The importance of gait assessment in the rehabilitation of cancer patients is gradually being recognized. However, quantitative analysis of balance ability in cancer patients is still limited. A total of 102 cancer patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited from Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their balance ability was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Gait data were collected by an electronic walkway and an IMU sensor system, including spatial-temporal and kinematic gait features such as step length, cadence, support time, and range of motion. Recursive feature elimination was used for feature selection. Ridge, Elastic Net, SVR, RF, and AdaBoost models were used to predict balance ability scores. Five-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate the performance of these models. Results show that the SVR model achieves the best performance with fifteen features (RMSE=3.22, R ²=0.91), followed by Ridge (RMSE=3.63, R ²=0.89). A method for evaluating balance ability based on gait features is proposed, providing a quantitative tool for personalized rehabilitation interventions in cancer patients.
Humans ; Postural Balance ; Neoplasms/rehabilitation* ; Gait ; Gait Analysis ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Female

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that causes oral mucosal tissue sclerosis, and even cancer transformation, is a chronic, progressive fibrosis disease. However, despite some advancements in recent years, no targeted antifibrotic strategies for OSF have been approved; likely because the complicated mechanisms that initiate and drive fibrosis remain to be determined. In this review, we briefly introduce the epidemiology and etiology of OSF. Then, we highlight how cell-intrinsic changes in significant structural cells can drive fibrotic response by regulating biological behaviors, secretion function, and activation of ECM-producing myofibroblasts. In addition, we also discuss the role of innate and adaptive immune cells and how they contribute to the pathogenesis of OSF. Finally, we summarize strategies to interrupt key mechanisms that cause OSF, including modulation of the ECM, inhibition of inflammation, improvement of vascular disturbance. This review will provide potential routes for developing novel anti-OSF therapeutics.
Humans ; Oral Submucous Fibrosis/immunology* ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism* ; Myofibroblasts

The incomplete degradation of tumour cells by macrophages (Mϕ) is a contributing factor to tumour progression and metastasis, and the degradation function of Mϕ is mediated through phagosomes and lysosomes. In our preliminary experiments, we found that overactivation of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) reduced the ability of Mϕ to degrade engulfed tumour cells. Above this, we screened out liquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, which can significantly inhibit NOX2 activity and inhibit tumours, to elucidate that suppressing NOX2 can enhance the ability of Mϕ to degrade tumour cells. We found that the tumour environment could activate the NOX2 activity in Mϕ phagosomes, causing Mϕ to produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus prohibiting the formation of phagolysosomes before degradation. Conversely, inhibiting NOX2 in Mϕ by liquiritin can reduce ROS and promote phagosome-lysosome fusion, therefore improving the enzymatic degradation of tumour cells after phagocytosis, and subsequently promote T cell activity by presenting antigens. We further confirmed that liquiritin down-regulated the expression of the NOX2 specific membrane component protein gp91 phox, blocking its binding to the NOX2 cytoplasmic component proteins p67 phox and p47 phox, thereby inhibiting the activity of NOX2. This study elucidates the specific mechanism by which Mϕ cannot degrade tumour cells after phagocytosis, and indicates that liquiritin can promote the ability of Mϕ to degrade tumour cells by suppressing NOX2.

The OsSPL10 gene has previously been reported to positively regulate trichome development and negatively regulate salt and drought stress tolerance in rice. However, it is not clear whether this gene can be used for gene editing to create new germplasm of glabrous leaf and salt-tolerant rice. In this study, we created six rice mutants by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of OsSPL10 from 'Xinfeng 2', 'Xinkedao 31', and 'Xindao 25', the main rice cultivars along the Yellow River. Visual observation and scanning electron microscopy verified that the mutants lacked trichomes on the leaves and glumes, and the expression of glabrous marker genes OsHL6, OsGL6, and OsWOX3B in mutants was down-regulated compared with that in the wild type. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of flag leaves in the mutants were significantly higher than those in the wild type. In addition, the survival rates of the mutants were much higher than that of the wild type after 7 days of treatment with 200 mmol/L NaCl. The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) further verified that compared with the wild type, the mutants demonstrated down-regulated expression of the salt stress-related gene OsGASR1 and up-regulated expression of OsNHX2 and OsIDS1. Statistical analysis of agronomic traits showed that the mutants had increased plant height and no significant changes in yield-related traits compared with the wild type. The six spl10 mutants created in this study not only had glabrous leaves and glumes but also demonstrated enhanced tolerance to salt stress, serving as new germplasm resources for directional breeding of rice along the Yellow River.
Oryza/physiology* ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics* ; Salt Tolerance/genetics* ; Gene Editing/methods* ; Plant Proteins/genetics* ; Rivers ; Plant Leaves/genetics* ; Mutation ; Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics* ; China

