ObjectiveTo study the effect and mechanism of Shentong Zhuyutang in treating intervertebral disc degeneration （IDD） in rats. MethodsIn the cell experiment， male rats were administrated with normal saline or low-， medium-， and high-dose （3.38， 6.75，13.5 g·kg^-1， respectively） Shentong Zhuyutang by gavage， respectively， and serum samples were collected after 7 days of continuous administration. Another 10 male rats were selected for the isolation of nucleus pulposus cells. The cell model of IDD was established by treatment with interleukin （IL）-1β. The modeled cells were then treated with Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum and the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 （Fer-1）， respectively， to investigate the effects of Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum on the proliferation and ferroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells. To study the role of silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1）/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） in the regulation of ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells by Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum， this study treated the cells with the SIRT1 inhibitor Ex 527 and the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385， respectively， in addition to the treatment with IL-1β and high-dose Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum. The cell-counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay and EdU staining were employed to measure the cell viability and proliferation， respectively. The Fe²⁺， glutathione （GSH）， and malondiadehyde （MDA） levels were measured by colorimetric assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family 4 （ACSL4）， Collagen Ⅱ， Aggrecan， SIRT1， and Nrf2. Immunofluorescence was used detect SIRT1 expression. In the animal experiment， male rats were treated with anulus puncture for the modeling of IDD. Rats were randomly assigned into sham operation， model， Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum （13.5 g·kg^-1）， and positive control （nimesulide dispersible tablets， 0.18 mg·kg^-1） groups. Rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding agents at 1 mL·kg^-1， and those in the sham operation and model groups were administrated with equal volumes of normal saline， once daily for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the last administration， the histopathological changes in the intervertebral discs of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and scored by the Masuda method. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of SIRT1， Nrf2， GPX4， and Collagen Ⅱ in the nucleus pulposus tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group， the IL-1β group of nucleus pulposus cells showed elevated levels of Fe²⁺， MDA， and ACSL4 （P<0.05）， decreased cell viability， lowered GSH level， and down-regulated protein levels of GPX4， Collagen Ⅱ， and Aggrecan （P<0.05）. Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum and Fer-1 reversed the effects of IL-1β on the viability and ferroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells and up-regulated the protein levels of Collagen Ⅱ and Aggrecan in nucleus pulposus cells （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group， the IL-1β group showcased down-regulated expression of Sirt1 and Nrf2 in nucleus pulposus cells （P<0.05）. Compared with the IL-1β group， the high-dose Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum+IL-1β group showed up-regulated expression of SIRT1 and Nrf2 in nucleus pulposus cells （P<0.05）. Compared with the high-dose Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum+IL-1β group， the ML385 group showed down-regulated protein levels of Nrf2 and GPX4， lowered GSH level， and elevated Fe²⁺ and MDA levels （P<0.05）. In addition， the Ex 527 group showed down-regulated protein levels of SIRT1， Nrf2， and GPX4 （P<0.05）. The results of the animal experiment showed that compared with the sham operation group， the model group had severe degeneration of the intervertebral disc tissue with increased pathological score， up-regulated protein level of ACSL4 （P<0.05）， and down-regulated protein levels of SIRT1， Nrf2， GPX4， and Collagen Ⅱ （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the Shentong Zhuyutang group showed alleviated IDD with declined pathological score， down-regulated protein level of ACSL4 （P<0.05）， and up-regulated protein levels of SIRT1， Nrf2， GPX4， and Collagen Ⅱ （P<0.05）. ConclusionShentong Zhuyutang may activate the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit the ferroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells， thereby delaying the process of IDD in rats.

