Objective:To investigate grey matter volume changes and their correlation with the severity of anxiety in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by anxious distress specifier (ADS).Methods:From June 2022 to June 2023, totally 71 inpatients with MDD in the child and adolescent psychiatry department of Anhui Mental Health Center were included. According to the definition of ADS in the DSM-5, MDD adolescents were divided into the group with anxious distress (MDD/ADS+ group, n=44) and the group without anxious distress (MDD/ADS- group, n=27). Healthy adolescents matched in terms of gender, age, education level were recruited as the control group (HC group, n=19). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to compare changes in grey matter volume among the three groups.Grey matter volume values of brain regions with significant differences between the MDD/ADS+ group and MDD/ADS- group were collected, and their correlation with Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA) score were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS 26.0 software. Results:Compared to the MDD/ADS- group, the MDD/ADS+ group showed a significant decrease in grey matter volume in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (MNI: x=16.5, y=34.5, z=52.5, t=4.48, P<0.05) and the right cerebellum (MNI: x=49.5, y=-69.0, z=-24.0, t=5.18, P<0.05). In MDD adolescents, the grey matter volumes of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the right cerebellum were negatively correlated with HAMA score ( r=-0.249, -0.491, both P<0.05). Conclusion:In adolescents with MDD accompanied by ADS, a decrease in gray matter volume is observed in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the right superior cerebellum. These brain regions may serve as potential biological markers for the severity of anxiety in adolescents with MDD.

Objective:To evaluate the regeneration and biomechanical property recovery of semitendinosus tendon(ST)/gracilis tendon(GT) after anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction using shear wave elastorgraphy (SWE) combined with high-frequency ultrasound(HFUS).Methods:Twenty-five patients who underwent ST/GT autograft reconstruction after ACL rupture at the People′s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from January 2020 to June 2022 were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent HFUS, SWE and flexion strength assessment at pre-operation and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 months postoperatively. The morphology, length, cross-sectional area and SWE of ST/GT and flexion strength of knee were recorded at each time point. Repeated measures analysis of variance was employed to compare the cross-sectional area and elasticity value of regenerated ST/GT at different time points. Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the elasticity value of regenerated ST/GT and flexion strength.Results:The regeneration rates of ST/GT after being harvested for ACL reconstruction were 88% and 92%. The length of the regenerated ST/GT were shorter than before operation(both P<0.05). Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant differences in the cross-sectional area of regenerated ST/GT, both in terms of time effect and inter-group effect ( F=27.264, 28.980; both P<0.001), but no significant difference was observed in the interaction effect ( F=0.670, P=0.652). The cross-sectional area of regenerated ST/GT was the largest at 3 months postoperatively ( P<0.05), and restored to the preoperative level at 12 and 24 months postoperatively (both P>0.05). Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the elasticity values of the regenerated ST/GT were significantly different in terms of time effect, group effect, and interaction effect ( F=265.402, 33.015, 11.475; all P<0.001). The elasticity of regenerated ST/GT post-operation gradually increased over time. The flexion strength level of knee gradually improved post-operation(χ 2=34.83, P<0.001). The elasticity values of the regenerated ST and GT showed significant positive correlations with the flexion strength ( rs=0.755, 0.761; both P<0.001). Conclusions:HFUS discovers that most of ST/GT can be regenerated after being harvested for ACL reconstruction. The flexion strength and elasticity value of regenerated tendon recover gradually with time. It is suggested that the SWE can predict the recovery of biomechanical property of regenerated ST/GT.