The paper reports a 32-year-old female acute myeloid leukemia patient who developed graft-versus-host disease after paternal hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which subsequently led to renal thrombotic microangiopathy. She subsequently required a kidney transplant from the same donor 5 years later due to renal failure. Considering that both the bone marrow and kidney were from the same donor and the recovery of renal function was favorable, immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued after a short course of anti-rejection treatment, with maintained stable kidney function. This case suggests that under the condition of high chimerism, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and kidney transplantation from the same donor can achieve immune tolerance, potentially improving solid organ transplantation success rate. The findings provide a novel therapeutic approach for solid organ transplantation following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) in treatment of extensive wound of Degree IV burns in limbs.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 9 patients who had extensive wound of Degree IV burns in limbs caused by stove burns admitted to Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, the 988th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese PLA between January 2017 and January 2024. Among the patients, there were 8 males and 1 female, aged between 36 and 63 years. Three patients had the wound from anterior leg to dorsal foot, 3 from leg down to ankle, 1 from forearm to hand and 2 from arm to forearm. Area of burns ranged from 20 cm × 15 cm to 30 cm × 25 cm, and all patients were treated by free ALTPF. According to whether the main artery at the recipient site was feasible for direct anastomosis with the vessels carried in flap, 4 patients were treated by bilateral parallel ALTPFs, and 5 were treated by unilateral ultra-long internally supercharged ALTPF. A total of 13 ALTPFs were harvested, with individual flap size at 20 cm × 8 cm to 46 cm × 12 cm. Donor sites were directly sutured. Time for flap harvesting, flap survival and wound healing time were records. Scheduled postoperative follow-up was conducted at outpatient clinic and via telephone interviews to evaluate functional recovery. Follow-up assessments included evaluation of flap condition, two-point discrimination (TPD), recovery of joint function at recipient sites, flap appearance and donor site recovery.Results:The time for flap harvest was 1.0 to 4.5 hours. All 13 ALTPFs successfully survived. The time from surgery to healing of recipient sites was 18 to 72 days, and all donor sites healed. Over the postoperative follow-up that lasted for 6 to 34 months, the recipient sites had found with good cosmetic outcomes, without osteomyelitis or deep tissue infection. Four ALTPFs in 2 patients were found swelling, which were revised at 6 months after surgery. Four ALTPFs in other 2 patients had pigment deposition at edges. One ALTPF was scalded, which healed after dressing changes but left with patchy scars. The remaining ALTPFs were soft, elastic, free from pain and well-perfused, with regained protective sensation at S 3. However, all of the ALTPFs failed to detect TPD. Six patients with lower limb injuries were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot scoring system: 2 patients were rated as excellent and 4 were rated as good. Three patients with upper limb injuries were evaluated using Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association: 1 patient was rated as excellent and 2 were rated as good. Only linear scars left at the 13 donor sites, with normal blood supply to the distal limbs, and without restrictions in range of motion of knee joints nor muscle strength of quadriceps. Conclusion:The ALTPF offers advantages such as anatomical consistency, reliable blood supply and flexible combination in treatment of extensive wound of Degree Ⅳ burns in limbs. It is an ideal surgical procedure for treatment of large soft tissue defects of extremities.

Objective To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic surgery on incarcerated inguinal hernia(IIH)in children.Methods A total of 81 IIH children treated at Jinhua Maternal & Child Health Hospital from September 2018 to December 2023 were selected as subjects.The children were divided into laparoscopic surgery group(n=45)and open surgery group(n=36).Comparative analysis was conducted on admission age,gender,duration of incarceration,surgical timing,intraoperative hernia contents,and postoperative complications between two groups.Results Operative duration,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative bowel function recovery time,number of occult hernias,and hospitalization duration in laparoscopic surgery group were statistically better than those in open surgery group(P＜0.05).There were fewer postoperative complications in laparoscopic group compared to open surgery group,there was significant difference between two groups(P＜0.05).Conclusion Compared with traditional open surgery,laparoscopic surgery for IIH in children has the advantages of less trauma,shorter operation time and hospitalization time,and less intraoperative bleeding.

Objective To discuss the application value of single-port laparoscopy assisted testicular fixation in treating pediatric inguinal cryptorchidism.Methods A total of 128 children with inguinal cryptorchidism admitted to Jinhua Maternal and Child Health Hospital from June 2024 to March 2025 were enrolled in this study.Using a randomized digital table method,the children were divided into observation group(n=64)and control group(n=64).The observation group underwent single-port laparoscopy assisted testicular fixation surgery,while control group received conventional three-port laparoscopy surgery.Intraoperative blood loss,surgical duration,hospitalization time,hospitalization costs,and incision length,differences in inflammatory markers,pain stress indicators,sex hormone levels,and complications were compared between two groups.Results Compared to control group,the surgical duration and postoperative hospitalization time were shorter in observation group,intraoperative blood loss was lower in observation group,incision length was shorter in observation group,hospitalization costs was higher in observation group,and vancouver scar scale scores was lower in observation group(P＜0.05).One day postoperatively,interleukin-6,superimposed C-reactive protein,and prostaglandin E2 were increased compared to pre-treatment levels in both groups.The reduction in observation group was more significant than that in control group(P＜0.05).One day postoperatively,levels of neuropeptide Y,nerve growth factor,and substance P were decreased in both groups.The increase in observation group was more pronounced than that in control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Single-port laparoscopy is used for pediatric inguinal cryptorchidism with the advantages of minimally invasive,safety and fast recovery.It can effectively reduce postoperative inflammation and pain response,and does not affect sex hormone level and testicular development,with high clinical application value.