BACKGROUND:In recent years,artificial intelligence has gradually emerged and has been applied in various fields such as spinal cord nerve injury and repair,which has a positive impact on clinical treatment. OBJECTIVE:To study the application progress of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis,treatment,and rehabilitation of spinal cord nerve injury and repair,clarify the research hotspots and shortcomings in this field,and provide suggestions for future research work. METHODS:Relevant literature on artificial intelligence in the field of spinal cord nerve injury and repair was retrieved on the Web of Science core collection database until 2023.CiteSpace 6.1.R6 and VOSviewer 1.6.19 software was used to perform general literature analysis,co-citation of literature,co-citation of journals,double image overlay of journals,keyword clustering,and other visual analysis on the literature data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 1 713 articles were selected,and the annual publication volume in this field showed a fluctuating upward trend,with the United States taking the lead,and Kadone and Hideki being the authors with the highest publication volume.ARCH PHYS MED REHAB was the journal with the highest number of citations.(2)Keyword co-occurrence and cluster analysis showed that after removing keywords similar to the search terms,the main keywords were divided into three main clusters:Exoskeleton and exercise rehabilitation(the largest core hotspot);machine learning and neural plasticity;robotics and rehabilitation training.(3)Keyword burst analysis showed that deep learning and artificial intelligence had become burst terms in the past five years.(4)The results of in-depth analysis of co cited and highly cited literature showed that the hotspots of artificial intelligence in the field of spinal cord nerve injury and repair were mainly focused on powered exoskeletons,gaits,electrical nerve stimulation,intracortical brain-computer interface(IBCI),robots,and polymer biomaterials,and neural stem cell.(5)The research on artificial intelligence in the field of spinal cord nerve injury and repair has shown an upward trend in recent years.The focus of this field had gradually shifted from single treatment methods such as exoskeletons and electrical stimulation to intelligent,precise,and personalized directions.(6)There were some limitations in this field,such as the consequences of missing or imbalanced data,low data accuracy and reproducibility,and ethical issues(such as privacy,research transparency,and clinical reliability).Future research should address the issue of data collection,requiring large sample,high-quality clinical datasets to establish effective artificial intelligence models.At the same time,the research on genomics and other mechanisms in this field is very weak.In the future,various machine learning technologies such as brain chips can be used,and gene editing therapy,single-cell spatial transcriptome and other methods can be used to study the basic mechanisms of regeneration-related gene upregulation and axon growth structural protein production.

Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including 213 cases with one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis such as heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccups, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing (sorted in accordance with the abovementioned symptoms; if there are multiple symptoms, then the former is taken); 55 cases with at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 108 cases (15.1%); followed by acid reflux, belching, etc. In 2024, the same group of people was investigated, and eight people were missing because of relocation. A total of 703 people were successfully investigated, of which 189 cases (26.8%) had one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis, such as heartburn (sorted in accordance with relevant symptoms, if there are multiple symptoms, then the former will be selected); 167 cases (23.7%) had at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 139 cases (19.7%); followed by acid reflux. Over 16 years, among the 703 people investigated, 45 cases had esophageal cancer and they had one or more of the abovementioned symptoms. No significant differences in the reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.26); no significant differences in the composition of reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.299). Conclusion The detection rate of reflux esophagitis-related symptoms in the population in a high-risk area of esophageal cancer has not decreased in the past 16 years, and the high-risk factors still exist. Esophageal cancer is closely related to reflux esophagitis, and clinical practice can provide early diagnosis and treatment for high-risk population.

Objective To understand the disease spectrum of a natural village in an area with high incidence of esophageal cancer to provide a reference for precise prevention and control. Methods From 2008 to 2024, 711 asymptomatic people over the age of 35 years in a natural village with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China were surveyed, and 171 of them were subjected to gastroscopy, biopsy, and pathological examination. All participants were followed up for a long time, and their disease history was recorded. Results A total of 16 years of follow-up were performed, and 703 people were effectively followed up. In 2008, 171 people underwent gastroscopy, and 160 people had biopsy and pathological results in endoscopic screening. By 2024, 76 people had been diagnosed with malignant tumors of 12 different types, and among these people, 45 had esophageal cancer. Conclusion Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in this region. Biopsy and pathological examination should be strengthened during gastroscopy, and follow-ups and regular check-ups should be given high importance to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a series of complex challenges. COVID-19 in children and adolescents is generally less severe than in adults and the elderly; however, some children and adolescents may experience severe complications and adverse health effects even after mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infections. The article focuses on gathering the epidemic characteristics, health impact, risk factors, prevention and control measures, and vaccination status of children and adolescents with COVID-19 infection to provide recommendations for protecting children and adolescents in the post COVID-19 era.

BACKGROUND:With the continuous improvement and progress of artificial intelligence technology in the treatment of spinal deformity,a large number of studies have been invested in this field,but the main research status,hot spots and development trends are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To visually analyze the literature related to artificial intelligence in the field of spinal deformities by using bibliometrics,identify the research hotspots and shortcomings in this field,and provide references for future research. METHODS:The core database of Web of Science was used to search the articles related to artificial intelligence in the field of spinal deformities published from inception to 2023.The data were visually analyzed by Citespace 5.6.R5 and VOSviewer 1.6.19. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 165 papers were included,and the number of papers published in this field showed a fluctuating upward trend.The author with the largest number of articles is Lafage V,and the country with the largest number of articles is China.(2)Keyword analysis results show that adolescent scoliosis,deep learning,classification,precision and robot are the main keywords.(3)The in-depth analysis results of co-cited and highly cited articles show that artificial intelligence has three hotspots in the field of spinal deformities,including the use of U-shaped architecture(a mature mode of deep learning convolutional neural networks)to automatically measure imaging parameters(Cobb angle and accurate segmentation of paraspinal muscles),multi-view correlation network architecture(i.e.,spine curvature assessment framework),and robot-guided spinal surgery.(4)In the field of artificial intelligence treatment of spinal malformations,the mechanism research such as genomics is very weak.In the future,unsupervised hierarchical clustering and other machine learning techniques can be used to study the basic mechanism of susceptibility genes in the field of spinal deformities by genome-wide association analysis and other genomics research methods.

