Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 32 consecutive IDS patients who underwent UEDD surgery. Clinical features, laboratory data (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: Definite microorganisms were identified in 27 patients (84.3%), with 24 (88.9%) meeting cure criteria. The cure rate was significantly higher in the detected pathogen group compared to the undetected pathogen group (88.9% vs. 80%; χ²=19.36, p<0.0001). Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) provided faster diagnosis (41.72±6.81 hours) compared to tissue culture (95.74±35.47 hours, p<0.05). The predominant causative pathogen was Mycobacterium tuberculosis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analog Scale pain scores, from a mean of 7.9 preoperatively to 1.06 at 1 year postoperatively. The Oswestry Disability Index revealed a similar trend, showing significant improvement (p<0.05). Conclusions UEDD is a viable alternative to traditional open surgery for managing IDS in high-risk patients. UEDD offers a dual therapeutic-diagnostic advantage during the initial admission phase, enabling simultaneous debridement, neurological decompression, and targeted biopsy in a single intervention. Compared with traditional tissue culture, mNGS enables rapid microbiological diagnosis and extensive pathogen coverage.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 32 consecutive IDS patients who underwent UEDD surgery. Clinical features, laboratory data (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: Definite microorganisms were identified in 27 patients (84.3%), with 24 (88.9%) meeting cure criteria. The cure rate was significantly higher in the detected pathogen group compared to the undetected pathogen group (88.9% vs. 80%; χ²=19.36, p<0.0001). Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) provided faster diagnosis (41.72±6.81 hours) compared to tissue culture (95.74±35.47 hours, p<0.05). The predominant causative pathogen was Mycobacterium tuberculosis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analog Scale pain scores, from a mean of 7.9 preoperatively to 1.06 at 1 year postoperatively. The Oswestry Disability Index revealed a similar trend, showing significant improvement (p<0.05). Conclusions UEDD is a viable alternative to traditional open surgery for managing IDS in high-risk patients. UEDD offers a dual therapeutic-diagnostic advantage during the initial admission phase, enabling simultaneous debridement, neurological decompression, and targeted biopsy in a single intervention. Compared with traditional tissue culture, mNGS enables rapid microbiological diagnosis and extensive pathogen coverage.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 32 consecutive IDS patients who underwent UEDD surgery. Clinical features, laboratory data (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: Definite microorganisms were identified in 27 patients (84.3%), with 24 (88.9%) meeting cure criteria. The cure rate was significantly higher in the detected pathogen group compared to the undetected pathogen group (88.9% vs. 80%; χ²=19.36, p<0.0001). Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) provided faster diagnosis (41.72±6.81 hours) compared to tissue culture (95.74±35.47 hours, p<0.05). The predominant causative pathogen was Mycobacterium tuberculosis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analog Scale pain scores, from a mean of 7.9 preoperatively to 1.06 at 1 year postoperatively. The Oswestry Disability Index revealed a similar trend, showing significant improvement (p<0.05). Conclusions UEDD is a viable alternative to traditional open surgery for managing IDS in high-risk patients. UEDD offers a dual therapeutic-diagnostic advantage during the initial admission phase, enabling simultaneous debridement, neurological decompression, and targeted biopsy in a single intervention. Compared with traditional tissue culture, mNGS enables rapid microbiological diagnosis and extensive pathogen coverage.

Acute liver injury (ALI) serves as a critical precursor and major etiological factor in the progression and ultimate manifestation of various hepatic disorders. The prevention and treatment of ALI is still a serious global challenge. Given the limited therapeutic options for ALI, exploring novel targeted therapeutic agents becomes imperative. The potential therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting RIPK2 is highlighted, as it may provide significant benefits by attenuating the MAPK pathway and NF-κB signaling. Herein, we propose a CMD-OPT model, a two-stage molecular optimization tool for the rapid discovery of RIPK2 inhibitors with optimal properties. Compound RP20, which targets the ATP binding site, demonstrated excellent kinase specificity, ideal oral pharmacokinetics, and superior therapeutic effects in a model of APAP-induced ALI, positioning RP20 as a promising preclinical candidate. This marks the first application of RIPK2 inhibitors in ALI treatment, opening a novel therapeutic pathway for clinical applications. These results highlight the efficacy of the CMD-OPT model in producing lead compounds from known active molecules, showcasing its significant potential in drug discovery.

