Meconium is changed from defoliated intestinal villi with apoptosis. A meconium corpuscle is a limited architecture in the meconium at the light microscopic level. In histological and immunohistochemical sections of the abdomen from 40 fetuses at 20–31 weeks of gestation, we found 12 fetuses with meconium and examined the architecture.A solid or loose meconium was seen depending on sites. The solid meconium in the colon and rectum contained numerous spherical or rugby ball-like corpuscles comprising of a core with tightly-packed atrophied cells and a laminar fibrous sheath.The solid meconium surrounded and incorporated villi that maintained the original architecture. The loose meconium was seen not only in the stomach and duodenum but also, depending on specimens, in the colon and rectum. It was composed of a large mucosal fold, a single small villus and/or fragmented epithelia. Notably, these mucosal tissues still contained chromogranin-positive gastrointestinal cells and cytokeratin-positive epithelia. A large ring-like meconium was composed of the entirely circular mucosa or epithelia that seemed to be detached along the muscularis mucosae or the basal lamina.A sheath-like fibrous structure in meconium seemed to originate from the lamina propria and basal lamina of villi. A defoliation of villi with apoptosis seemed difficult to explain a detachment of the entirely circular mucosa or epithelia in large fetuses examined. The latter event might require a specific mechanism such as an in utero intussusception in which a proximal side of the colon was invaginated into the distal lumen.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of acupuncture therapy on dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: This randomized controlled study lasted 42 days and included 112 patients with Parkinson's disease and dysphagia. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (56 cases each group) using the completely randomized design, all under routine treatment. The experimental group was given acupuncture therapy. The primary outcome was Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). The secondary outcomes were (1) Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA), and (2) nutritional status including body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin. Adverse events were recorded as safety indicators. RESULTS: One participant quitted the study midway. There were no significant differences in baseline assessment (P>0.05). After treatment, both groups showed significant improvement in PAS, SSA and nutritional status except for BMI of the control group. There were significant differences between the two groups in the PAS for both paste and liquid, SSA (25.18±8.25 vs. 20.84±6.92), BMI (19.97±3.34 kg/m²vs. 21.26 ±2.38 kg/m²), serum albumin (35.16 ±5.29 g/L vs. 37.24 ±3.98 g/L), prealbumin (248.33 ±27.72 mg/L vs. 261.39 ±22.10 mg/L), hemoglobin (119.09±12.53 g/L vs. 126.67±13.97 g/L) (P<0.05). There were no severe adverse events during the study. CONCLUSION: The combination of routine treatment and acupuncture therapy can better improve dysphagia and nutritional status in patients with Parkinson's disease, than routine treatment solely. (registration No. CLINICALTRIAL gov NCT06199323).
Humans ; Parkinson Disease/therapy* ; Deglutition Disorders/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Nutritional Status ; Body Mass Index

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical effective and safety of subarachnoid block (SA), adductor canal block (ACB), and femoral nerve block (FNB) for early analgesia in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: From September 2022 to October 2023, 90 patients with ACL rupture who received unilateral knee arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were selected and divided into ACB group, FNB group and SA group according to different anesthesia methods, with 30 patients in each group. There were 12 males and 18 females in ACB group, aged from 18 to 60 years old with an average of (33.3±13.8) years old;14 patients with gradeⅠand 16 patients with gradeⅡaccording to American Society of Aneshesiologists (ASA);13 patients on the left side and 17 patients on the right side. There were 15 males and 15 females in FNB group, aged from 18 to 60 years old with an average of (33.5±12.9) years old;15 patients with gradeⅠand 15 patients with gradeⅡ;16 patients on the left side and 14 patients on the right side. There were 16 males and 14 females in SA group, aged from 18 to 60 years old with an average of (31.0±12.6) years old;18 patients with grade I and 12 patients with gradeⅡ;17 patients on the left side and 13 patients on the right side. In ACB and FNB groups, the nerve block of ACB and FNB were performed under ultrasound guidance before SA anesthesia with 15 ml of 0.3% ropivacaine. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and quadriceps muscle strength at rest and passive movement were recorded and compared among 3 groups at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 and 48 h after operation, as well as the dosage of tramadol injection analgesics, incidence of nausea and vomiting, nerve block time and other complications within 48 h after operation were compared. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 11 to 20 (15.8±2.4) months. VAS at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 and 48 h after operation of SA group was significantly higher than that of ACB and FNB groups, with statistical significance (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in VAS of rest and passive movement at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 and 48 h after operation between ACB group and FNB group(P>0.05). At 4, 8, 12 and 16 h after operation, the quadriceps muscle strength in SA and ACB groups was higher than that in FNB group, with statistical significance (P<0.05);but there was no statistical significance in quadriceps muscle strength among three groups at 24 and 48 h after operation(P>0.05). One patient occurred nausea and vomiting in ACB group, 2 patients in FNB group and 5 patients in SA group, and no significant difference among three groups (χ²=0.352, P=0.171). The dosage of tramadol in SA group was (300.00±136.50) mg, which was higher than that in FNB group (168.33±73.70) mg and ACB(163.33±70.70) mg, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in nerve block time between ACB group and FNB group (t=1.964, P=0.054). There was no puncture site bleeding, local anesthesia drug poisoning and hematoma formation among three groups. CONCLUSION Both FNB and ACB could provide good early analgesia after ACL reconstruction, but ACB group has little effect on quadriceps muscle strength. Patients could have early postoperative functional training without pain, which is more beneficial to the recovery of knee joint function, and could reduce the use of analgesic drugs, without serious complications, which is safe and reliable method.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Nerve Block/methods* ; Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Adolescent ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Analgesia/methods* ; Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy* ; Femoral Nerve

