BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis is pathologically characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage and abnormal deformation of the subchondral bone.In recent years,with the deepening of medical research,it has been found that the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway has a regulatory role in inflammatory cell infiltration,inflammatory factor release,and chondrocyte proliferation,which is particularly important for the treatment of osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To briefly review the main research progress in the mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway regulating osteoarthritis in recent years,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of osteoarthritis.METHODS:CNKI,WanFang and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"mitogen-activated protein kinases,osteoarthritis,extracellular signal-regulated MAP kinases,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase"in Chinese and English.Relevant literature published from January 2019 to November 2024 was searched,and 108 articles were finally included for summary analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Various stimuli inside and outside the cells activate the MAPK signaling pathway,regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis,and promote the release of inflammatory factors,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.The release of these inflammatory factors aggravates the progression of osteoarthritis.(2)The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,mainly saponins and flavonoids,as well as Chinese herbal formulas and preparations with the main effects of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis,tonifying the liver and kidney,can play a therapeutic role in osteoarthritis by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway,regulating the release of matrix metalloproteinases,balancing the homeostatic state of osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,attenuating the synovial inflammation,decreasing the release of inflammatory factors and inflammatory vesicles,decreasing cellular pyroptosis,promoting autophagy,and ameliorating oxidative stress.(3)Although traditional Chinese medicine has become popular in the treatment of osteoarthritis by virtue of its own advantages of multi-components,multi-targets,multi-pathways,and low side effects,the use of MAPK signaling pathway to guide the treatment of individual osteoarthritis is the difficulty of the technology,which needs to be continuously researched and explored.(4)Therefore,further development of relevant herbal inhibitors that can modulate the MAPK signaling pathway may be a potential drug strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.

BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis is pathologically characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage and abnormal deformation of the subchondral bone.In recent years,with the deepening of medical research,it has been found that the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway has a regulatory role in inflammatory cell infiltration,inflammatory factor release,and chondrocyte proliferation,which is particularly important for the treatment of osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To briefly review the main research progress in the mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway regulating osteoarthritis in recent years,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of osteoarthritis.METHODS:CNKI,WanFang and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"mitogen-activated protein kinases,osteoarthritis,extracellular signal-regulated MAP kinases,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase"in Chinese and English.Relevant literature published from January 2019 to November 2024 was searched,and 108 articles were finally included for summary analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Various stimuli inside and outside the cells activate the MAPK signaling pathway,regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis,and promote the release of inflammatory factors,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.The release of these inflammatory factors aggravates the progression of osteoarthritis.(2)The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,mainly saponins and flavonoids,as well as Chinese herbal formulas and preparations with the main effects of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis,tonifying the liver and kidney,can play a therapeutic role in osteoarthritis by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway,regulating the release of matrix metalloproteinases,balancing the homeostatic state of osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,attenuating the synovial inflammation,decreasing the release of inflammatory factors and inflammatory vesicles,decreasing cellular pyroptosis,promoting autophagy,and ameliorating oxidative stress.(3)Although traditional Chinese medicine has become popular in the treatment of osteoarthritis by virtue of its own advantages of multi-components,multi-targets,multi-pathways,and low side effects,the use of MAPK signaling pathway to guide the treatment of individual osteoarthritis is the difficulty of the technology,which needs to be continuously researched and explored.(4)Therefore,further development of relevant herbal inhibitors that can modulate the MAPK signaling pathway may be a potential drug strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.

Morinda officinalis is one of the “Four Great Southern Medicines” and is commonly used in clinical practice to treat erectile dysfunction and nocturnal emissions caused by kidney yang deficiency， uterine cold infertility， menstrual disorders， low abdominal pain， rheumatism， and muscle and bone weakness. Based on the principle of “treating raw and cooked differently”， this article summarizes the effects of different processing methods on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of M. officinalis . Research has found that processing can affect the content and structure of sugars， iridoids， and anthraquinones in M. officinalis ， thereby regulating its pharmacological effects such as anti-osteoporosis， immune regulation， anti-fatigue， and anti-depression. Among them， salt M. officinalis shows outstanding performance in anti-osteoporosis and enhancing immunity. Although previous studies have preliminarily elucidated the major chemical constituents of M. officinalis and their pharmacological characteristics， the dynamic transformation paths of constituents during the processing remain to be further clarified， especially the es tablishment of a quality marker system associated with the processing technology， to achieve the precision and intelligent development of the processing.