BACKGROUND:The activation of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome has been found to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis,and the activation of NLPR3 inflammasome can be effectively inhibited by regulating the PTEN-induced kinas 1(PINK1)/Parkin signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction on the PINK1/Parkin/NLRP3 signaling pathway. METHODS:(1)Animal experiment:Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,positive control group(Qiushuixian tablets 0.3 mg/kg),and low-,medium-,and high-dose Duhuo Jisheng Decoction groups(6.9,13.8,and 27.6 g/kg,respectively).A rat gouty arthritis model was constructed by injecting monosodium urate crystal suspension into the right hind ankle joint cavity of rats in all the groups except for the control group.(2)Cell experiment:Human monocytes(THP-1)were divided into blank control group,model group,Duhuo Jisheng Decoction-containing serum group,and PINK1 siRNA+Duhuo Jisheng Decoction-containing serum group.The cells in each group except the blank control group were stimulated with sodium urate to establish an in vitro gouty arthritis model.(3)The swelling degree,joint circumference,gait score,joint inflammation index and degree of pathological grading in the ankle joints of rats were observed.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of uric acid,C-reactive protein,NLRP3,and interleukin 1β.Immunoblotting assay was used to detect the levels of proteins related to the PINK1/Parkin/NLRP3 pathway.Tetramethyl azolidine blue assay was used to detect cell activity.Immunofluorescent double staining was performed to detect the level of mitophagy.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of NLRP3 and interleukin 1β. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,rats in the model group showed elevated ankle swelling and ankle circumference at 6-48 hours(P<0.05),elevated gait scores and joint inflammation indexes at 24 and 48 hours(P<0.05),elevated serum uric acid and C-reactive protein levels,degree of pathological classification,expression of PINK1,Parkin,and NLRP3 proteins,and interleukin 1β level in synovial tissues(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the protein expression levels of PINK1 and Parkin in all the Duhuo Jisheng Decoction groups were elevated,while the levels of the other indexes were decreased(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the model group,NLRP3 activity,interleukin 1β level and mitochondrial outer membrane translocator protein 20 protein level in the Duhuo Jisheng Decoction-containing serum group were decreased(P<0.05),while the proliferation inhibition rate,PINK1,Parkin and LC3B protein level were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the mitochondrial autophagy level of cells in the Duhuo Jisheng Decoction-containing serum group was elevated(P<0.05),while NLRP3 and interleukin 1β protein levels were decreased(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the Duhuo Jisheng Decoction-containing serum group,the mitochondrial autophagy level of cells in the PINK1 siRNA+Duhuo Jisheng Decoction-containing serum group was decreased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of NLRP3 and interleukin 1β were elevated(P<0.05).To conclude,Duhuo Jisheng Decoction inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by regulating the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on gouty arthritis.

Objective:To explore the application and clinical efficacy of functional neural navigation multimodal image fusion technology combined with intraoperative fluorescein sodium in the surgery of lung cancer brain metastases.Methods:Forty patients with lung cancer and brain metastasis admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital from January 2020 to January 2024 were collected as the observation group. Another 40 patients with lung cancer brain metastases who underwent microscopic resection at Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 were selected as the control group. All patients received head CT examination, head MRI examination, MRI enhanced sequence and MRA, MRV and DWI sequence scanning before operation. Functional neural navigation system was used to perform preoperative multi-modal image fusion to realize three-dimensional display of tumor lesions, and display the position relationship between tumor and functional areas, conduction bundles and large blood vessels, so as to make preoperative navigation plan. After conducting a fluorescein sodium allergy test on the patient before surgery, a small dose of fluorescein sodium (2 mg/kg) was intravenously injected during the operation. During the operation, neuro navigation was combined with fluorescein sodium to perform tumor resection by displaying the boundary between tumor tissue and normal brain tissue under a Pentero 900 Zeiss microscope 560 fluorescence mode. Both groups collected tumor tissue samples for pathological classification and immunohistochemical analysis, comparing and analyzing differences in tumor resection degree, postoperative occurrence of new neurological dysfunction, postoperative muscle strength improvement, changes in KPS scores before and after surgery, and the occurrence of complications. The metric data that conforms to normal distribution is represented by xˉ± s, and the comparison of means between two groups is conducted using independent sample t-test. Calculate the percentage based on the count data, and compare the inter group rates using the χ2 test. P<0.05 indicates statistical significance of the difference. Results:Compared with the control group, the total tumor resection rate of observation group (75.0% (30/40) ) and KPS score of 3 months after surgery (82.5% (33/40)) were better than those of the control group (52.5% (21/40) and 60% (24/40)), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2 value was 4.94 and 4.38, P values were 0.026 and 0.036). The rate of postoperative new neurological dysfunction in the observation group (22.5% (9/40)) was lower than that in the control group (45.0% (18/40)), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=4.53, P=0.033). The length of hospital stay ((21.48±3.23) days), operation time ((216.65±56.76) points) and complication rate (37.5% (15/40)) in observation group were lower than those in control group ((22.43±2.34) days, (225.62±37.68) points, 45.0% (18/40)). However, the difference was not statistically significant ( t/ χ2 values were 1.51, 0.83, and 0.46, respectively; P values were 0.136, 0.408, and 0.496, respectively). The 12-month survival rate of observation group (67.5%(27/45) respectively was significantly higher than that of control group (40.0%(16/40) respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=6.08, P=0.014). Conclusion:Functional neural navigation multimodal image fusion technology combined with intraoperative fluorescein sodium can accurately locate the tumor and determine the boundary relationship between the tumor and normal brain tissue during lung cancer brain metastasis surgery, improve tumor resection rate, enhance patient quality of life, and ultimately improve patient prognosis without increasing the risk of related complications.

