Methods: Fifty patients who underwent UBE-TLIF and 50 patients who underwent W-TLIF, each with >2 years of follow-up, were retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes included operative parameters, time to postoperative mobilization, paravertebral muscle atrophy and fat infiltration rates, clinical scores (Visual Analog Scale [VAS], Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA]), modified Macnab criteria, fusion rates, and complications. Results: Compared with W-TLIF, the UBE-TLIF group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss, shorter operative times, and lower postoperative drainage volumes (p <0.05). The UBE-TLIF group showed faster postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stays. At 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, W-TLIF patients had higher multifidus and erector spinae atrophy, and greater paravertebral muscle fat infiltration (p <0.05). The UBE-TLIF group also had lower VAS and ODI scores at 1 year and 2 years (p <0.05) and fewer surgical complications (6% vs. 10%). Fusion rates (94% vs. 92%) and modified Macnab outcomes (88% vs. 86%) were comparable (p >0.05). Conclusions UBE-TLIF is associated with reduced intraoperative trauma, quicker recovery, and fewer complications. In the long-term, it better preserves paravertebral muscle integrity and provides superior pain and functional outcomes.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which aerobic exercise improves hippocampal neuroinflammation and learning and memory ability in brain-aged mice via interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7). MethodsA total of 60 male specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice were enrolled in the experiment, including 30 young mice (2 months old) and 30 naturally aging mice (12 months old). Young mice and old mice were respectively randomly assigned to four groups: young control group (group C, n=15), young exercise group (group CE, n=15), and aging control group (group A, n=15), aging exercise group (group AE, n=15). Mice in the exercise groups received an 8-week continuous treadmill aerobic exercise intervention, while control mice were kept under routine feeding without exercise intervention. After the intervention, Barnes maze and Y-maze behavioral tests were performed to comprehensively assess the learning and memory abilities of each group of mice. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural morphological changes of hippocampal synapses. Western blot assay was utilized to detect the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), as well as the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). Immunofluorescence staining was applied to quantify the fluorescence intensity of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) in hippocampal tissues. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines including interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression level of IRF7, and DNA methylation assay was further conducted to analyze the methylation level of the IRF7 gene in mouse hippocampus. ResultsAt the molecular level, compared with group C, the protein expression levels of JAK1, STAT1, p‑JAK1, and p‑STAT1 in group A were significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas PSD95 expression was decreased (P<0.05). ELISA assays showed that the levels of IFN‑α, IFN‑β, TNF‑α, and IL‑1β were significantly elevated in group A (P<0.001). RT‑PCR analysis revealed that, compared with group C, the mRNA expression of IRF7 in group A was markedly upregulated (P<0.000 1), while the CpG methylation rate of the IRF7 promoter was significantly reduced (P<0.05). In contrast, all the above parameters in the AE group showed improvements relative to those in group A. Immunofluorescence staining indicated positive IBA1 expression in the brain tissues of group A mice. Exercise intervention reversed these abnormal changes. ConclusionIn aged mice, aerobic exercise induces hypermethylation of the IRF7 promoter region, suppresses IRF7 expression and activation of the downstream IFN‑I/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway, accompanied by alleviated neuroinflammation, improved learning and memory, and ameliorated brain aging-related phenotypes.

ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of aerobic exercise to improve hippocampal neuronal degeneration by regulating tryptophan metabolic pathway. Methods60 SPF-grade C57BL/6J male mice were divided into a young group (2 months old, n=30) and a senile group (12 months old, n=30), and each group was further divided into a control group (C/A group, n=15) and an exercise group (CE/AE group, n=15). An aerobic exercise program was used for 8 weeks. Learning memory ability was assessed by Y-maze, and anxiety-depression-like behavior was detected by absent field experiment. Hippocampal Trp levels were measured by GC-MS. Nissl staining was used to observe the number and morphology of hippocampal neurons, and electron microscopy was used to detect synaptic ultrastructure. ELISA was used to detect the levels of hippocampal Trp,5-HT, Kyn, KATs, KYNA, KMO, and QUIN; Western blot was used to analyze the activities of TPH2, IDO1, and TDO enzymes. ResultsGroup A mice showed significant decrease in learning and memory ability (P<0.05) and increase in anxiety and depressive behaviors (P<0.05); all of AE group showed significant improvement (P<0.05). Hippocampal Trp levels decreased in group A (P<0.05) and increased in AE group (P<0.05). Nidus vesicles were reduced and synaptic structures were degraded in group A (P<0.05), and both were significantly improved in group AE (P<0.05). The levels of Trp, 5-HT, KATs, and KYNA were decreased (P<0.05) and the levels of Kyn, KMO, and QUIN were increased (P<0.05) in group A. The activity of TPH2 was decreased (P<0.05), and the activities of IDO1 and TDO were increased (P<0.05). The AE group showed the opposite trend. ConclusionThe aging process significantly reduces the learning memory ability and increases the anxiety-depression-like behavior of mice, and leads to the reduction of the number of nidus vesicles and degenerative changes of synaptic structure in the hippocampus, whereas aerobic exercise not only effectively enhances the spatial learning memory ability and alleviates the anxiety-depression-like behavior of aging mice, but also improves the morphology and structure of neurons in hippocampal area, which may be achieved by the mechanism of regulating the tryptophan metabolic pathway.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is widely used to treat common bile duct stones (CBDS); however, long-term studies have revealed the increasing incidence of recurrent CBDS after EST. Loss of sphincter of Oddi function after EST was the main cause of recurrent CBDS. Reparation of the sphincter of Oddi is therefore crucial. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of endoclip papilloplasty (ECPP) for repairing the sphincter of Oddi and elucidate its mechanism. METHODS: Eight healthy Bama minipigs were randomly divided into the EST group and the ECPP group at a 1:1 ratio, and bile samples were collected before endoscopy and 6 months later. All minipigs underwent transabdominal biliary ultrasonography for the diagnosis of cholelithiasis 6 months after endoscopy. The biliary microbiota composition and alpha and beta diversity were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Differential metabolites were analyzed by bile acid metabolomics to explore the predictive indicators of cholelithiasis. RESULTS: Three minipigs were diagnosed with cholelithiasis in the EST group, while none in the ECPP group showed cholelithiasis. The biliary Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio was increased after EST and decreased after ECPP. The Chao1 and observed species index significantly decreased 6 months after EST ( P  = 0.017 and 0.018, respectively); however, the biliary α-diversity was similar before and 6 months after ECPP. The β-diversity significantly differed in the EST group before and 6 months after EST, as well as in the ECPP group before and 6 months after ECPP (analysis of similarities [ANOSIM]: R  = 0.917, P  = 0.040; R  = 0.740, P  = 0.035; respectively). Glycolithocholic acid (GLCA) and taurolithocholic acid (TLCA) accumulated in bile 6 months after EST. CONCLUSIONS ECPP has less impact on the biliary microenvironment than EST and prevents duodenobiliary reflux by repairing the sphincter of Oddi. The bile levels of GLCA and TLCA may be used to predict the risk of cholelithiasis.
Animals ; Swine, Miniature ; Swine ; Cholelithiasis/prevention & control* ; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic/methods* ; Sphincter of Oddi/surgery* ; Female ; Male

Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ)on cisplatin(CDDP)-induced liver injury in the mice,and to elucidate its possible mechanism.Methods:Forty male C57BL/6 mice with body weights of 18-22 g were randomly divided into control group,model group,AS-Ⅳ group and adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)inhibitor(Compound C)+AS-Ⅳ group.The mice in control group and model group were gavaged with the same volume of normal saline,and the drug was administered continuously for 9 d.The mice in AS-Ⅳ group and Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were given AS-Ⅳ aqueous solution(150 mg·kg-1·d-1),respectively.On the 6th day of experiment,the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were intraperitoneally injected with Compound C(20 mg·kg-1),and on the 7th day,except for control group,the mice in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg·kg-1 CDDP to establish the mouse liver injury models,and the mice were sacrificed 48 h later.Serum and liver tissues were collected,and the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)in the serum of the mice,as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)in the liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by kits.The pathomorphology of liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by HE staining.The expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1)and ferroptosis inhibitory protein 1(FSP1)proteins in liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by immunohistochemical staining,and the expression levels of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by Western blotting method.Results:Compared with control group,the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in model group were increased(P＜0.01),the activities of SOD and CAT in the liver tissue were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),and the MDA level was increased(P＜0.01);compared with model group,the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P＜0.01),the MDA level in the liver tissue was decreased(P＜0.01),and the activities of SOD and CAT were increased(P＜0.01);compared with AS-Ⅳ group(P＜0.01),the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were increased(P＜0.01),the level of MDA in liver tissue was increased(P＜0.05),and the activities SOD and CAT were decreased(P＜0.01).The HE staining results showed that compared with control group,the liver damage degree of the mice in model group was enhanced,the hepatocyte arrangement was disordered,and some hepatocyte edema were increased;compared with model group,the liver morphology of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group returned to normal;compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the hepatocyte arrangement of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group was disordered and the edges were blurred.The immunohistochemistry results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in model group were decreased(P＜0.05);compared with model group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group were increased(P＜0.05);compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in model group were decreased(P＜0.01);compared with model group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in AS-Ⅳgroup were increased(P＜0.01);compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusion:AS-Ⅳ can alleviate the CDDP-induced liver injury,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway and ferroptosis by AS-Ⅳ.