Morinda officinalis is one of the “Four Great Southern Medicines” and is commonly used in clinical practice to treat erectile dysfunction and nocturnal emissions caused by kidney yang deficiency， uterine cold infertility， menstrual disorders， low abdominal pain， rheumatism， and muscle and bone weakness. Based on the principle of “treating raw and cooked differently”， this article summarizes the effects of different processing methods on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of M. officinalis . Research has found that processing can affect the content and structure of sugars， iridoids， and anthraquinones in M. officinalis ， thereby regulating its pharmacological effects such as anti-osteoporosis， immune regulation， anti-fatigue， and anti-depression. Among them， salt M. officinalis shows outstanding performance in anti-osteoporosis and enhancing immunity. Although previous studies have preliminarily elucidated the major chemical constituents of M. officinalis and their pharmacological characteristics， the dynamic transformation paths of constituents during the processing remain to be further clarified， especially the es tablishment of a quality marker system associated with the processing technology， to achieve the precision and intelligent development of the processing.

Small cell lung cancer is a highly aggressive subtype of lung cancer， and most patients are diagnosed with extensive- stage small cell lung cancer （ES-SCLC）. Conventional therapeutic regimens only achieve limited duration of remission； most patients experience recurrence or disease progression shortly after treatment， leading to poor long-term survival rates. Nevertheless， immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape of ES-SCLC. This paper reviews research advances in first-line immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy， maintenance therapy， and post-progression therapy for ES-SCLC. Programmed death receptor 1/programmed death-ligand 1 （PD-1/PD-L1） inhibitors combined with platinum plus etoposide serve as the cornerstone of first-line treatment for ES-SCLC. Regimens combining PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with anti-angiogenic agents， or dual immune checkpoint inhibitors plus platinum-etoposide chemotherapy， exhibit promising prospects， yet their additional survival benefits remain unconfirmed. In maintenance therapy， lurbinectedin combined with atezolizumab has yielded positive results in phase Ⅲ clinical trials， whereas maintenance regimens such as tarlatamab combined with PD-L1 inhibitors require further validation. For patients with disease progression after first-line immunochemotherapy， tarlatamab， a T-cell engager targeting delta-like ligand 3/ cluster of differentiation 3， has demonstrated survival benefits， and antibody-drug conjugates targeting B7 homolog 3 and trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 also exert moderate anti-tumor activity. In the future， further investigations are required to identify the optimal combination regimens， treatment sequences and beneficiary populations for immunotherapy in ES-SCLC.

Objective To analyze the technical essentials of single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopic surgery, and to investigate its surgical efficacy and promotional value. Methods Clinical data of patients who consecutively underwent radical upper lobectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital from March 2023 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the surgical approach, patients were divided into two groups: the single-microport assisted group (underwent upper lobectomy via single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopy) and the traditional uniportal group (underwent traditional uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy). Clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 62 patients were enrolled. There were 30 patients in the single-microport assisted group, with a mean age of (57.4±10.8) years, and 32 patients in the traditional uniportal thoracoscopic group, with a mean age of (57.6±8.7) years. The baseline data were comparable between the two groups. All patients in both groups successfully underwent minimally invasive surgery without conversion to thoracotomy. The operative time in the single-microport assisted group was significantly shorter than that in the traditional uniportal group [(146.03±30.79) min vs. (171.41±36.41) min, P=0.004]. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes, duration of chest tube drainage, postoperative pain score, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization cost, or incidence of postoperative complications (all P>0.05). Conclusion Single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopic surgery for upper lobectomy can maximally integrate the advantages of three-port and uni-port VATS while effectively avoiding their disadvantages. It significantly shortens the operative time without increasing postoperative pain or complications, and represents a more minimally invasive, safer, and more convenient surgical approach.

ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.