Background The active metabolite of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), 7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxybenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE), can form adducts with DNA, but the spectrum of BPDE-DNA adducts is unclear. Objective To identify the distribution of BPDE adduct sites and associated genes at the whole-genome level by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-Seq), and serve as a basis for further exploring the toxicological mechanisms of BaP. Methods Human bronchial epithelial-like cells (16HBE) were cultured to the fourth generation inthe logarithmic growth phase. Cells were harvested and added to chromatin immunoprecipitation lysis buffer. The lysate was divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received a final concentration of 20 μmol·L⁻¹ BPDE solution, while the control group received an equivalent volume of dimethyl sulfoxide solution. The cells were then incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Chromatin fragments of 100-500 bp were obtained through sonication. BPDE-specific antibody (anti-BPDE 8E11) was used to enrich DNA fragments with BPDE adducts. High-throughput sequencing was conducted to detect BPDE adduct sites. The top 1000 peak sequences were subjected to motif analysis using MEME and DREME software. BPDE adduct target genes at the whole-genome level were annotated, and Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of BPDE adduct target genes were conducted using bioinformatics techniques. Results The high-throughput sequencing detected a total of 842 BPDE binding sites, distributed across various chromosomes. BPDE covalently bound to both coding and non-coding regions of genes, with 73.9% binding sites located in intergenic regions, 19.6% in intronic regions, and smaller proportions in upstream 2 kilobase, exonic, downstream 2 kilobase, and 5' untranslated regions. Regarding the top 1000 peak sequences, four reliable motifs were identified, revealing that sites rich in adenine (A) and guanine (G) were prone to binding. Through the enrichment analysis of binding sites, a total of 199 BPDE-adduct target genes were identified, with the majority located on chromosomes 1, 5, 7, 12, 17, and X. The GO analysis indicated that these target genes were mainly enriched in nucleic acid and protein binding, participating in the regulation of catalytic activity, transport activity, translation elongation factor activity, and playing important roles in cell division, differentiation, motility, substance transport, and information transfer. The KEGG analysis revealed that these target genes were primarily enriched in pathways related to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and immune-inflammatory responses. Conclusion Using ChIP-Seq, 199 BPDE adduct target genes at genome-wide level are identified, impacting biological functions such as cell division, differentiation, motility, substance transport, and information transfer. These genes are closely associated with cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and immune-inflammatory responses.

Background and objective Transcription factor(TF)can bind specific sequences that either promotes or represses the transcription of target genes,and exerts important effects on tumorigenesis,migration,invasion.Staphylococcal nuclease-containing structural domain 1(SND1),which is a transcriptional co-activator,is considered as a promising target for tumor therapy.However,its role in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)remains unclear.This study aims to explore the role of SND1 in LUAD.Methods Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA),Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO),Clinical Pro-teomic Tumor Analysis Consortium(CPTAC),and Human Protein Atlas(HPA)database was obtained to explore the associa-tion between SND1 and the prognosis,as well as the immune cell infiltration,and subcellular localization in LUAD tissues.Furthermore,the functional role of SND1 in LUAD was verified in vitro.EdU assay,CCK-8 assay,flow cytometry,scratch assay,Transwell assay and Western blot were performed.Results SND1 was found to be upregulated and high expression of SND1 is correlated with poor prognosis of LUAD patients.In addition,SND1 was predominantly present in the cytoplasm of LUAD cells.Enrichment analysis showed that SND1 was closely associated with the cell cycle,as well as DNA replication,and chro-mosome segregation.Immune infiltration analysis showed that SND1 was closely associated with various immune cell popula-tions,including T cells,B cells,cytotoxic cells and dendritic cells.In vitro studies demonstrated that silencing of SND1 inhib-ited cell proliferation,invasion and migration of LUAD cells.Besides,cell cycle was blocked at G,phase by down-regulating SND1.Conclusion SND1 might be an important prognostic biomarker of LUAD and may promote LUAD cells proliferation and migration.

Objective:To explore the use of near-infrared autofluorescence probe (NIRAF-P) and its application in identifying parathyroid glands during surgery.Methods:A total of 68 patients undergoing thyroid surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Beijing Longfu Hospital between Dec. 2023 and Jun. 2024 were selected. During the operation, the near-infrared parathyroid gland detector was used to identify the parathyroid gland tissue to be tested, and histopathological examination was performed. The positive predictive value and accuracy of the near-infrared parathyroid gland detector were analyzed.Results:A total of 111 parathyroid glands were identified in 68 patients, and the positive predictive value and accuracy of the NIRAF-P were 95.5% and 94.6%, respectively.Conclusions:The NIRAF-P has high accuracy in identifying parathyroid glands. The standardized application of the NIRAF-P can help improve the efficiency of identifying parathyroid glands during surgery.

MiRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs,which regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by partial complementary base pairing.Aberrant miRNA expressions have been reported in tumor tissues and peripheral blood of cancer patients.In recent years,artificial intelligence algorithms such as machine learning and deep learning have been widely used in bioinformatic research.Compared to traditional bioinformatic tools,miRNA target prediction tools based on artificial intelligence algorithms have higher accuracy,and can successfully predict subcellular localization and redistribution of miRNAs to deepen our understanding.Additionally,the construction of clinical models based on artificial intelligence algorithms could significantly improve the mining efficiency of miRNA used as biomarkers.In this article,we summarize recent development of bioinformatic miRNA tools based on artificial intelligence algorithms,focusing on the potential of machine learning and deep learning in cancer-related miRNA research.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction affects the quality of life of children and their families, and scientific and effective assessment tools are crucial for identifying and managing symptoms. This article reviews the basic characteristics, testing population, reliability, validity, and clinical application of bladder and bowel dysfunction assessment tools for children both domestically and internationally, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of assessment tools, so as to provide reference for the selection of suitable assessment tools in clinical practice and the development of localized assessment tools.

Objective:To investigate the distribution and related factors of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level in healthy Tajik and Kazak adults in China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2021 and March to June 2022, and blood samples were collected from 2, 637 healthy Tajik adults [1 010 men, average age: (40.08±14.74) years; 1 627 women, average age: (38.27±12.90) years] in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County and 1 911 healthy Kazak adults [720 men, average age: (42.10±12.26) years; 1 191 women, average age: (38.27±12.90) years] in Fuyun County of Xinjiang. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), creatinine (Cr), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and Lp(a) were measured. The distribution of Lp(a) levels in different sex and age groups was compared. The Lp(a) level of Tajik and Kazakh ethnic groups was compared by Mann-Whitney U test, and correlation factors of Lp(a) level were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. Results:The distribution of Lp(a) level in Tajik and Kazak population was skewed. Lp(a) levels of Tajik and Kazak ranged from the lowest 0.40 mg/L and 0.62 mg/L to the highest 1 229.40 mg/L and 2 108.58 mg/L, respectively, and the median Lp(a) level was 78.90 (38.60, 190.20) mg/L and 103.30 (49.57, 234.27) mg/L, respectively. Median Lp(a) level of Kazak was significantly higher than that of Tjik ( P<0.001). The median Lp(a) levels of Tajik males and females were similar: 77.45 (39.80, 187.10) mg/L and 79.90 (38.60, 192.30) mg/L ( P=0.948). The median Lp(a) levels of Kazakh males and females were also similar: 109.42 (50.49, 230.38) mg/L and 99.01 (49.11, 237.25) mg/L, respectively ( P=0.578). After pooling the data of Tajik and Kazak and adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking, drinking, blood pressure, blood glucose and other factors, Lp(a) level was correlated with ethnic (standard partial regression coefficient 0.066, P=0.008) and LDL-C level (standard partial regression coefficient 0.136, P<0.001). Conclusions:Lp(a) level in healthy Tajik and Kazak adults varied greatly among individuals, and Kazak residents had a higher Lp(a) level than Tajik residents. There was no significant sex difference in Lp(a) level among Tajik and Kazakh, and LDL-C and ethnicity are independent factors related to Lp(a) level.

