrix, significantly outperforming other methods in terms of both robustness and accuracy. Besides, we found a positive correlation between RS_GSFM and drug efficacy, suggesting that RS_GSFM could serve as representative measure of drug efficacy. Furthermore, we identified WYE-354, perhexiline, and NTNCB as candidate therapeutic agents for the treatment of breast-invasive carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and castration-resistant prostate cancer, respectively. The results from in vitro and in vivo experiments have validated that all identified compounds exhibit potent anti-tumor effects, providing proof-of-concept for our computational approach.

ObjectiveTo investigate the features of liver histopathological damage in patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection， as well as the timing for initiating antiviral therapy in such patients. MethodsA retrospective screening was performed for the patients with chronic HBV infection who were hospitalized in The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital and underwent liver biopsy from March 2018 to April 2022， among whom the patients who met the criteria for indeterminate phase defined in Chinese guidelines for chronic hepatitis B prevention and treatment （2022 edition） were enrolled， and their clinical data were collected. Liver histopathological stage was determined using the Scheuer scoring system， with stages 0 — 4 for inflammation grade （G） and stages 0 — 4 for fibrosis degree （S）， and the patients were divided into groups based on the presence of significant necroinflammation （≥G2） and significant liver fibrosis （≥S2）. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between liver histopathology and clinical factors， and the Logistic regression model was used to identify the independent influencing factors for significant necroinflammation and liver fibrosis. ResultsA total of 271 patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection were enrolled， among whom 61 （22.5%） had significant necroinflammation （≥G2） and 124 （45.8%） had significant liver fibrosis （≥S2）. The Logistic regression analysis showed that alanine aminotransferase ≥30 U/L （for male patients） or ≥19 U/L （for female patients） （odds ratio ［OR］=2.69， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.39 — 5.21， P=0.003）， HBV DNA ≥2 000 IU/mL （OR=2.75， 95%CI： 1.38 — 5.48， P=0.004）， and liver stiffness measurement （LSM） ≥6.0 kPa （OR=4.57， 95%CI： 2.17 — 9.62， P<0.001） were independent risk factors for significant inflammation. HBV DNA ≥2 000 IU/mL （OR=1.82， 95%CI： 1.01 — 3.32， P=0.049） and LSM ≥6.0 kPa （OR=2.06， 95%CI： 1.23 — 3.43， P=0.006） were independent influencing factors for significant liver fibrosis. ConclusionAmong the patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection， a substantial proportion of patients have significant liver histopathological damage. Antiviral therapy should be initiated in a timely manner for patients with high-risk factors.

