Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

Probiotics have shown excellent application prospects in preventing and treating many diseases. However, their sensitivity to the harsh environment in vivo always leads to a massive loss of viability and insufficient therapeutic effect. Fortunately, modified probiotics have emerged and provide multiple possibilities for their use in various diseases. Modification not only endows probiotics with extra capacity to resist severe environments but also gives them exogenous characteristics, such as prolonged retention time and improved therapeutic effects. Modified probiotics could combine with other therapies, which has opened up new avenues to enhance the efficacy of probiotic-based therapy. In this review, we have summarized the current physicochemical and biological modification strategies of probiotics. In addition, the progress of research on probiotic-based combination therapy has also been extensively reviewed, which contributes to the enhanced delivery of probiotics or other active constituents and provides new ideas for disease treatment, bioimaging, and diagnosis.

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an inherited disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme arylsulfatase A (ARSA). Lentivirus-modified autologous hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSCGT) has recently been approved for clinical use in pre and early symptomatic children with MLD to increase ARSA activity. Unfortunately, this advanced therapy is not available for most patients with MLD who have progressed to more advanced symptomatic stages at diagnosis. Patients with late-onset juvenile MLD typically present with a slower neurological progression of symptoms and represent a significant burden to the economy and healthcare system, whereas those with early onset infantile MLD die within a few years of symptom onset. We conducted a pilot study to determine the safety and benefit of HSCGT in patients with postsymptomatic juvenile MLD and report preliminary results. The safety profile of HSCGT was favorable in this long-term follow-up over 9 years. The most common adverse events (AEs) within 2 months of HSCGT were related to busulfan conditioning, and all AEs resolved. No HSCGT-related AEs and no evidence of distorted hematopoietic differentiation during long-term follow-up for up to 9.6 years. Importantly, to date, patients have maintained remarkably improved ARSA activity with a stable disease state, including increased Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score and decreased magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion score. This long-term follow-up pilot study suggests that HSCGT is safe and provides clinical benefit to patients with postsymptomatic juvenile MLD.
Humans ; Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/genetics* ; Pilot Projects ; Genetic Therapy/methods* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Male ; Follow-Up Studies ; Female ; Lentivirus/genetics* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Cerebroside-Sulfatase/metabolism* ; Adolescent

This research study focuses on addressing the limitations of current neuropathic pain (NP) treatments by developing a novel dual-target modulator, E0199, targeting both Na_V1.7, Na_V1.8, and Na_V1.9 and K_V7 channels, a crucial regulator in controlling NP symptoms. The objective of the study was to synthesize a compound capable of modulating these channels to alleviate NP. Through an experimental design involving both in vitro and in vivo methods, E0199 was tested for its efficacy on ion channels and its therapeutic potential in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model. The results demonstrated that E0199 significantly inhibited Na_V1.7, Na_V1.8, and Na_V1.9 channels with a particularly low half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for Na_V1.9 by promoting sodium channel inactivation, and also effectively increased K_V7.2/7.3, K_V7.2, and K_V7.5 channels, excluding K_V7.1 by promoting potassium channel activation. This dual action significantly reduced the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and alleviated pain hypersensitivity in mice at low doses, indicating a potent analgesic effect without affecting heart and skeletal muscle ion channels critically. The safety of E0199 was supported by neurobehavioral evaluations. Conclusively, E0199 represents a ground-breaking approach in NP treatment, showcasing the potential of dual-target small-molecule compounds in providing a more effective and safe therapeutic option for NP. This study introduces a promising direction for the future development of NP therapeutics.

