Food-derived bioactive peptides (FBPs), particularly those with ten or fewer amino acid residues and a molecular weight below 1300 Da, have gained increasing attention for their safe, diverse structures and specific biological activities. The development of FBP-based functional foods and potential medications depends on understanding their structure‒activity relationships (SARs), stability, and bioavailability properties. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the roles of FBPs in treating various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases, based on the literature from July 2017 to Mar. 2023. Subsequently, attention is directed toward elucidating the associations between the bioactivities and structural characteristics (e.g., molecular weight and the presence of specific amino acids within sequences and compositions) of FBPs. We also discuss in silico approaches for FBP screening and their limitations. Finally, we summarize recent advancements in formulation techniques to improve the bioavailability of FBPs in the food industry, thereby contributing to healthcare applications.
Humans ; Peptides/therapeutic use* ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Functional Food ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy* ; Biological Availability ; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy* ; Hypertension/drug therapy* ; Liver Diseases/drug therapy* ; Bioactive Peptides, Dietary

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of transurethral incision for the treatment of ureterocele in infants.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 28 cases of ureterocele admitted from March 2012 to May 2023 were reviewed, all of which were less than 1 year old, 16 male and 12 female, with an average age of(5.7±3.5)months. The ureterocele was located on the left side in 8 cases, on the right side in 15 cases, and bilaterally in 5 cases. There were 12 cases of single system ureterocele, of which 7 cases were unilateral and 5 cases were bilateral. Duplex system ureterocele was observed in 16 cases, all of which were unilateral. Clinical manifestations: urinary tract infection in 13 cases, 11 cases of ureterocele or hydronephrosis and ureteral dilation were found during antenatal examination, and 4 cases of ureterocele were found after birth. Urological ultrasound, intravenous pyelography(IVP) and voiding cystourethrography(VCUG) were performed in all children, and 17 cases underwent magnetic resonance urolography (MRU), and confirm the diagnosis of ureterocele preoperatively. All of the cases were performed the transurethral incision.The ureterocele was punctured and incised 1-2 mm at the base of the bulge, and 2-4 points were punctured according to the bulge atrophy. Bilateral ureteroceles were punctured and incised simultaneously. Postoperative urine routine test, urinary tract color ultrasound and VCUG were performed to determine if there is urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis, ureteral dilation and bulging, and whether a second surgery is needed.Results:All operations were conducted successfully. The intraoperative bleeding was less than 3 ml and no intraoperative complications. The operative time was (28.4±10.3) min. The median postoperative follow-up was 34 (32, 36) months. Six cases underwent postoperative VCUG examination. Eleven children were recovered well with single systemic ureterocele. One child developed grade Ⅳ vesicoureteral reflux(VUR)and combined with bladder diverticulum, and ureterocele underwent open diverticulotomy and ureteral reimplantation six months after surgery. Nine children were recovered well with duplex systemic ureterocele. Six cases of children developed infection, of which 2 cases had an infection once within one month after TUI, and the other four cases still had intermittent infections after six months and VCUG was performed, and one case showed grade Ⅲ VUR of the lower ureter, which was observed conservatively, while the other three cases had enlarged cysts but no VUR, and upper heminephrectomy was performed, and the patients recovered well after surgery. Except for these 6 exceptions, in another case, after ten years of follow-up, the ureterocele became larger but no VUR, and the results were good after a second transurethral incision. There was no significant difference in the postoperative infections, new VUR cases, and secondary surgeries between the two groups.Conclusions:Transurethral incision has good surgical effect on children with single system ureterocele and duplex system ureterocele, and has advantages of easy operation, less trauma, safety and effectiveness, and few complications. It deserves to be recommended as the treatment of choice, especially for infants and young children.

Objectives:To develop a cervical kyphosis frailty index (CK-FI) and explore its clinical value in identifying high-risk patients undergoing cervical kyphosis correction surgery.Methods:In this retrospective case series, clinical data from 53 patients who underwent cervical kyphosis correction at the Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2019 and December 2023 were analyzed. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. There were 27 males and 26 females, with an age of (53.4±14.5) years (range: 15 to 83 years). Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory results, radiographic parameters, and functional assessments were collected. Fifteen key indicators related to physiological reserve and stress tolerance in cervical kyphosis patients were identified via Pearson correlation analysis to establish the CK-FI. Differences in demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay among CK-FI subgroups were analyzed using independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA,Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and chi-square or Fisher′s exact tests. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the predictive performance of CK-FI for postoperative complications. Results:Based on CK-FI scores, patients were classified into non-frail (CK-FI<0.3), frail (0.3≤CK-FI≤0.5), and severely frail (CK-FI>0.5) groups. The 30-day postoperative complication rate was 26.4% (14/53). Both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that frailty ( OR=6.892, 95% CI: 1.239 to 38.353, P=0.028) and severe frailty ( OR=10.313, 95% CI: 1.877 to 56.659, P=0.007) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. ROC analysis revealed that CK-FI had an area under the curve of 0.777 (95% CI: 0.637 to 0.917, P=0.001), with a specificity of 70.3% and a sensitivity of 81.3% in predicting postoperative complications. Conclusions:The CK-FI serves as a valuable tool for early detection of high-risk patients with cervical kyphosis, aiding in individualized perioperative management, optimizing preoperative preparation, reducing postoperative complications, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The etiology of cervical and cervicothoracic deformities is complex, often resulting in spinal cord compression and neurological dysfunction, seriously affecting patients′ quality of life and life expectancy. This article focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical research of complex cervical and cervicothoracic deformities. In terms of surgical treatment, decisions are individualized based on the patient′s condition, with techniques such as anterior-posterior combined approach, crossing the cervicothoracic junction for fusion and fixation, and three-column osteotomy being used when necessary. Additionally, robot-assisted surgery and intraoperative navigation technologies are gradually being implemented. The enhanced recovery after surgery concept aids in optimizing postoperative rehabilitation and reducing the incidence of complications. In the future, artificial intelligence and innovative internal fixation devices are expected to further drive the personalization and precision of treatment. Overall, despite significant progress in the clinical management of cervical and cervicothoracic deformities, challenges remain in optimizing postoperative rehabilitation, reducing complications, and improving long-term quality of life in this field.