Objective:To explore the effects of dopamine receptor D2(DRD2)on astrocytic dedifferentiation based on SOX2-regulated genes in neural stem cells(NSCs)and astrocytes.Methods:Immunofluorescence staining and SOX2-GFP mice were used to examine the lineage differentiation of SOX2-positive cells during the development of cere-bral cortex.Primary NSCs/astrocytes culture,ChIP-seq and Western Blot were adopted to analyze and verify the expres-sion of candidate genes.Pharmacological manipulation,neurosphere formation,photochemical ischemia,immunofluo-rescence staining and behavior tests were adopted to evaluate the effects of activating DRD2 signaling on astrocytic dedif-ferentiation.Results:Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated the NSC-astrocyte switch of SOX2-expression in the normal development of cerebral cortex.ChIP-seq revealed enrichment of DRD2 signaling by SOX2-bound enhancers in NSCs and SOX2-bound promoters in astrocytes.Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining verified the expression of DRD2 in NSCs and reactive astrocytes.Application of quinagolide hydrocholoride(QH),an agonist of DRD2,signifi-cantly promoted astrocytic dedifferentiation both in vitro and in vivo following ischemia.In addition,quinagolide hydro-choloride treatment improved locomotion recovery.Conclusion:Activating DRD2 signaling facilitates astrocytic dedif-ferentiation and may be used to treat ischemic stroke.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of abnormal urinary albumin/creatinine ratio(UACR) in obese population.Methods:Baseline data from 2011 to 2012 in Henan Sub-center of"Risk Evaluation of cAncers in Chinese diabeTic Individuals: A lONgitudinal(REACTION) study"were utilized and those of body mass index≥28 kg/m 2 were screened. The patients were divided into UACR normal group and UACR abnormal group(101 pairs) upon being matched on a 1∶1 basis by age and gender. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve, and restricted cubic spline(RCS)analysis were performed to explore the risk factors for abnormal UACR. Results:Compared with the normal UACR group, the UACR abnormal group had a higher number of alcohol consumers, a higher prevalence of hypertension, elevated systolic blood pressure, and triglyceride(all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol consumption( P=0.008), systolic blood pressure( P<0.001), triglyceride( P=0.049), and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR, P=0.033) were independent risk factors for abnormal UACR in obese people. The ROC curve analysis indicated that systolic blood pressure had the strongest diagnostic performance as a single factor(ROC curve area=0.801), and there was no significant difference in diagnostic performance compared to multiple factors combination. RCS analysis results showed that the probability of abnormal UACR increased monotonically with the increase of systolic blood pressure when the systolic blood pressure was between 130 and 158 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). When systolic blood pressure was not in the interval, the probability of abnormal UACR did not change significantly. The results of regression analysis of triglyceride subgroup showed that when triglyceride level was greater than or equal to 5.6 mmol/L, the risk of abnormal UACR level was significantly increased( P=0.029). Conclusion:Systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, HOMA-IR, and alcohol drinking history are independent risk factors for abnormal UACR in obese people. When systolic blood pressure is≥130 mmHg or triglyceride is≥5.6 mmol/L, the risk of abnormal UACR is significantly increased.

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders(PND)are common perioperative diseases,which bring heavy burden to patients and society.Due to complex pathogenesis of PND and the lack of relia-ble diagnosis and intervention means,and electroencephalography(EEG)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)have the advantage of providing objective indicators,so their application in the study of PND has gradually become a hot topic.In this review,the intraoperative processed EEG indices,EEG spectral analy-sis,EEG functional connectivity analysis,EEG nonlinear dynamics analysis,and perioperative MRI analysis in patients with PND are reviewed,aiming to explore the clinical value of EEG and MRI in predic-ting and diagnosing PND.

BACKGROUND:Currently,a variety of mesenchymal stem cells have been confirmed to have the effect of promoting wound repair,but there is still a lack of relevant research on whether placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells can promote acute skin wound healing. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on the healing of acute skin wound in rats. METHODS:Twenty SD rats were divided into PBS group and stem cell group by the random number table method,with 10 rats in each group.All rats were selected to establish a full-thickness skin defect model.In the PBS group and stem cell group,PBS buffer and placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells were immediately injected on the wound surface and wound margin immediately and on day 8 after modeling.The wound healing was observed immediately and on days 2,4,6,8,10,12,and 14 after modeling.The skin tissue of the wound surface was taken on day 14 and treated with hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining,immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The wound surface of the rats in each group decreased with the prolongation of treatment time.The wound healing rate and wound epithelization rate of the stem cell group at 14 days were higher than those of the PBS group(P<0.01),and the wound contracture rate was lower than that of the PBS group(P<0.01).(2)The results of hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the skin wound healing of the stem cell group was better than that of the PBS group;the degree of wound epithelization was higher,and the morphology of collagen fibers was close to that of normal skin.(3)Masson staining results showed that compared with the PBS group,collagen fibers in the skin wound tissue of the stem cell group were significantly increased and thicker,and the content of collagen fibers in the new tissue was significantly higher than that of the PBS group(P<0.01).(4)Immunohistochemical staining showed that the number of new capillaries in the stem cell group was higher than that in the PBS group(P<0.01),while the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were lower than those in the PBS group(P<0.01).(5)Immunofluorescence staining showed that the number of M2 macrophages in the new wounds of the stem cell group was higher than that of the PBS group(P<0.01),while the number of M1 macrophages was less than that in the PBS group(P<0.01).These findings indicate that placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells can accelerate skin wound healing,promote wound epithelization,and reduce wound contracture,which may be related to the promotion of capillary angiogenesis,regulation of collagen fiber production,inhibition of inflammation,and regulation of macrophage polarization to M2 type.