Anxiety disorder is a major symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with a comorbidity rate of ~40%. However, the neural mechanisms of the emergence of anxiety in ASD remain unclear. In our study, we found that hyperactivity of basolateral amygdala (BLA) pyramidal neurons (PNs) in Shank3 InsG3680 knock-in (InsG3680^+/+) mice is involved in the development of anxiety. Electrophysiological results also showed increased excitatory input and decreased inhibitory input in BLA PNs. Chemogenetic inhibition of the excitability of PNs in the BLA rescued the anxiety phenotype of InsG3680^+/+ mice. Further study found that the diminished control of the BLA by medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and optogenetic activation of the mPFC-BLA pathway also had a rescue effect, which increased the feedforward inhibition of the BLA. Taken together, our results suggest that hyperactivity of the BLA and alteration of the mPFC-BLA circuitry are involved in anxiety in InsG3680^+/+ mice.
Animals ; Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism* ; Basolateral Nuclear Complex/metabolism* ; Mice ; Anxiety/metabolism* ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Male ; Gene Knock-In Techniques ; Pyramidal Cells/physiology* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Neural Pathways/physiopathology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Microfilament Proteins

Objective:To discuss the effect of concentrated growth factor(CGF)on the performance of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)sheets,and to clarify the role of CGF-containing composite cell sheets(CS)in the bone defect repairment.Methods:In in vitro experiments,the BMSCs were isolated and cultured from two 3-week-old SD rats;Alizarin Red S and Oil Red O staining were used to identify the osteogenic and adipogenic capabilities of BMSCs;CGF liquid extracts(CGFe)was prepared from three 3-week-old SD rats.The cells were divided into control group,traditional CS(BMSC-CS)group,and CGF-containing composite CS(CGF/BMSC-CS)group.The morphology of the CS in two groups was observed by HE staining.Alizarin Red and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining were used to detect the osteogenic differentiation of the CS in various groups;cell scratch assay was used to detect the migration abilities of the cells in various groups;real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of ALP,collagen are type 1(COL-1),Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),and osteocalcin(OCN)in the cells in various groups.In in vivo experiments,15 SD rats were randomly divided into control group,BMSC-CS group,and CGF/BMSC-CS group;micro computed tomography(Micro-CT)was used to detect the bone formation parameters in skull defects of the rats in various groups;HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphology of skull defect tissue of the rats in various groups.Results:The third-generation BMSCs were spindle-shaped,closely arranged,and grew in a vortex cluster.The Alizarin red staining results showed obvious calcium nodules,and the Oil red O staining showed red lipid droplets,confirming the cells'ability to undergo osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.The CS were white and semi-transparent,with slightly curled edges.The peeled CS were irregularly curled and wrinkled.Compared with BMSC-CS group,the CS in CGF/BMSC-CS group were whiter,less transparent,significantly increased in thickness and extensibility,less prone to breakage,and had a certain degree of stickiness and plasticity.The HE staining results showed that compared with BMSC-CS group,the number of the cells of CS in CGF/BMSC-CS group was increased,with denser arrangement and more abundant extracellular matrix(ECM),which wrapped and connected the cells to form an integral sheet-like structure.The Alizarin red and ALP staining results showed that compared with control group,the ALP activity and mineralization uplift value of CS in BMSC-CS group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with control group and BMSC-CS group,the number of osteoblasts and red mineralized nodules in the CS in CGF/BMSC-CS group was significantly increased,with obvious deepening of the staining,increased positive area,and the ALP activity and mineralization uplift value were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with BMSC-CS group,the ALP activity and mineralization uplif value of the CS in CGF/DMSC-CS group were increased(P<0.05).The cell scratch assay results showed that after 24 of culture,compared with control group,the migration rates of the cells in BMSC-CS group and CGF/BMSC-CS group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with BMSC-CS group,the migration rate of the cells in CGF/BMSC-CS group was significantly increased(P<0.01).After 48 h of culture,compared with control group,the migration rate of the cells in CGF/BMSC-CS group was significantly increased(P<0.05).The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of COL-1 and OCN mRNA in the cells in BMSC-CS group were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of ALP,COL-1,OCN,and RUNX2 mRNA in the cells in CGF/BMSC-CS group were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with BMSC-CS group,the expression levels of ALP,COL-1,and OCN mRNA in the cells in CGF/BMSC-CS group were significantly increased(P<0.01).The Micro-CT detection results showed that in control group,the boundary of the rat skull defect area was clear,with almost no new bone formation.In BMSC-CS group,a small amount of new bone formed only at the edge of the bone defect in skull of the rats,with a significant gap in the central area of the defect.In CGF/BMSC-CS group,new bone formed along the edge of the bone defect towards the central area in skull of the rats,repairing most of the bone defect.Compared with control group,the bone volume(BV)and trabecular number(Tb.N)of the rats in BMSC-CS group were significantly increased(P<0.05);the bone volume(BV),bone volume fraction[BV/tissue volume(TV)],trabecular thickness(Tb.Th),and trabecular number(Tb.N)in skull of the rats in CGF/BMSC-CS group,were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with BMSC-CS group,the BV,BV/TV,Tb.Th,and Tb.N in skull of the rats in CGF/BMSC-CS group were significantly increased(P<0.01).The HE and Masson staining observation showed that in control group,almost no new bone formed in the skull defect tissue of the rats,with only a large amount of collagen fibers connecting the two sides of the bone ends.In BMSC-CS group,a small amount of new bone formed only at the edge of the bone defect in skull tissue of the rats,with the central area of the defect containing dense collagen fibers connected to the newly formed bone at the defect edge.In CGF/BMSC-CS group,new bone tissue could be seen at the edge of the bone defect,and bone islands formed in the central area of the defect,surrounded by osteocytes and a large amount of collagen fibers.The Masson staining observation results showed that the cytoplasm and osteoid were red,and the collagen was blue.In CGF/BMSC-CS group,newly formed osteoid was observed in skull defect tissue of the rats,with the highest amount of new bone formation.Conclusion:CGF can promote the osteogenic differentiation and increase the richness of ECM in BMSCs sheets.CGF-containing composite CS can efficiently repair skull defects of the rats and serve as an ideal and safe material for promoting the bone regeneration.

Objective:To explore the genetic etiology of a child with primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy(PHO).Methods:A child who was admitted to Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University on July 27, 2021 was selected as the study subject. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the child and his parents and subjected to whole exome sequencing. Suspected splicing variant was verified by Sanger sequencing of family members. In vitro function was validated through a minigene assay, whilst the suspected exonic deletion was validated by long-fragment PCR. This study was approved by the Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Ethics No. 2023-K-011). Results:Whole exome sequencing revealed that the child has harbored compound heterozygous variants of HPGD gene, including a heterozygous deletion (Exon 3 del) derived from his father and a splicing variant (c.421+ 1G>T) derived from his mother. Long-fragment PCR verified that the child and his father had both harbored a 7 565 bp heterozygous deletion (c.218-1304_324+ 6156del), whilst the minigene assay proved that the splicing variant has resulted in skipping of exon 4. Conclusion:The heterozygous c. 218-1304_324+ 6156del deletion and the c. 421+ 1G>T splicing variant of the HPGD gene probably underlay the pathogenesis in this child. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of the HPGD gene and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this family.