The genome tagging project (GTP) plays a pivotal role in addressing a critical gap in the understanding of protein functions. Within this framework, we successfully generated a human influenza hemagglutinin-tagged sperm-specific protein 411 (HA-tagged Ssp411) mouse model. This model is instrumental in probing the expression and function of Ssp411. Our research revealed that Ssp411 is expressed in the round spermatids, elongating spermatids, elongated spermatids, and epididymal spermatozoa. The comprehensive examination of the distribution of Ssp411 in these germ cells offers new perspectives on its involvement in spermiogenesis. Nevertheless, rigorous further inquiry is imperative to elucidate the precise mechanistic underpinnings of these functions. Ssp411 is not detectable in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, zygotes, or 2-cell stage embryos, highlighting its intricate role in early embryonic development. These findings not only advance our understanding of the role of Ssp411 in reproductive physiology but also significantly contribute to the overarching goals of the GTP, fostering groundbreaking advancements in the fields of spermiogenesis and reproductive biology.
Animals ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Spermatids/metabolism* ; Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Thioredoxins/genetics*

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology. To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility, specifically focusing on sperm quality, inflammation, and DNA damage, a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China) between 1 st January 2024 and 1 st March 2024. The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed, and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma, alongside markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]). The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) was also explored. Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia. Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm. The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage, underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health. These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.
Humans ; Male ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II/metabolism* ; Infertility, Male/genetics* ; DNA Damage ; Adult ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Semen Analysis ; Semen/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Histones/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*

Objective To explore the correlation between the actual age and the pulp chamber volume(PCV)and pulp dentinal index(PDI)of the right first molars based on cone beam computed tomog-raphy(CBCT)technology,and to construct an accurate and convenient model for age estimation.Methods CBCT image data of 1 857 Han adults(883 males and 974 females)from the Department of Stomatology,Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College were collected.The data were di-vided into training and validation sets at a ratio of 8∶2.A total of 1 485 training samples were used to construct the age estimation model,and 372 samples were used to validate the accuracy of the model.The Mimics 21.0 software was used to measure the PCV and calculate the PDI of the right first molars.Their correlations with age and the differences between different sexes and tooth positions were analyzed.Results Both the PCV and the PDI of the first molars showed strong negative correla-tions with the actual age(r values ranged from 0.82 to 0.89).The differences in PCV and PDI be-tween different sexes and tooth positions were statistically significant(P<0.05).The age estimation model based on PDI was superior to that based on PCV.The model based on the PDI values of the two right first molars(y=73.72-44.15 x3-28.27 x4,where x3 and x4 are the PDI values of the right maxil-lary and mandibular first molars,respectively)was the best,with the R2 of 0.79 and the mean abso-lute error of 4.90 years.Conclusion Both PCV and PDI of the first molars are effective indicators for age estimation.The age estimation model based on the PDI is more convenient and accurate than that based on the PCV,providing a more effective method for age estimation in forensic practice.