Objective To investigate the expression of circular RNA(Circ RNAS)Actinin α 4(ACTN4)and platelet thrombin protein 1(THBS1)in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC)and their relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis,and provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 ICC patients diagnosed and treated in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University from May 2017 to June 2020.The expressions of CircACTN4 mRNA,THBS1 mRNA and protein were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between CircACTN4 mRNA and THBS1 mRNA in ICC cancer tissue.The prognostic differences of ICC patients with different CircACTN4 mRNA and THBS1 mRNA expressions were compared by the Kaplan-Meier method(log rank test).COX regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors in ICC patients.The prognostic value of CircACTN4 mRNA and THBS1 mRNA in evaluating the risk of death in ICC patients was assessed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results The expression of CircACTN4 mRNA in ICC tissues(3.14±0.42)was higher than that in adjacent tissues(0.76±0.25),with significant difference(t=44.094,P＜0.001).The positive rates of THBS1 mRNA(2.82±0.36)and protein positive rate(92.86％)in ICC tissues were higher than those in adjacent tissues(0.81±0.24,7.14％),and the differences were statistically significant(t/x2=42.068,123.429,all P＜0.001).CircACTN4 mRNA was positively correlated with THBS1 mRNA in ICC cancer tissue(r=0.669,P＜0.001).The expressions of CircACTN4 mRNA,THBS1 mRNA in ICC cancer tissues with TNM stage Ⅲ,low differentiation,and lymph node metastasis were higher than those in TNM stage Ⅰ～Ⅱ,high differentiation,and non-lymph node metastasis cancer tissues,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=7.949,9.164,12.207;23.270,18.625,19.828,all P＜0.001).The 3-year cumulative survival rates of the high expression group of CircACTN4 mRNA and THBS1 mRNA were lower than those of the low expression group of CircACTN4 mRNA(25.00％vs 56.82％)and THBS1 mRNA(19.51％vs 62.79％),and the differences were statistically significant(Log rank x2=13.601,24.310,all P＜0.001).CircACTN4 mRNA(OR=1.839,95％CI:1.228～2.753),THBS1 mRNA(OR=1.744,95％CI:1.245～2.443),lymph node metastasis(OR=1.925,95％CI:1.316～2.816),TNM staging(OR=1.613,95％CI:1.223～2.126),and tumor differentiation(OR=1.510,95％CI:1.205～1.892)were independent factors affecting the prognosis of ICC.The area under the curve of the combination detection of circACTN4 and THBS1 mRNA on the prognosis of death in patients with ICC was 0.868,which was greater than that of the single index(0.812 and 0.784),with significant differences(Z=3.348,3.847,all P＜0.001).Conclusion The expressions of CircACTN4 mRNA and THBS1 mRNA were increased in ICC,and they were associated with TNM stage,differentiation,and lymph node metastasis.These markers may serve as novel indicators to evaluate the poor prognosis of ICC patients.

Objective To explore the mechanism of melatonin(Mel)alleviating cholestatic liver injury in a mouse cholestasis model induced by cholic acid(CA)feeding.Methods A total of 15 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group,1％CA group,and 1％CA+Mel group,with 5 animals in each group.The control group was fed with normal chow diet,and the other 2 groups were fed with a diet containing 1％CA for 14 d to construct a model of cholestasis,and intraperitoneal injection with 100 mg/kg Mel was given to the mice from the 1％CA+Mel group.Immunohistochemical assay of α-SMA was applied for the liver tissues in the 1％CA group and the 1％CA+Mel group.The mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related indicators in mouse liver tissue were examined by RT-qPCR.Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)and automated biochemical analyzer were used to detect the contents of bile acids in the liver tissues and the serum of mouse,respectively.Then real-time qPCR and Western blotting were applied to detect the expression of bile acid synthesis and liver detoxification enzymes related indicators at mRNA and protein levels,respectively,to further investigate the mechanism of bile acid metabolism.Results Compared with the 1％CA group,the mRNA levels of liver fibrosis indicators(such as Tgfβ1,Col Ⅰ a1,Col Ⅱa1 and α-SMA)were significantly reduced(P＜0.05),and activation of stellate cells was obviously weakened displayed by immunohistochemical staining in the 1％CA+Mel group.The 1％CA+Mel group had notably decreased contents of bile acids in the serum and liver tissues,especially taurocholic acid and reduced mRNA levels of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(Cyp7a1)and Cyp8b1,while enhanced mRNA levels of hepatic detoxification enzymes Cyp2b10 and udp-glucuronosyltransferase(Ugt1a1)as well as protein levels of Cyp2b10 and sulfotransferase family 2A member 1(Sult2a1/2)when compared with the 1％CA group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Mel exerts its therapeutic effect on cholestasis by decreasing bile acid synthesis and increasing hepatic detoxification enzymes.

Objective To develop an effective method for delivering VEGF and CD47 double-modified exosomes to treat renal damage induced by heat stroke so as to reduce and repair renal damage.Methods A plasmid fusion-expressing VEGF and CD47 targeting renal injury was constructed,transfected into rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs),and then fusion-exosomes were isolated and extracted.Transmission electron microscopy,nanoparticle tracking analysis,and Western blotting were used to identify the obtained exosomes.Rats were intravenously injected with 200 μg of DiD-labeled unmodified exosomes,VEGF-modified exosomes and VEGF-CD47 double-modified exosomes,respectively,through the tail vein,and the effects of exosomes on the kidneys were detected and analyzed using a small animal in vivo imaging instrument.A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups,with 10 rats in each group,that is,blank control group (group A),heat stroke-induced renal injury model receiving PBS in 12,24 and 36 h after modelling (group B),empty plasmid group (group C),Exos group (group D),ExosVEGF group (group E) and ExosVEGF-CD47.Kidney tissue and blood samples were collected in 72 h after 3 times of treatment.Pathological changes in kidney tissue were observed at the tissue level and the damage were scored.Changes in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN)and serum creatinine (Scr)levels were detected to evaluate the therapeutic effect.Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to analyze the expression of the pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and NF-κB,the proliferation regulatory signaling molecules Ki67,FGF2,pAMPK and pERK,and the fibrosis regulatory molecule FGF23,in order to comprehensively analyze the effects on proliferation and inhibition of fibrosis.Results BMMSCs and ExosVEGF-CD47 were successfully isolated and characterized,and a rat model of acute kidney injury was effectively constructed.Higher fluorescence intensity was found in the kidney tissue of the Exos VEGF-CD47group than the Exos-Ctrl group and Exos VEGF group (P<0.05).In 72 h after treatment,the ExosVEGF-CD47 group had significantly lower serum BUN and Scr levels (P<0.0001),and notably lower Tubular casts score (P<0.0001),decreased levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and NF-κB (P<0.0001),up-regulated Ki67 and FGF2 expression (P<0.05),and down-regulated FGF23 expression (P<0.0001)when compared with the AKI+Exos group and AKI+ExosVEGF group.Conclusion VEGF and CD47 show promise in targeting acute kidney injury induced by heat stroke,effectively mitigate damage and facilitate repair,which may be due to exosome-mediated inhibition of renal tissue inflammation,promotion of proliferation,and inhibition of fibrosis.

Objective:To explore the adverse outcomes of pregnant women with overt diabetes mellitus(ODM).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 1321 pregnant women delivered in Peking Universi-ty International Hospital.Pregnant women were divided into normal blood glucose group(NGDM),gestational di-abetes mellitus group(GDM)and overt diabetes mellitus group(ODM).Maternal and neonatal adverse out-comes were compared.Results:The age,early pregnancy glycosylated hemoglobin,uric acid,triglycerides and late pregnancy glycosylated hemoglobin levels of women in ODM group were significantly higher than those in NGDM group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.01).The risk of developing gestation hyper-tension(OR 6.32,P＜0.01)and cesarean section(OR 1.87,P＜0.05)in the ODM group was significantly high-er than that in the NGDM group.The rate of preterm birth(OR 2.73,P＜0.05)and macrosomia(OR 3.45,P＜0.01)in the ODM group was significantly higher than that in the NGDM group.Compared with the GDM group,the ODM group did not significantly increase the risk of hypertension,eclampsia or preeclampsia,shoulder dysto-cia,premature rupture of placenta,cesarean section,preterm birth,macrosomia,and low body mass infants(P＞0.05).Conclusion:Pregnant women with ODM increase the risk of gestational hypertension,cesarean section,preterm birth and macrosomia.Active management is needed in pregnant women with ODM.

Critically ill patients are at high risk for hospital acquired infections, which can significantly increase the mortality rate and treatment costs for these patients. Therefore, in the process of treating the primary disease, strict prevention and control of new hospital infections is an essential component of the treatment for critically ill patients. The treatment of critically ill patients involves multiple steps and requires a concerted effort from various aspects such as theory, management, education, standards, and supervision to achieve effective prevention and control of hospital infections. However, there is currently a lack of unified understanding and standards for hospital infection prevention and control. To address this, in March 2024, a group of experts in critical care medicine, infectious diseases, and hospital infection from China discussed the current situation and issues of hospital infection control in the intensive care unit together. Based on a review of the latest evidence-based medical evidence from both domestic and international sources, 2024 Expert Consensus on Hospital Acquired Infection Control Principles in the Department of Critical Care Medicine was formed, aiming to provide a basis for the development of hospital infection prevention and control strategies in the field of critical care medicine.

Objective:To explore the adverse outcomes of pregnant women with overt diabetes mellitus(ODM).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 1321 pregnant women delivered in Peking Universi-ty International Hospital.Pregnant women were divided into normal blood glucose group(NGDM),gestational di-abetes mellitus group(GDM)and overt diabetes mellitus group(ODM).Maternal and neonatal adverse out-comes were compared.Results:The age,early pregnancy glycosylated hemoglobin,uric acid,triglycerides and late pregnancy glycosylated hemoglobin levels of women in ODM group were significantly higher than those in NGDM group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.01).The risk of developing gestation hyper-tension(OR 6.32,P＜0.01)and cesarean section(OR 1.87,P＜0.05)in the ODM group was significantly high-er than that in the NGDM group.The rate of preterm birth(OR 2.73,P＜0.05)and macrosomia(OR 3.45,P＜0.01)in the ODM group was significantly higher than that in the NGDM group.Compared with the GDM group,the ODM group did not significantly increase the risk of hypertension,eclampsia or preeclampsia,shoulder dysto-cia,premature rupture of placenta,cesarean section,preterm birth,macrosomia,and low body mass infants(P＞0.05).Conclusion:Pregnant women with ODM increase the risk of gestational hypertension,cesarean section,preterm birth and macrosomia.Active management is needed in pregnant women with ODM.