Objective:To analyze the efficacy and safety of FOLFOX-hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with targeted immunotherapy for initial unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of initial unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients who visited Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from June 2022 to June 2023. A total of 51 patients were enrolled, including 47 males and 4 females, with the age of (56.1±10.7) years. All 51 patients received HAIC combined with immune targeted therapy. After each HAIC combined with immune targeted therapy, the efficacy was evaluated according to the modified response evaluation cirteria in solid tumor (mRECIST). Objective response rate and disease control rate were calculuted. The conversion surgery rate and adverse events during treatment were recorded. Follow up patients' disease progression and survival status, and meanwhile analyze prognosis.Results:According to mRECIST assessment, the number of patients with complete remission, partial remission, disease stability, and disease progression were 4 (7.8%), 27 (52.9%), 14 (27.4%), and 6 (11.8%), respectively. The disease remission rate was 60.8%(31/51), and the disease control rate was 88.2%(45/51). After HAIC combined with immune targeted therapy, 13 patients underwent liver cancer resection, with a surgical conversion rate of 25.5%(13/51). The median progression free survival of 51 patients was 14.2 months, and the median overall survival has not yet been reached. The progression free survival rates of 51 patients at 6 and 12 months were 90.2% and 64.7%, respectively, and the cumulative survival rates at 6 and 12 months were 100% and 86.3%, respectively. During the treatment period, all patients experienced various degrees of adverse reactions, 38(75.5%) patients were grade 1-2 adverse accidents, which could be relieved and controlled after corresponding treatment.Conclusion:FOLFOX-HAIC combined with targeted immunotherapy provides an effective and safe treatment option for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, offering surgical resection opportunities for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of serological indicators and evaluate the diagnostic value of a new established combined serological model on identifying the minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with compensated cirrhosis.Methods:This prospective multicenter study enrolled 263 compensated cirrhotic patients from 23 hospitals in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China between October 2021 and August 2022. Clinical data and laboratory test results were collected, and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was calculated. Ammonia level was corrected to the upper limit of normal (AMM-ULN) by the baseline blood ammonia measurements/upper limit of the normal reference value. MHE was diagnosed by combined abnormal number connection test-A and abnormal digit symbol test as suggested by Guidelines on the management of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis. The patients were randomly divided (7∶3) into training set ( n=185) and validation set ( n=78) based on caret package of R language. Logistic regression was used to establish a combined model of MHE diagnosis. The diagnostic performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve. The internal verification was carried out by the Bootstrap method ( n=200). AUC comparisons were achieved using the Delong test. Results:In the training set, prevalence of MHE was 37.8% (70/185). There were statistically significant differences in AMM-ULN, albumin, platelet, alkaline phosphatase, international normalized ratio, MELD score and education between non-MHE group and MHE group (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that AMM-ULN [odds ratio ( OR)=1.78, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.05-3.14, P=0.038] and MELD score ( OR=1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.20, P=0.002) were independent risk factors for MHE, and the AUC for predicting MHE were 0.663, 0.625, respectively. Compared with the use of blood AMM-ULN and MELD score alone, the AUC of the combined model of AMM-ULN, MELD score and education exhibited better predictive performance in determining the presence of MHE was 0.755, the specificity and sensitivity was 85.2% and 55.7%, respectively. Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve showed that the model had good calibration ( P=0.733). The AUC for internal validation of the combined model for diagnosing MHE was 0.752. In the validation set, the AUC of the combined model for diagnosing MHE was 0.794, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration ( P=0.841). Conclusion:Use of the combined model including AMM-ULN, MELD score and education could improve the predictive efficiency of MHE among patients with compensated cirrhosis.