BACKGROUND:At present,open reduction and internal fixation and minimally invasive needle aspiration are commonly used in patients with Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures.However,there is little comparison between the clinical efficacy of the two methods and high-level clinical evidence is still available. OBJECTIVE:To compare the curative effect of Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures treated by three-dimensional digital model-assisted minimally invasive needle penetration and tarsal sinus incision and manual reduction and internal fixation with steel plate. METHODS:From January 2021 to October 2022,80 patients with Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures who were treated in the Department of Orthopedics,Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Hebei Province were randomly divided into control group(40 cases)and observation group(40 cases).The control group was treated with manual reduction and internal fixation with steel plate through the traditional tarsal sinus incision,while the observation group was treated with a three-dimensional digital model assisted with minimally invasive needle penetration fixation.The operation time,blood loss,hospitalization time and fracture healing time of the two groups were recorded.The changes in Maryland score,AO-FAS score,pain visual analog scale score,quality of life score(SF-36 score),and imaging parameters(B?hler angle,Gissane angle,calcaneal length,width and height)were observed before and 12 months after operation in the two groups.The complications during the follow-up were recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Operation time,blood loss,hospitalization time and fracture healing time in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05).(2)The Maryland score,AO-FAS score,SF-36 score,B?hler angle,Gissane angle,calcaneal length and height of the two groups after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment(all P<0.05).Visual analog scale score and calcaneal width were significantly lower than those before treatment(all P<0.05).(3)After 12 months of follow-up,the incidence of complications in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(all P<0.05).(4)In conclusion,the treatment of Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures with three-dimensional digital model-assisted minimally invasive needle penetration fixation can significantly improve the operation time,bleeding volume and other perioperative indicators,and can reduce the occurrence of multiple complications.The recovery of ankle function,relief of pain symptoms,and improvement of quality of life are equivalent to traditional therapy.

Objective: To explore the intervention effect of group counseling integrating teadrinking on depression, social avoidance and distress, coping styles and selfesteem among college students, so as to provide references for promoting the psychological health of students. Methods: From March to June 2021, a convenience sampling method was used to recruit 46 college students from a university in Nanjing for intervention project. There were 23 students in intervention group and control group, respectively. The intervention was conducted for 2.5 hours per week across a 6 week period. The intervention group received two sessions of group counseling that incorporated teadrinking experience, and the sessions involved tea knowledge explanation, observation and learning, embodied experience, emotional expression, interpersonal assistance and emotional support, cultural customs and life integration. After the intervention was completed, the control group received onetime group counseling that integrated teadrinking. The Wilcoxon difference test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed to compare the scores of each scale within and between the groups, and the χ2 test was used to compare the detection rates. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the scores of positive coping, negative coping, selfesteem, social avoidance and distress between the intervention group and the control group (Z=-1.20, -0.33, -0.35, 1.31,P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in positive coping styles, selfesteem, social avoidance and distress between the intervention group and the control group after the intervention(27.70±5.60，22.05±4.30；30.52±3.63，28.27±4.06；7.43±7.38，13.64±6.79) (Z=-3.31, -2.10, 3.22, P<0.05). The intervention group showed statistically significant differences in social avoidance and distress scores before and after the intervention(11.96±7.47,7.43±7.38) (Z=-2.88), and the depression detection rate decreased(60.9%，30.4%) (χ2=4.29) (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in positive coping, negative coping, selfesteem, social avoidance and distress scores, and depression detection rate between the control group before and after the intervention (Z/χ2=-0.28, -0.42, -1.24, -1.25；1.39, P>0.05). The followup results 1year later showed that there was a statistically significant difference in social avoidance and distress(6.57±6.21,14.16±9.22), and in the detection rates of depression(21.7%,52.2%) between the intervention group and the control group (Z/χ2=2.70,4.57,P<0.05). Conclusions Group counseling integrating teadrinking could improve interpersonal relationships, emotional states, selfesteem levels and coping strategies among college students. Group psychological counseling that incorporates teadrinking can be adopted to improve the mental health status of college students.