Medicinal plants are a valuable source of essential medicines and herbal products for healthcare and disease therapy. Compared with chemical synthesis and extraction, the biosynthesis of natural products is a very promising alternative for the successful conservation of medicinal plants, and its rapid development will greatly facilitate the conservation and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants. Here, we summarize the advances in strategies and methods concerning the biosynthesis and production of natural products of medicinal plants. The strategies and methods mainly include genetic engineering, plant cell culture engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology based on multiple "OMICS" technologies, with paradigms for the biosynthesis of terpenoids and alkaloids. We also highlight the biosynthetic approaches and discuss progress in the production of some valuable natural products, exemplifying compounds such as vindoline (alkaloid), artemisinin and paclitaxel (terpenoids), to illustrate the power of biotechnology in medicinal plants.

Objective:To study the clinical features and risk factors of prognosis of neonatal appendicitis.Methods:From January 2014 to December 2022, all infants with neonatal appendicitis and received surgery in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 6 cases were enrolled, including 1 boy and 5 girls, with gestational age 36-40 weeks, birth weight 1 990~3 300 g, age of admission 5-11 d and time from illness onset to admission 0.5-4 d. All infants had abdominal distension, combined with vomiting in 4 cases, fever in 3 cases and blood in stool in 1 case. Gastrointestinal perforation was found on preoperative abdominal X-ray in 5 cases. All 6 cases received surgery and confirmed the diagnosis of appendicitis with perforation during the surgery. Appendectomy was performed without mortality. 1 case had Amyand hernia and received high ligation of the hernia sac during operation. 1 case had meningitis and was cured after 3 weeks of antibiotic treatment. 1 case developed adhesive intestinal obstruction 3 months after surgery and underwent intestinal adhesiolysis. One case developed colonic stenosis one month after surgery. The stenotic segment of the colon was resected and primary intestinal anastomosis was performed.Conclusions:Neonatal appendicitis progresses rapidly and is difficult to diagnose. The possibility of appendicitis with perforation should be considered when preoperative abdominal X-ray suggesting pneumoperitoneum. Intraoperatively, it is necessary to pay attention to the relationship between appendiceal perforation and other lesions for comprehensive treatment, and change the surgical approach accordingly.

Objective:To investigate the effect of sleep on physical performance and the correlation between sleep quality and physical performance in the elderly.Methods:In this prospective multicenter case-control study, 472 elderly people aged 60-80 years were recruited from three regions in China, Beijing, Tianjin, and Hainan Province.Basic information of study participants was collected through face-to-face interviews, and physical performance of study participants was assessed by the time up and go(TUG)test on site, with 106 cases(22.5%)in the normal physical performance group and 366 cases(77.5%)in the abnormal group.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS)were applied to assess sleep quality of study subjects.Correlation analysis was performed to examine factors affecting subjects' physical performance.Results:Age, history of alcohol consumption, BMI, past medical history, the ESS score, daytime sleepiness, and some components of PSQI, such as sleep quality, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping drugs and daytime dysfunction, were influencing factors of the TUG score.Two components of PSQI, sleep duration and habitual sleep efficiency, and the ESS score were positively correlated with physical performance.Logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors for decreased physical performance in the elderly included increased age( OR=1.125, 95% CI: 1.083-1.168, P<0.01), history of alcohol consumption( OR=0.482, 95% CI: 0.384-0.605, P<0.001), abnormally high body mass index( OR=1.663, 95% CI: 1.340-2.063, P<0.01), hyperlipemia( OR=0.156, 95% CI: 0.077-0.318, P<0.01), digestive system diseases( OR=0.154, 95% CI: 0.044-0.532, P<0.01), use of sleeping drugs( OR=0.415, 95% CI: 0.202-0.854, P<0.05), daytime sleepiness( OR=4.234, 95% CI: 2.800-6.403, P<0.01), a high habitual sleep efficiency score of PSQI( OR=1.425, 95% CI: 1.214-1.672, P<0.01)and a high sleep disturbances score in PSQI( OR=3.356, 95% CI: 2.337-4.819, P<0.01). Conclusions:The incidence of physical performance decline is high in the elderly.There is a correlation between physical performance and sleep quality.