AIM: To investigate the differences in morphological structure and retinal blood perfusion between the affected eye and the contralateral healthy eye using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM)before and after surgery, and to evaluate the association of these parameters with functional and anatomical outcomes to inform prognostic assessment. METHODS:A prospective study was conducted at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital between January 2023 and December 2024. Consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral IMEM were enrolled; the fellow eye served as an internal control. All participants underwent standardized ophthalmic evaluations, including optical coherence tomography(OCT), OCTA, and color fundus photography. Key quantitative parameters assessed included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area, vessel density in the inner capillary plexus(ICP), superficial capillary plexus(SCP), deep capillary plexus(DCP), and choroidal capillary perfusion area(CCPA). Measurements were obtained preoperatively and at 1 and 3 mo postoperatively. Correlation analyses were performed between the above parameters and postoperative BCVA and CMT.RESULTS: This study enrolled 30 patients(60 eyes)diagnosed with IMEM, comprising 14 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 65.4±10.8 y.At baseline, IMEM-affected eyes demonstrated significantly reduced BCVA, DCP density, and FAZ area, alongside significantly increased CMT and CCPA, compared with contralateral controls. Following vitrectomy with membrane peeling, CMT decreased significantly at both 1 and 3 mo(both P<0.05)postoperatively; DCP density and BCVA showed significant improvement(both P<0.05). No significant change in FAZ area was observed postoperatively(P>0.05). At 3 mo postoperatively, BCVA of the affected eye was negatively correlated with CMT(r=-0.549, P=0.022). At 1 mo postoperatively, CMT was negatively correlated with preoperative DCP and FAZ, positively correlated with preoperative CMT, and positively correlated with ICP and SCP at 1 mo postoperatively, and negatively correlated with FAZ at 1 mo postoperatively(all P<0.05). Furthermore, CMT at 3 mo postoperatively was negatively correlated with preoperative DCP(r=-0.498,P=0.042).CONCLUSION:In patients with IMEM, the affected eyes exhibit significantly reduced DCP density and FAZ area, alongside increased CMT and CCPA. Following vitrectomy with membrane peeling, CMT decreased progressively, DCP density demonstrated partial restoration, and vision improved gradually. Preoperatively, smaller CMT larger DCP, and FAZ were associated with more favorable surgical outcomes; postoperatively, smaller ICP and SCP densities—combined with a larger FAZ—also correlated with better functional recovery.

ObjectiveTo analyze the genomic characteristics of Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) isolated from children with respiratory tract infections in a tertiary hospital in Jinshan District of Shanghai during 2013‒2024, to compare the changes in trend for genomic characteristics before and after 2000, and to provide scientific data for the prevention and control of GAS infections. MethodsGAS strains isolated from children with respiratory tract infections in this hospital were collected from 2013 to 2024. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated strains to 12 antibiotics, including penicillin, cefotaxime, cefepime, linezolid, vancomycin, meropenem, chloramphenicol, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline, was determined using broth microdilution plate method. Besides, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to analyze multilocus sequence type (MLST), emm typing, carriage of superantigen genes, mobile genetic element (MGE), carriage of virulence gene, and genomic phylogenetic tree of the isolated strains. ResultsA total of 50 GAS strains were collected and identified from children with respiratory tract infections aged 4‒14 years old, and the resistance rates of those isolates to erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline were 100.00%, 100.00%, and 86.00%, respectively. There were two emm types in the GAS isolates; the emm12 type accounted for 76.00% (38/50), corresponding to ST36 type, and the emm1 type accounted for 24.00% (12/50), corresponding to ST28, ST1274, and new-1 types. There was a statistically significant difference in the constitution of the MLST before and after 2020 (P=0.015). All the isolates carried the superantigen genes speC, speG, ssa, and smeZ. The predominant emm12 isolates belonged to the Clade Ⅱ, carrying the mobile elements ICE-emm12 (harboring erythromycin-resistance gene ermB and tetracycline-resistance gene tetM) and ΦHKU.vir (carrying virulence genes speC and ssa). The emm1 isolates carried the mobile elements ICE-HKU488 (harboring erythromycin-resistance gene ermB and tetracycline-resistance gene tetM) and ΦHKU488.vir (carrying virulence genes speC and ssa), and had close phylogenetical relationships with isolates from Hong Kong, China. No M1_UK new clone strains were found. The ST1274 isolates of emm1 were newly discovered in 2020‒2024, and belonged to a separate phylogenetic clade. ConclusionGAS strains isolated from children with respiratory tract infections in a tertiary hospital in Jinshan District of Shanghai exhibit a high resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline. It is recommended that the clinical treatments change to use other antimicrobial drugs, such as penicillin, third-generation cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones. During 2020‒2024, a new ST1274 clone strain is discovered in emm1 GAS isolates, without M1_UK new clone strains being found. It is essential to continuously concern locally prevalent GAS strains and perform early identification of MLST types to promptly monitor the internal changes of the bacterial population and potential prevalence of new clones.

Although cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, it is severely toxic and causes irreversible hearing loss, restricting its application in clinical settings. This study aimed to determine the molecular mechanism underlying cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Here, we established in vitro and in vivo ototoxicity models of cisplatin-induced hair cell loss, and our results showed that reducing STING levels decreased inflammatory factor expression and hair cell death. In addition, we found that cisplatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction was accompanied by cytosolic DNA, which may act as a critical linker between the cyclic GMP-AMP synthesis-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway and the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced hearing loss. H-151, a specific inhibitor of STING, reduced hair cell damage and ameliorated the hearing loss caused by cisplatin in vivo. This study underscores the role of cGAS-STING in cisplatin ototoxicity and presents H-151 as a promising therapeutic for hearing loss.
Cisplatin/toxicity* ; Animals ; Nucleotidyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Membrane Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice ; Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/pathology* ; Antineoplastic Agents/toxicity* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Hearing Loss/metabolism* ; Male ; Ototoxicity/metabolism*

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, causing dementia and affecting millions of individuals. One prominent characteristic in the brains of AD patients is glucose hypometabolism. In the context of galactose metabolism, intracellular glucose levels are heightened. Galactose mutarotase (GALM) plays a crucial role in maintaining normal galactose metabolism by catalyzing the conversion of β-D-galactose into α-D-galactose (α-D-G). The latter is then converted into glucose-6-phosphate, improving glucose metabolism levels. However, the involvement of GALM in AD progression is still unclear. In the present study, we found that the expression of GALM was significantly increased in AD patients and model mice. Genetic knockdown of GALM using adeno-associated virus did not change the expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and APP-cleaving enzymes including a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10), β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and presenilin-1 (PS1). Interestingly, genetic overexpression of GALM reduced APP and Aβ deposition by increasing the maturation of ADAM10, although it did not alter the expression of BACE1 and PS1. Further electrophysiological and behavioral experiments showed that GALM overexpression significantly ameliorated the deficits in hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice. Importantly, direct α-D-G (20 mg/kg, i.p.) also inhibited Aβ deposition by increasing the maturation of ADAM10, thereby improving hippocampal CA1 LTP and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice. Taken together, our results indicate that GALM shifts APP processing towards α-cleavage, preventing Aβ generation by increasing the level of mature ADAM10. These findings indicate that GALM may be a potential therapeutic target for AD, and α-D-G has the potential to be used as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Animals ; ADAM10 Protein/metabolism* ; Alzheimer Disease/pathology* ; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Humans ; Mice ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism* ; Male ; Mice, Transgenic ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/pathology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism* ; Female ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Long-Term Potentiation/physiology*

Objective To investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods Employed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization approach,using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)to extract single nucleotide polymor-phisms(SNPs)associated with exposure and outcome as instrumental variables.Exposure instrumental varia-bles(P＜1×10-5)and outcome instrumental variables(P＜5×10-8)were selected based on the P-values of SNPs.Three different Mendelian randomization methods were used to analyze the relationship between gut microbiota and DLBCL,with sensitivity analyses including heterogeneity,pleiotropy,and leave-one-out tests.Results Bilophila(OR=2.043,95%CI:1.279-3.264),Coprobacter(OR=1.371,95%CI:1.035-1.816),Eubacterium eligens group(OR=1.996,95%CI:1.291-3.087)increased the risk of DLBCL.Alistipes(OR=0.588,95%CI:0.359-0.963),Eubacterium eligens group(OR=1.996,95%CI:1.291-3.087),Slackia(OR=0.688,95%CI:0.479-0.988)reduced the risk of DLBCL.Reverse Mendelian randomization a-nalysis failed to reveal any evidence of a causal relationship between DLBCL and the six gut microbiota.Con-clusion There is a causal association between gut microbiota and DLBCL.

Objective To explore the role and mechanism of ferroptosis in vitamin D3(VD3)improving the cytotoxicity of keratinocytes(HaCaT cells)induced by nitrogen mustard(NM).Methods HaCaT cells were treated with gradient concentrations of NM(5,10,20,and 50 μmol/L)alone or in combination with ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 or liproxstatin-1(10 μmol/L),Nrf2-specific agonist tBHQ(10 μmol/L),and VD3(10 nmol/L),respectively.After co-culture for 24 h,cell viability was assessed,and the intracellular contents of glutathione(GSH)and malondialdehyde(MDA)were measured.Additionally,the expression levels of Nrf2,xCT,and GPX4 were detected.Results NM exerted inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner,and the cell viability was reduced to approximately 55%at an NM concentration of 20 μmol/L(P<0.05).Ferroptosis inhibitors significantly mitigated the cytotoxic damage induced by NM in HaCaT cells(P<0.05),but activation of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2)markedly attenuated NM-induced ferroptosis,as indicated by the restoration of intracellular GSH level and the decrease in MDA content(P<0.05).VD3 specifically targeted the Nrf2 signaling pathway,upregulated the expression of xCT and GPX4 protein,thereby inhibiting ferroptosis and reducing NM-induced cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells.Conclusion VD3 mitigates NM-induced cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells by inhibiting ferroptosis via Nrf2 activation.

Clinically,the surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities(VVLE)is now developing towards the direction of precision,minimally-invasive and individuation.Thus,comprehensive preoperative examination and evaluation of the venous system,and scientific marking of the target veins are prerequisite for achieving these goals.This paper describes the latest research progress in VVLE,focusing on the pathophysiology,risk factors,etiology,evaluation method of venous system,preoperative evaluation of commonly-seen secondary etiology,selection of surgical method,and marking technique of targeted veins,etc.So as to promote the development of surgical treatment for VVLE in clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the mechanism and protective effect of Humanin(HN)on rotenone(Rot)-induced toxic damage for dopamine neurons.Methods The Rot-poisened PC12 cell model was constructed,and the control group,the Rot poisening group,the HN pretreated Rot poisening group,and the HN treatment group were set up.ELISA was used to detect the content of HN inside and outside of Rot-infected cells,CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell viability,and ATP detection kit was used to detect the intracellular ATP content.Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)assay was used to detect the level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in cells.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression level of mitochondrial autophagy regulatory proteins Pink1,Parkin,p62,LC3,mitochondrial biogenesis regulatory protein PGC1α,division/fusion regulatory proteins OPA1,MFN2,DRP1,p-DRP1 and antioxidant stress regulatory proteins Keap1 and Nrf2.HBAD-mcherry-EGFP-LC3 adenovirus transfected cells was used to observed the number of autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes.Results The results showed that the intracellular concentration of HN in PC12 in the Rot poisening group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05);Compared with the control group,the Rot poisening group had significantly decreased activity of PC12 cells,decreased ATP content and increased production of ROS.After the poisen of Rot in PC12 cells,the expression of Pink1 and p-Parkin,the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ and the expression of p-DRP1 in mitochondrial fusion protein was increased,while the expression of p62,the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis protein PGC1 α,mitochondrial fusion proteins MFN2 and OPA1,and antioxidant stress proteins Keap1 and Nrf2 were decreased(all P＜0.05).The number of autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes in PC12 cells in the Rot poisening group was higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05),and HN pretreatment(20 μmol/L)could significantly improve the changes mentioned above caused by Rot poisening(P＜0.05).Conclusion HN ameliorates Rot-induced toxic damage for dopamine neurons by inhibiting mitophagy and mitochondrial division and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and fusion,and anti-oxidative stress.

The long-term efficacy and complications of implantable diaphragm pacer (IDP) in a child with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) in the Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center in September 2022 were retrospective analyzed.A male child had quadriplegia without an obvious cause at the age of 12 years, and he was then lived completely with the assistance of mechanical ventilation.At the age of 14 years, he could wean off the ventilator in unilateral diaphragmatic pacing mode.However, mechanical ventilation was re-given for months after 5 years due to pneumonia, and then the IDP was re-given with the self-felt decreased pacing effect.After hospitalization, the patient was examined with mild diaphragmatic atrophy, secondary flat chest, and mild scoliosis.After optimization of the transdiaphragmatic pacing threshold and rehabilitation, his respiratory function improved.IDP can be used in CSCI for long time, while flat chest and scoliosis that limited the expansion of the lungs should be considered.At the meantime, the increased abdominal spasm affected the abdominal compliance, leading to the decrease in the efficiency of the diaphragm.