Cervical spine deformity (CSD) represent some of the most formidable challenges in spinal surgery, characterized by complex etiologies, high disability rates, and significant surgical risks. Recent advancements in the understanding of the pathophysiology and management strategies for CSD have facilitated a paradigm shift from traditional, experience-based approaches to precision medicine guided by multidimensional imaging data and comprehensive sagittal alignment assessment. Imaging-based classification systems have optimized the evaluation and classification of deformities by incorporating dynamic imaging and global sagittal balance parameters, thereby providing a reliable foundation for individualized treatment plans. Furthermore, the importance of comprehensive functional assessment has gained prominence, particularly with the use of the frailty index, which offers new insights for risk prediction and optimizing surgical decision-making. In terms of surgical strategies, the use of high-grade osteotomies has improved correction outcomes for complex deformities, yet also demands more stringent management of associated complications. The management of CSD is evolving towards greater precision and individualization, aiming to enhance outcomes by integrating multimodal imaging, functional assessments, and advanced surgical techniques-ultimately leading to better clinical prognosis and quality of life for patients.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of transurethral incision for the treatment of ureterocele in infants.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 28 cases of ureterocele admitted from March 2012 to May 2023 were reviewed, all of which were less than 1 year old, 16 male and 12 female, with an average age of(5.7±3.5)months. The ureterocele was located on the left side in 8 cases, on the right side in 15 cases, and bilaterally in 5 cases. There were 12 cases of single system ureterocele, of which 7 cases were unilateral and 5 cases were bilateral. Duplex system ureterocele was observed in 16 cases, all of which were unilateral. Clinical manifestations: urinary tract infection in 13 cases, 11 cases of ureterocele or hydronephrosis and ureteral dilation were found during antenatal examination, and 4 cases of ureterocele were found after birth. Urological ultrasound, intravenous pyelography(IVP) and voiding cystourethrography(VCUG) were performed in all children, and 17 cases underwent magnetic resonance urolography (MRU), and confirm the diagnosis of ureterocele preoperatively. All of the cases were performed the transurethral incision.The ureterocele was punctured and incised 1-2 mm at the base of the bulge, and 2-4 points were punctured according to the bulge atrophy. Bilateral ureteroceles were punctured and incised simultaneously. Postoperative urine routine test, urinary tract color ultrasound and VCUG were performed to determine if there is urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis, ureteral dilation and bulging, and whether a second surgery is needed.Results:All operations were conducted successfully. The intraoperative bleeding was less than 3 ml and no intraoperative complications. The operative time was (28.4±10.3) min. The median postoperative follow-up was 34 (32, 36) months. Six cases underwent postoperative VCUG examination. Eleven children were recovered well with single systemic ureterocele. One child developed grade Ⅳ vesicoureteral reflux(VUR)and combined with bladder diverticulum, and ureterocele underwent open diverticulotomy and ureteral reimplantation six months after surgery. Nine children were recovered well with duplex systemic ureterocele. Six cases of children developed infection, of which 2 cases had an infection once within one month after TUI, and the other four cases still had intermittent infections after six months and VCUG was performed, and one case showed grade Ⅲ VUR of the lower ureter, which was observed conservatively, while the other three cases had enlarged cysts but no VUR, and upper heminephrectomy was performed, and the patients recovered well after surgery. Except for these 6 exceptions, in another case, after ten years of follow-up, the ureterocele became larger but no VUR, and the results were good after a second transurethral incision. There was no significant difference in the postoperative infections, new VUR cases, and secondary surgeries between the two groups.Conclusions:Transurethral incision has good surgical effect on children with single system ureterocele and duplex system ureterocele, and has advantages of easy operation, less trauma, safety and effectiveness, and few complications. It deserves to be recommended as the treatment of choice, especially for infants and young children.