As a new generation of time-of-flight mass spectrometry,multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MR-TOF-MS)has been increasingly applied in the fields such as nuclear physics,chemistry,and biology due to its ultra-high resolution and rapid analysis capabilities.However,the analytical performance of MR-TOF-MS largely depends on the ion bunch state entering the mass analyzer.In this study,a rectangular ion trap(RIT)was developed,designed and processed using printed circuit board technology,as an ion accumulating and focusing device for MR-TOF mass analyzer.Compared to traditional ion traps composed of two sets of planar electrodes,this RIT had higher voltage utilization efficiency,resulting in more efficient ion collection and focusing.The ions were cooled to a sufficiently small bunch for precise mass measurement with MR-TOF-MS mass spectrometry in only 1 ms of cooling time in the RIT,then orthogonally ejected to the MR-TOF mass spectrometer for mass analysis.Experimental results indicated that the working cycle,ion flux,and ion focusing state of the RIT fully met the requirements of the MR-TOF mass analyzer.When coupled with the MR-TOF mass analyzer,the RIT enabled MR-TOF-MS to achieve a mass resolution of 1.5×105.

Background: Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is essential for diagnosing unilateral aldosterone oversecretion in primary aldosteronism (PA). Traditionally, AVS relies on radioimmunoassay (RIA) to measure plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), although RIA has limited specificity and considerable variability. This study evaluated the role of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in AVS and its impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: Among 230 patients with PA (May 2020 to April 2023) who underwent AVS, successful sampling was achieved in 182 patients (79.1%) under unstimulated conditions and 206 patients (89.6%) under stimulated conditions. PAC levels from peripheral and adrenal veins measured by LC-MS/MS were compared with RIA results. Patient outcomes were categorized according to the Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcomes criteria. Results: LC-MS/MS showed significant correlations with PAC levels measured by RIA in AVS (r=0.40 [unstimulated] and r=0.56 [stimulated]; both P<0.001). However, lateralization concordance between RIA and LC-MS/MS was moderate, at only 57.7% (unstimulated) and 64.6% (stimulated). LC-MS/MS identified more unilateral disease than RIA under both unstimulated (61.5% vs. 37.4%, P<0.001) and stimulated conditions (36.4% vs. 9.7%, P<0.001). Patients achieving complete clinical success after adrenalectomy were more accurately identified by LC-MS/MS than RIA under stimulated (55.6% vs. 22.2%, P=0.035), but not in unstimulated conditions. Conclusion LC-MS/MS outperformed RIA in identifying unilateral disease, resulting in higher rates of complete clinical success in adrenalectomy patients when surgical decisions were based on LC-MS/MS lateralization results.

Objective To evaluate the value of modified percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)and dysphagia.Methods From January 2018 to December 2023,47 patients with ALS were treated with modified PEG in our hospital.The surgery was performed under local anesthesia.The patients were placed in a semi-seated position,and the surgeon performed surgery with an ultra-fine endoscope through oral entrance to the stomach.Results The modified PEG were successfully completed in all the 47 cases.The operation time was5-20 min[mean,(10.3±1.7)min].The postoperative hospitalization lasted for2-8 d(mean,2.8 d).Postoperative complications occurred in6 cases(12.8%),including aspiration pneumonia in4 cases(8.5%)and incision infection in2 cases(4.3%).The body mass index was17.06±0.89 before PEG and 18.15±0.81 at 3 months after PEG,with significant difference(t=-10.373,P=0.000).Conclusion For ALS patients with dysphagia,modified PEG is feasible,which significantly improves nutritional status of patients.

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.

Objective:A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the safety of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy(PEG)in elderly patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS)and to identify the factors influencing major complications.The aim is to establish a more robust foundation for optimizing both the procedure and its timing, thereby enhancing the evidence base for refining the surgical approach.Methods:We retrospectively collected clinical data from elderly ALS patients(≥60 years old)who underwent PEG at Peking University Third Hospital between January 2006 and January 2024.This dataset includes information on general health conditions, the progression of ALS, comorbidities, surgical details, and related complications.Additionally, we analyzed the postoperative complications experienced by the included patients, focusing specifically on the risk factors associated with aspiration pneumonia.Results:A total of 140 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 68.2±5.9 years.Among these, 69 were male(49.3%)with a mean age of 68.4±6.5 years, and 71 were female(50.7%)with a mean age of 67.7±6.0 years.Successful outcomes were observed in 139 cases(99.3%).One case was not completed due to respiratory arrest caused by intraoperative aspiration.Postoperative complications occurred in 36 cases(25.7%), which included 9 cases of wound infection(6.4%), 1 case of abdominal infection(0.7%), 21 cases of aspiration pneumonia(15.0%), 1 case of local fistula leakage(0.7%), 2 cases of transient fever(1.4%), and 2 cases of death during hospitalization(1.4%).Both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that an onset duration of ≤1 year( P=0.020)and a half-sitting position( P=0.022)significantly influenced the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia, acting as protective factors( β<0, OR<1). Conclusions:PEG is a safe method for providing enteral nutrition to elderly patients with ALS.While most complications associated with the procedure are mild and can be managed, Aspiration pneumonia remains a common and serious complication.However, early surgical intervention and the use of a semi-seated position during the procedure can help reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia.