Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is largely attributed to impaired endogenous repair. Nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells (NPSCs) senescence leads to endogenous repair failure. Small extracellular vesicles/exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (mExo) have shown great therapeutic potential in IDD, while whether mExo could alleviate NPSCs senescence and its mechanisms remained unknown. We established a compression-induced NPSCs senescence model and rat IDD models to evaluate the therapeutic efficiency of mExo and investigate the mechanisms. We found that mExo significantly alleviated NPSCs senescence and promoted disc regeneration while knocking down thioredoxin (TXN) impaired the protective effects of mExo. TXN was bound to various endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) proteins. Autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) mediated TXN K63 ubiquitination to promote the binding of TXN on ESCRT proteins and sorting of TXN into mExo. Knocking down exosomal TXN inhibited the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and activator protein 1 (AP-1). NRF2 and AP-1 inhibition reduced endogenous TXN production that was promoted by exosomal TXN. Inhibition of NRF2 in vivo diminished the anti-senescence and regenerative effects of mExo. Conclusively, AMFR-mediated TXN ubiquitination promoted the sorting of TXN into mExo, allowing exosomal TXN to promote endogenous TXN production in NPSCs via TXN/NRF2/AP-1 feed-forward circuit to alleviate NPSCs senescence and disc degeneration.

This study was aimed at preliminarily assessing the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)among cattle farming and slaughterhouse workers across Wuxue,Xianning,and Yichang Cities in Hubei Province,and exploring associated risk factors.Data on cattle farming and slaughterhouse workers were gathered via a questionnaire.LTBI detection was performed with a tu-berculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay,and influencing factors were subsequently analyzed.The LTBI prevalence among cattle farming and slaughterhouse personnel in the three cities was 30.50%,and a higher rate was observed in slaughterhouse workers(39.01%)than cattle farmers(21.63%)(P<0.01).Multifactor analysis indicated that working in slaughterhouses(95%CI:1.582-3.878),having a history of tuberculosis(95%CI:1.377-25.057)or BCG vaccination(95%CI:1.229-3.285),and having a college education or above(95%CI:0.303-0.859)were significant factors influencing LTBI positivity in these personnel.Having more than 30 years of work experience(95%CI:1.303-18.782)was a risk factor for personnel at cattle breeding farms.Among slaugh-terhouse personnel,having a college education or above(95%CI:0.164-0.894),11-20 years of work experience(95%CI:0.122-0.994),or a history of tuberculosis(95%CI:1.661-64.397);performing logistics work(95%CI:3.234-126.424);and working in slaughter-related positions(95%CI:1.209-19.639)were associated with LTBI positivity.Therefore,the slaughterhouse workers in the three cities had higher LTBI rates than the cattle farming workers,thus underscoring the need for increased attention to personnel in logistics and slaughter-related positions.

Objective:To explore the effects of essential tremor(ET)on the mitochondrial morphology of GABAer-gic and glutamatergic neurons in the inferior olive(IO).Methods:The ET mouse model was established via intraper-itoneal injection of harmaline.Twelve 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into saline control group and harmaline treatment group(HA).Behavioral tests,including open field test,rotarod test,balance beam test,and tremor scoring,were conducted to assess the behavior of mice.Using genetic engineering technology and the CRISPR/Cas9 system,we designed and generated 6 male GAD2-Mito-GFP mice and 6 male VGLUT2-Mito-GFP mice,all being 8-week-old.The mice of each transgenic line were randomly divided into Control and HA group.Immunofluorescence staining was used to analyze the expression of c-FOS positive cells in the IO of both the Control and HA groups,and to classify different types of neurons.Mitochondrial network analysis(MiNA)was performed to quantitatively analyze the area,mean aspect ratio,branch length,and other of mitochondria in different types of neurons in the IO under ET con-ditions.Results:Compared to the Control group,the HA group exhibited motor abnormalities and significant tremors.Immunofluorescence results showed a significant increase in the number of c-FOS positive cells in the IO,primarily in GABAergic neurons.MiNA results revealed that the mitochondria of GABAergic neurons showed increased area,branch length diameter,demonstrating irregular morphology.Conclusion:ET induces activation of GABAergic neurons in the IO and leads to more prominent mitochondrial morphological changes.This provides a new perspective for further inves-tigation of the pathogenesis of essential tremor and its relationship with mitochondrial.

Objective:To explore the effects of essential tremor(ET)on the mitochondrial morphology of GABAer-gic and glutamatergic neurons in the inferior olive(IO).Methods:The ET mouse model was established via intraper-itoneal injection of harmaline.Twelve 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into saline control group and harmaline treatment group(HA).Behavioral tests,including open field test,rotarod test,balance beam test,and tremor scoring,were conducted to assess the behavior of mice.Using genetic engineering technology and the CRISPR/Cas9 system,we designed and generated 6 male GAD2-Mito-GFP mice and 6 male VGLUT2-Mito-GFP mice,all being 8-week-old.The mice of each transgenic line were randomly divided into Control and HA group.Immunofluorescence staining was used to analyze the expression of c-FOS positive cells in the IO of both the Control and HA groups,and to classify different types of neurons.Mitochondrial network analysis(MiNA)was performed to quantitatively analyze the area,mean aspect ratio,branch length,and other of mitochondria in different types of neurons in the IO under ET con-ditions.Results:Compared to the Control group,the HA group exhibited motor abnormalities and significant tremors.Immunofluorescence results showed a significant increase in the number of c-FOS positive cells in the IO,primarily in GABAergic neurons.MiNA results revealed that the mitochondria of GABAergic neurons showed increased area,branch length diameter,demonstrating irregular morphology.Conclusion:ET induces activation of GABAergic neurons in the IO and leads to more prominent mitochondrial morphological changes.This provides a new perspective for further inves-tigation of the pathogenesis of essential tremor and its relationship with mitochondrial.

This study was aimed at preliminarily assessing the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)among cattle farming and slaughterhouse workers across Wuxue,Xianning,and Yichang Cities in Hubei Province,and exploring associated risk factors.Data on cattle farming and slaughterhouse workers were gathered via a questionnaire.LTBI detection was performed with a tu-berculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay,and influencing factors were subsequently analyzed.The LTBI prevalence among cattle farming and slaughterhouse personnel in the three cities was 30.50%,and a higher rate was observed in slaughterhouse workers(39.01%)than cattle farmers(21.63%)(P<0.01).Multifactor analysis indicated that working in slaughterhouses(95%CI:1.582-3.878),having a history of tuberculosis(95%CI:1.377-25.057)or BCG vaccination(95%CI:1.229-3.285),and having a college education or above(95%CI:0.303-0.859)were significant factors influencing LTBI positivity in these personnel.Having more than 30 years of work experience(95%CI:1.303-18.782)was a risk factor for personnel at cattle breeding farms.Among slaugh-terhouse personnel,having a college education or above(95%CI:0.164-0.894),11-20 years of work experience(95%CI:0.122-0.994),or a history of tuberculosis(95%CI:1.661-64.397);performing logistics work(95%CI:3.234-126.424);and working in slaughter-related positions(95%CI:1.209-19.639)were associated with LTBI positivity.Therefore,the slaughterhouse workers in the three cities had higher LTBI rates than the cattle farming workers,thus underscoring the need for increased attention to personnel in logistics and slaughter-related positions.

Objective:To investigate effect of neferine(NeF)on myocarditis in heart failure(HF)rats by regulating CC-che-mokine ligand 2/CC chemokine receptor 2(CCL2-CCR2)signaling axis.Methods:HF rat model was constructed by ligating left ante-rior descending branch,and randomly separated into HF group,different doses of NeF groups(5 mg/kg,10 mg/kg,20 mg/kg),20 mg/kg NeF+CCL2 group,another 10 rats without ligating left anterior descending branch were regarded as sham surgery group.After treatment,cardiac function[left ventricular end systolic diameter(LVESD),ejection fraction(EF),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)]were evaluated.Serum indicators[brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),IL-1β,N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-pro BNP),TNF-α]were detected.Myocardial tissue was isolated and expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β,pathological damage,collagen deposition,expressions of CCL2 and CCR2 proteins were detected.Results:Compared with sham surgery group,HF group showed a decrease in myocardial cells,infiltration of inflammatory cells,and severe deposition of collagen fibers,LVESD,serum BNP,NT-pro BNP,TNF-α,IL-1β levels,myocardial tissue TNF-α,IL-1β expressions,collagen area ratio,CCL2,CCR2 protein expressions were greatly increased,LVEF and EF were greatly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with HF group,central muscle tissue damage and collagen fiber deposition were reduced in different doses of NeF groups,LVESD,serum BNP,NT-pro BNP,TNF-α,IL-1β levels,myocardial tissue TNF-α,IL-1β expressions,collagen area ratio,CCL2,CCR2 protein expressions were greatly decreased,LVEF and EF were greatly increased,with differences between groups(P<0.05).After CCL2 intervention,compared with 20 mg/kg NeF group,myocardial tissue damage and collagen fiber deposition were worsened,LVESD,serum BNP,NT-pro BNP,TNF-α,IL-1β levels,myocardial tissue TNF-α,IL-1β expressions,collagen area ratio,CCL2,CCR2 protein expressions were greatly increased,LVEF and EF were greatly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:NeF regulates CCL2-CCR2 signaling axis,inhibits myocar-ditis in HF rats,and improves cardiac function.

Objective:To investigate the changes of mitochondria in the substantia nigra pars reticulata(SNr)in a mouse model of acute hepatic encephalopathy(AHE),and the effects of mitochondrial division inhibitor Mdivi-1 on the motor function and mitochondrial function of SNr in AHE mice.Methods:The mouse model of AHE was established by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide(TAA)and treated with Mdivi-1.The changes of serum aspartate aminotrans-ferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and blood ammonia were detected by biochemical detection kits.Open field test,rotor-rod fatigue test and elevated plus maze test were performed to observe the motor function of AHE mice.Mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP),cellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)and ATP of SNr were detected by commercial kits.Results:Compared with the control group,the levels of AST,ALT and blood ammonia in AHE mice were increased.The total movement distance of the mice in the open field was reduced,and the movement time of the rotor-rod fatigue test and the elevated plus maze test were shortened.In SNr,mitochondria became smaller and rounder,mitochondrial fission increased,MMP decreased,cellular ROS increased,and ATP production decreased.After treat-ment with Mdivi-1,the levels of AST,ALT and blood ammonia in AHE mice were decreased.In the open field,the total movement distance of mice increased,the movement time of rotorrod fatigue test and elevated plus maze test increased,the mitochondria of SNr were larger,with decreased roundness,decreased mitochondrial division,increased MMP,decreased cellular ROS,and increased ATP production.Conclusion:Mdivi-1 can improve movement disorders in AHE mice by repairing mitochondrial in the SNr.

To assess the positive predictive value (PPV) of extended noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT-plus) for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. This retrospective research enrolled 511 cases of pregnant women with positive NIPT-plus results at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from May 2017 to January 2021. Karyotype analysis and chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) techniques was applied for verification. All cases were followed to determine their pregnancy outcome. The Chi-square test was used in PPV. 63 out of 511 refused prenatal diagnosis after counseling, 448 pregnant women with prenatal diagnosis showed that the PPVs of NIPT-plus test for fetal trisomy 21, 18 and 13 (T21, T18, T13), sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCAs) and chromosome microdeletion/microduplication syndrome (MMS) were 86.0% (92/107), 79.5% (35/44), 54.5% (12/22), 39.5% (75/190), and 41.7% (30/72), respectively. The results revealed that the PPV was higher among older pregnant women compared to young pregnant women (77.8% vs. 51.9%, P<0.01). With increasing maternal age, the PPV of NIPT-plus presented increasing trends for T21, T13, and composite PPV except for T18 or SCAs. In addition, the termination rates for confirmed SCAs fetal karyotypes 45, X; 47, XXX; 47, XXY and 47, XYY were 11/11, 3/15, 91.7% (22/24) and 1/14, respectively. NIPT-plus can safely and effectively detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities and can be extended to MMS screening, significantly reducing the proportion of interventional prenatal diagnoses, and those with positive screening still require further confirmation.

To assess the positive predictive value (PPV) of extended noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT-plus) for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. This retrospective research enrolled 511 cases of pregnant women with positive NIPT-plus results at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from May 2017 to January 2021. Karyotype analysis and chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) techniques was applied for verification. All cases were followed to determine their pregnancy outcome. The Chi-square test was used in PPV. 63 out of 511 refused prenatal diagnosis after counseling, 448 pregnant women with prenatal diagnosis showed that the PPVs of NIPT-plus test for fetal trisomy 21, 18 and 13 (T21, T18, T13), sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCAs) and chromosome microdeletion/microduplication syndrome (MMS) were 86.0% (92/107), 79.5% (35/44), 54.5% (12/22), 39.5% (75/190), and 41.7% (30/72), respectively. The results revealed that the PPV was higher among older pregnant women compared to young pregnant women (77.8% vs. 51.9%, P<0.01). With increasing maternal age, the PPV of NIPT-plus presented increasing trends for T21, T13, and composite PPV except for T18 or SCAs. In addition, the termination rates for confirmed SCAs fetal karyotypes 45, X; 47, XXX; 47, XXY and 47, XYY were 11/11, 3/15, 91.7% (22/24) and 1/14, respectively. NIPT-plus can safely and effectively detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities and can be extended to MMS screening, significantly reducing the proportion of interventional prenatal diagnoses, and those with positive screening still require further confirmation.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of hysteroscopic scar excision for cesarean scar pregnancy(CSP) and its effect on serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin(β-HCG).Methods:From January 2017 to January 2019, 83 patients with endogenous CSP admitted to the People's Hospital of Wenzhou were divided into observation group(43 cases) and control group(40 cases) according to different surgical methods.The observation group underwent hysteroscopic scar lesion resection, while the control group underwent uterine artery embolization.The success rate, intraoperative bleeding volume, vaginal bleeding time and hospitalization time, postoperative complications and the recovery time of blood β-HCG were compared between the two groups.Results:The success rate of operation in the observation group was 97.67%(42/43), which was higher than that in the control group[82.50%(33/40)](χ 2=3.875, P<0.05). The amount of bleeding in the observation group[(43.28±10.28)mL] was less than that in the control group[(74.32±15.48)mL], the time of vaginal bleeding in the observation group[(5.79±1.45)d] was shorter than that in the control group[(8.54±1.89)d], and the time of hospitalization in the observation group[(7.32±1.48)d]was shorter than that in the control group[(10.80±1.97)d], the differences were statistically significant( t=10.832, 7.468, 9.140, all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups( P>0.05). The recovery time of blood β-HCG in the observation group[(19.54±3.52)d]was shorter than that in the control group[(28.73±6.57)d]( t=8.020, P<0.05). The total satisfaction rate of the observation group was 97.67%(42/43), which was higher than 77.50%(31/40) of the control group(χ 2=6.170, P<0.05). Conclusion:Hysteroscopy-assisted scar excision is effective in the treatment of CSP, and can shorten the recovery time of blood β-HCG.