Objective: Patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis are assessed for coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with treatment implications. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is the recommended modality but is associated with peri-procedural complications. Integrating machine learning (ML)-based computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) into existing TAVI-planning CT protocol may aid exclusion of significant CAD and thus avoiding ICA in selected patients. Materials and Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted, 41 TAVI candidates with both TAVI-planning CT and ICA performed were analyzed. CT datasets were evaluated by a ML-based CT-FFR software. Beta-blocker and nitroglycerin were not administered in these patients. The primary outcome was to identify significant CAD. The diagnostic performance of CT-FFR was compared against ICA. Results: On per-patient level, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy were 89%, 94%, 80%, 97% and 93%, respectively. On per-vessel level, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy were 75%, 94%, 67%, 96% and 92%, respectively. The area under the receiver operative characteristics curve per individual coronary vessels yielded overall 0.90 (95% confidence interval 85%–95%). ICA may be avoided in up to 80% of patients if CT-FFR results were negative. Conclusion ML-based CT-FFR can provide accurate screening capabilities for significant CAD thus avoiding ICA. Its integration to existing TAVI-planning CT is feasible with the potential of improving the safety and efficiency of pre-TAVI CAD assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To provide preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for a patient with Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) due to IKBKG gene variant but without family samples through construction of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based haplotype by Long-read sequencing (LRS) technology. METHODS: A female IP patient with a heterozygous IKBKG c.1167dup variant but without family genetic data who sought genetic counseling at Women and Children' Hospital of Ningbo University in November 2021 was selected as the study subject. The IKBKG gene has a highly homologous pseudogene IKBKGP1. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the couple, and LRS was used to obtain informative SNP loci flanking the variant locus, enabling the construction of SNP haplotype with a long segment spanning from the non-homologous region of IKBKG to the variant site. Trophoblast cells were biopsied from blastocysts fertilized through intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to determine the SNP information of the embryos. Linkage analysis with the parental SNP haplotypes was conducted to detect the carrier status of the embryos and exclude chromosomal aneuploidies. Sanger sequencing was carried out to validate the result. A euploid embryo without the pathogenic variant was selected for transfer. Prenatal diagnosis was carried out by amniocentesis at mid-trimester to verify the result of PGT tests, and follow-up was conducted after the baby was born. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ethics No. EC2023-094). RESULTS: A total of seven blastocysts were tested, and PGT results indicated that two embryos were euploid and did not carry the pathogenic variant. One euploid embryo was transferred, which resulted in a singleton pregnancy. Amniocentesis at 24 weeks of gestation confirmed that the status of fetal IKBKG gene, and its chromosomal status was consistent with the PGT results. A healthy male infant was born at 38+6 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION For IP patients with de novo mutation or without family genetic samples, PGT with LRS can directly construct the SNP-based haplotype while avoiding interference from pseudogenes, providing an effective strategy for PGT.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Genetic Testing/methods* ; Haplotypes/genetics* ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods* ; I-kappa B Kinase/genetics* ; Incontinentia Pigmenti/diagnosis* ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics* ; Preimplantation Diagnosis/methods* ; Infant, Newborn

Objective To explore the anatomical landmarks and segmentation method for the intraoperative identification of the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery by studying cadaveric dissections with an endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach and to investigate its clinical significance.Methods The head specimens of five fresh frozen cadavers were dissected in the anatomical laboratory of the Surgical Treatment Technology Innovation Unit of Nasal Skull Base Tumor in Eye&ENT Hospital of Fudan University.The parapharyngeal space was dissected layer by layer through the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach,and the location marks of parapharyngeal internal carotid artery(ppICA)and adjacent structures of ppICA were anatomically studied.The anatomical landmarks associated with ppICA were observed and characterized,and the ppICA was segmented anatomically according to its adjacent structures.Then,the length of each ppICA segment was measured.Results Muscle structures were essential anatomical landmarks for an endoscopic transoral pterygoid medial approach that identifies mandibular folds.The first layer of muscles included the superior pharyngeal constrictor,tensor veli palatini,and medial pterygoid muscles.The second layer includes the stylopharyngeus,styloglossus,longus capitis,and levator veli palatini muscles.The stylopharyngeal and levator veli palatini muscles were close to the ppICA and were reliable landmarks for locating the ppICA.Furthermore,the ppICA was divided into three segments according to their positional relationship with the ppICA.The first segment of ppICA(P1 ICA)was located between the greater horn plane of the hyoid bone and the intersection plane between the upper margin of stylopharyngeal muscle and ppICA.The second segment of ppICA(P2 ICA)was between the plane where the upper edge of the stylopharyngeal muscle intersected with the ppICA and the plane where the projection of inferior edge of the levator veli palatini muscle intersected with the ppICA.The third segment of ppICA(P3 ICA)was between the intersection of the lower margin projection of the levator veli palatini muscle and ppICA and the external orifice of the carotid canal.The P2 ICA was within an anatomical region bounded by the levator veli palatini muscle,longus capitis muscle,and stylopharyngeus muscle.This region was termed"ICA window"in this paper measured under the cadaver head specimen,the lengths of P1 ICA,P2 ICA,and P3 ICA were(36.5±7.3)mm,(15.5±1.6)mm,(7.4±1.7)mm respectively.Conclusion The muscular structure refers to the relatively constant anatomical reference landmarks within the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold.The stylopharyngeus and levator veli palatini muscles are reliable landmarks for precisely locating and segmenting the ppICA,thus having essential clinical implications.