Objectives:To develop a cervical kyphosis frailty index (CK-FI) and explore its clinical value in identifying high-risk patients undergoing cervical kyphosis correction surgery.Methods:In this retrospective case series, clinical data from 53 patients who underwent cervical kyphosis correction at the Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2019 and December 2023 were analyzed. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. There were 27 males and 26 females, with an age of (53.4±14.5) years (range: 15 to 83 years). Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory results, radiographic parameters, and functional assessments were collected. Fifteen key indicators related to physiological reserve and stress tolerance in cervical kyphosis patients were identified via Pearson correlation analysis to establish the CK-FI. Differences in demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay among CK-FI subgroups were analyzed using independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA,Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and chi-square or Fisher′s exact tests. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the predictive performance of CK-FI for postoperative complications. Results:Based on CK-FI scores, patients were classified into non-frail (CK-FI<0.3), frail (0.3≤CK-FI≤0.5), and severely frail (CK-FI>0.5) groups. The 30-day postoperative complication rate was 26.4% (14/53). Both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that frailty ( OR=6.892, 95% CI: 1.239 to 38.353, P=0.028) and severe frailty ( OR=10.313, 95% CI: 1.877 to 56.659, P=0.007) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. ROC analysis revealed that CK-FI had an area under the curve of 0.777 (95% CI: 0.637 to 0.917, P=0.001), with a specificity of 70.3% and a sensitivity of 81.3% in predicting postoperative complications. Conclusions:The CK-FI serves as a valuable tool for early detection of high-risk patients with cervical kyphosis, aiding in individualized perioperative management, optimizing preoperative preparation, reducing postoperative complications, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The etiology of cervical and cervicothoracic deformities is complex, often resulting in spinal cord compression and neurological dysfunction, seriously affecting patients′ quality of life and life expectancy. This article focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical research of complex cervical and cervicothoracic deformities. In terms of surgical treatment, decisions are individualized based on the patient′s condition, with techniques such as anterior-posterior combined approach, crossing the cervicothoracic junction for fusion and fixation, and three-column osteotomy being used when necessary. Additionally, robot-assisted surgery and intraoperative navigation technologies are gradually being implemented. The enhanced recovery after surgery concept aids in optimizing postoperative rehabilitation and reducing the incidence of complications. In the future, artificial intelligence and innovative internal fixation devices are expected to further drive the personalization and precision of treatment. Overall, despite significant progress in the clinical management of cervical and cervicothoracic deformities, challenges remain in optimizing postoperative rehabilitation, reducing complications, and improving long-term quality of life in this field.

Cervical spine deformity (CSD) represent some of the most formidable challenges in spinal surgery, characterized by complex etiologies, high disability rates, and significant surgical risks. Recent advancements in the understanding of the pathophysiology and management strategies for CSD have facilitated a paradigm shift from traditional, experience-based approaches to precision medicine guided by multidimensional imaging data and comprehensive sagittal alignment assessment. Imaging-based classification systems have optimized the evaluation and classification of deformities by incorporating dynamic imaging and global sagittal balance parameters, thereby providing a reliable foundation for individualized treatment plans. Furthermore, the importance of comprehensive functional assessment has gained prominence, particularly with the use of the frailty index, which offers new insights for risk prediction and optimizing surgical decision-making. In terms of surgical strategies, the use of high-grade osteotomies has improved correction outcomes for complex deformities, yet also demands more stringent management of associated complications. The management of CSD is evolving towards greater precision and individualization, aiming to enhance outcomes by integrating multimodal imaging, functional assessments, and advanced surgical techniques-ultimately leading to better clinical prognosis and quality of life for patients.

Objective:To explore the deficits of facial expression recognition,theory of mind and empathy in patients with schizophrenia and to examine the association of facial expression recognition with theory of mind and empathy.Methods:Totally 47 patients with schizophrenia who met the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Sta-tistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition(DSM-5)and 35 normal participants were selected.The Facial E-motion Identification Test(FEIT),Yoni task,and the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy(QCAE)were used to measure expression recognition,theory of mind,and empathy.The main indicators were task accuracy and questionnaire scores.Results:Compared to normal controls,patient group showed significantly poorer perform-ance on facial expression recognition accuracy and the Yoni task,and lower scores on cognitive empathy and pe-ripheral responsivity subscale of the QCAE(Ps＜0.05).Regression analyses showed that performance on cognitive theory of mind(β=0.33,P＜0.01)and affective theory of mind(β=0.33,P＜0.01)of the Yoni task were posi-tively associated with accuracy in recognizing happy expressions.Cognitive empathy scores of the QCAE were neg-atively associated with accuracy in recognizing neutral expressions(β=-0.23,P＜0.05).Patients had lower af-fective theory of mind accuracy(β=-0.23,P＜0.05)and QCAE cognitive empathy scores(β=-0.34,P＜0.01).Conclusion:Patients with schizophrenia have deficits in expression recognition,theory of mind,and empa-thy,and that their abnormal expression recognition may be associated with deficits in theory of mind and empathy.