Objective:To investigate whether silencing signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) with siRNA can inhibit eosinophilic inflammation of sinonasal mucosa in a mouse model of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS).Methods:The study was conducted from March to September in 2022. Forty-eight female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the Vehicle (transfection reagent)-treated group, the Scramble siRNA (Control siRNA)-treated group, and the STAT6 siRNA-treated group, with twelve mice in each group. An ovalbumin (OVA)-staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced ECRS murine model was established. SiRNA prepared in Lipofectamine was locally administered to the nasal cavity. After administration, samples of the peripheral blood and sinonasal mucosa were collected. Eosinophils in peripheral blood were detected by hematology analyzer. Total and OVA-specific IgE (OVA-sIgE) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mucosal levels of cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-17A, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and eotaxin-1, were also measured using ELISA. Mucosal histological changes of eosinophil infiltration were examined using hematoxylin, and eosin staining, and tissue eosinophil count was performed using a microscope under a high-power field (HPF). Tissue expression of STAT6 and phosphorylated STAT6 (p-STAT6) was detected with the western blot method. Immunofluorescence staining was used to localize the expression of p-STAT6 in sinonasal mucosa. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 18.0 software.Results:Peripheral blood eosinophil count, percentage of peripheral blood eosinophil, total serum IgE level, and serum OVA-sIgE level in the STAT6 siRNA-treated group [(0.318±0.045)×10 3/μl, (3.667±0.479)%, (102.070±13.205) ng/ml, and (38.870±7.352) ng/ml] were significantly different from those of the Vehicle-treated group [(0.532±0.049)×10 3/μl, (6.710±1.061)%, (203.102±29.653) ng/ml, and (74.575±6.432) ng/ml, Z value was -2.56, -2.24, -2.40, and -2.56, respectively, all P<0.05] and Scramble siRNA-treated group [(0.493±0.036)×10 3/μl, (5.858±0.872)%, (189.964±30.042) ng/ml, and (80.935±8.358) ng/ml, Z value was -2.17, -2.08, -2.24, and -2.72, respectively, all P<0.05]. Besides, IL-5 and eotaxin-1 levels in the STAT6 siRNA-treated group [(312.279±34.281) pg/ml and (25.297±4.323) pg/ml] were significantly lower than those in the Vehicle-treated group [(689.667±31.905) pg/ml and (68.278±6.485) pg/ml, Z value was -2.73 and -2.88, respectively, both P<0.01] and Scramble siRNA-treated group [(661.783±42.094) pg/ml and (63.015±7.416) pg/ml, Z value was -2.72 and -2.81, respectively, both P<0.01]. Tissue eosinophil count in sinonasal mucosa was (29.132±4.163)/HPF in the STAT6 siRNA-treated group, and were significantly less than those in the Vehicle-treated group [(78.050±7.912)/HPF, Z=-2.88, P<0.01] and Scramble siRNA-treated group [(73.864±8.671)/HPF, Z=-2.72, P<0.01]. The expression level of STAT6 protein (0.105±0.021) was significantly decreased in the mice treated with STAT6 siRNA compared with PBS, Vehicle, and Scramble siRNA (0.232±0.037, 0.243±0.039, and 0.228±0.032, Z value was -2.25, -2.49, and -2.56, respectively, all P<0.05). Corresponding, p-STAT6 protein level (0.292±0.038) was markedly decreased by the introduction of STAT6 siRNA, the difference was statistically significant as compared with the Vehicle-and Scramble siRNA-treated groups (0.613±0.046 and 0.641±0.050, Z value was -2.81 and -2.88, respectively, both P<0.01). Immunofluorescence staining showed that p-STAT6 was mainly located in the nucleus of nasal epithelial cells and inflammatory cells. The green fluorescence of p-STAT6 expression in sinonasal mucosa in the STAT6 siRNA-treated group was weaker than that in the Vehicle-and Scramble siRNA-treated groups. Conclusion:Intranasal administration of STAT6 siRNA can significantly downregulate STAT6 expression, decrease p-STAT6 level, and prohibit the development of Th2-skewed ECRS.

Objective:To observe the clearance strategies of hemiplegic stroke survivors with foot drop.Methods:Thirty hemiplegic stroke survivors with foot drop formed the observation group and 30 healthy counterparts constituted the control group. A three-dimensional motion capture system was used to observe and compare the minimum toe clearance (MTC) and its variability between the two groups to draw the motion trajectory of the toe in the swing phase of their gaits. The gait parameters were correlated with the toe clearance.Results:The average MTC of the observation group subjects on both the hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic side (12.01±3.36 and 22.38±5.51mm) was significantly smaller than the control group′s averages. The variability of their MTCs on both sides was also significantly greater. Clearance on the hemiplegic side was significantly less and its variability was significantly greater. Among the observation group, MTC on the hemiplegic side was positively correlated with walking speed, step length, swing phase percentage, maximum angle of hip extension, maximum angle of knee flexion, maximum angle of ankle dorsiflexion, and the range of motion of the knee and ankle joints.Conclusions:Hemiplegic stroke survivors with foot drop walk unstably with little toe clearance. It is necessary to intervene at the hip, knee and ankle to improve their obstacle clearance.