Objective To explore whether ferroptosis is involved in α-amanitin-induced hepatocyte in-jury by detecting iron deposition in mice liver tissues,oxidative stress indicators in hepatocytes and L-02 cells,and expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins after α-amanitin exposure.Methods The poi-soning models of α-amanitin C57BL/6J mice and L-02 cell were established.The Lillie ferrous iron staining and Prussian blue staining were used to detect iron deposition;the kits were applied to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),malondialdehyde(MDA),and glutathione(GSH).Western blotting was performed to analyze expressions of p53,solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4).Results Compared with the control group,after α-amanitin exposure,positive cell rates of Fe2+and Fe3+in mice liver tissues increased significantly.In the liver tissues of medium(0.35 mg/kg)and high(0.45 mg/kg)dose groups and L-02 cells treated with 1 μmol/L α-amanitin,the level of GSH decreased,the level of MDA increased,and the activities of SOD and CAT decreased significantly.In addition,α-amanitin upregulated the expression of p53 in a concentration-and time-dependent manner and inhibited the expressions of SLC7A11 and GPX4.Con-clusion Ferroptosis plays an important role in α-amanitin-induced hepatocyte injury.Abnormalities of ferroptosis-related indicators can provide references for the forensic identification of α-amanitin poisoning.

Poor water solubility is the primary obstacle preventing the development of many pharmacologically active compounds into oral preparations. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems(SNEDDS) have become a widely used strategy to enhance the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs by inducing a supersaturated state, thereby improving their apparent solubility and dissolution rate. However, the supersaturated solutions formed in SNEDDS are thermodynamically unstable systems with solubility levels exceeding the crystalline equilibrium solubility, making them prone to drug precipitation in the gastrointestinal tract and ultimately hindering drug absorption. Therefore, maintaining a stable supersaturated state is crucial for the effective delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Incorporating polymers as precipitation inhibitors(PPIs) into the formulation of supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems(S-SNEDDS) can inhibit drug aggregation and crystallization, thus maintaining a stable supersaturated state. This has emerged as a novel preparation strategy and a key focus in SNEDDS research. This review explores the preparation design of SNEDDS and the technical challenges involved, with a particular focus on polymer-based S-SNEDDS for enhancing the solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. It further elucidates the mechanisms by which polymers participate in transmembrane transport, summarizes the principles by which polymers sustain a supersaturated state, and discusses strategies for enhancing drug absorption. Altogether, this review provides a structured framework for the development of S-SNEDDS preparations with stable quality and reduced development risk, and offers a theoretical reference for the application of S-SNEDDS technology in improving the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
Solubility ; Administration, Oral ; Polymers/chemistry* ; Drug Delivery Systems/methods* ; Humans ; Emulsions/chemistry* ; Biological Availability ; Animals ; Pharmaceutical Preparations/administration & dosage*

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified pelvic floor reconstruction in non-nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (NNS RARP) for improving postoperative urinary control. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 79 prostate cancer patients who underwent NNS RARP at Tangdu Hospital during Jan.2020 and Dec.2023, including 29 in the reconstruction group, and 50 in the non-reconstruction group. The baseline characteristics including age, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, clinical stage, prostate volume, and biopsy Gleason score, and perioperative indexes including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, catheter indwelling time, complication rate, and positive rate of surgical margins were compared between the two groups. Additionally, urinary continence function was assessed before operation and 1,3,6, and 12 months after operation using the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICIQ-SF) and the incontinence quality of life questionnaire score (I-QoL). Results No statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in the reconstruction group than in the non-reconstruction group [ (110.24±15.08) min vs. (101.80±9.89) min, P=0.010]. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, catheter indwelling time, complication rate, and positive rate of surgical margins between the two groups (P>0.05). The reconstruction group demonstrated significantly lower ICIQ-SF scores at 1 month [ (10.17±2.16) vs. (11.56±1.66), P=0.002],3 months [ (7.62±1.29) vs. (9.52±1.80), P<0.001], and 6 months postoperatively [ (4.93±1.22) vs. (6.18± 1.67), P=0.001]compared to the non-reconstruction group (adjusted P<0.0125). Conversely, the I-QoL scores were significantly higher in the reconstruction group at 1 month [ (73.32±10.30) vs. (63.88±9.55), P<0.001]and 3 months postoperatively [ (78.91±4.82) vs. (75.66±5.17), P=0.007] (adjusted P<0.0125). However, no significant differences were found in ICIQ-SF or I-QoL scores between the two groups preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively (adjusted P>0.0125). Conclusion The application of modified pelvic floor reconstruction technique in NNS RARP is safe and feasible. Although it slightly prolongs the operation time, it does not increase surgical risks; instead, it effectively promotes early recovery of postoperative urinary continence, thereby significantly enhancing patients'quality of life.