The incomplete degradation of tumour cells by macrophages(Mφ)is a contributing factor to tumour progression and metastasis,and the degradation function of Mφ is mediated through phagosomes and lysosomes.In our preliminary experiments,we found that overactivation of NADPH oxidase 2(NOX2)reduced the ability of Mφ to degrade engulfed tumour cells.Above this,we screened out liquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch,which can significantly inhibit NOX2 activity and inhibit tumours,to elucidate that suppressing NOX2 can enhance the ability of Mφ to degrade tumour cells.We found that the tumour environment could activate the NOX2 activity in Mφ phagosomes,causing Mφ to produce excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS),thus prohibiting the formation of phagolysosomes before degradation.Conversely,inhibiting NOX2 in Mφ by liquiritin can reduce ROS and promote phagosome-lysosome fusion,therefore improving the enzymatic degradation of tumour cells after phagocytosis,and subse-quently promote T cell activity by presenting antigens.We further confirmed that liquiritin down-regulated the expression of the NOX2 specific membrane component protein gp91 phox,blocking its binding to the NOX2 cytoplasmic component proteins p67 phox and p47 phox,thereby inhibiting the activity of NOX2.This study elucidates the specific mechanism by which Mφ cannot degrade tumour cells after phagocytosis,and indicates that liquiritin can promote the ability of Mφ to degrade tumour cells by suppressing NOX2.

ObjectiveUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS） coupled with network pharmacology and molecular docking was utilized to explore the efficacy and mechanism of action of Ermiao Situ decoction on rats with damp-heat eczema. MethodsA rat model of damp-heat eczema was established by artificial climate chamber intervention combined with sensitization induction by dinitrochlorobenzene （DNCB）， and it was randomly divided into the normal group， the model group， the medium- and high-dose groups of Ermiao Situ decoction （3.40 g·kg^-1 and 6.80 g·kg^-1）， and the prednisone acetate group （2.51 mg·kg^-1）， with eight rats in each group， totalling 46 rats， of which six rats were tested with the drug-containing serum. The chemical analysis of drug-containing serum from rats was carried out by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS， combined with network pharmacology for the prediction of key components， core targets， and signaling pathways， and molecular docking experiments were performed by CB-Dock2 online website. The pharmacological effects of Ermiao Situ decoction in the treatment of damp-heat eczema were investigated by epitaxial indexes combined with the pathologic tissue staining method. The serum levels of gastrin （GAS）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and interleukin-13 （IL-13） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Interleukin-6 （IL-6）， Janus kinase 1 （JAK1）， phosphorylated （p）-JAK1， signal transduction and activation of transcription factor 3 （STAT3）， and p-STAT3 protein expression level was determined by Western bolt. ResultsA total of 19 active ingredients were detected in drug-containing serum samples of rats， which were predicted to act on 198 targets for the treatment of damp-heat eczema， among which the key ingredients included rhodopsin， huangpai alkaloids， and quercetin， and the main core targets included STAT3， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）， and IL-6， which were mainly involved in the cancer signaling pathway， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase （Akt） signaling pathway， T helper 17 （Th17） cell differentiation signaling pathway， and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The molecular docking results suggested that the key components had strong binding activities with the core targets IL-6， JAK1， and STAT3 in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with those in the normal group， rats in the model group were depressed. They had loose hair， loose stools， epidermal oozing， vesiculation， and generation of thick scabs in the form of scales， decreased body weight， increased anus temperature and water intake， and increased indexes of the spleen， thymus gland， and stomach （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the lesion tissue could be seen to be hyperkeratotic， with the aggregation of inflammatory cells and nonsignificant separation of epidermis and dermis. The gastric mucosa was thinned， deficient， and structurally disorganized， and obvious inflammatory cell aggregation was seen. The levels of GAS， IL-4， and IL-13 in serum were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of IL-6， JAK1， p-JAK1， and p-STAT3 in the lesion tissue were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， rats in each administration group had stable mental states， formed feces， a clean perianal area， and basically normal epidermis. Only a small amount of scaly scabs existed， and the rats had body weight increased， with decreased anal temperature and water intake， as well as decreased spleen， thymus， and gastric indexes （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Epidermal thickness was decreased， and epidermal and dermal separation boundaries were obvious， but hyperkeratotic and accumulation of inflammatory cells could still be seen. The thickness of gastric mucosa increased， and the structure was restored to varying degrees. The levels of GAS， IL-4， and IL-13 content in the serum of rats were increased to varying degrees， and the protein expression levels of IL-6， JAK1， p-JAK1， and p-STAT3 in the dermal lesion tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionErmiao Situ decoction may exert therapeutic effects on rats with damp-heat eczema by modulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.