Objective:To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of four patients with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) due to variants of SHANK3 gene. Methods:Four patients diagnosed with PMS at Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center Liuzhou Hospital from January 2020 to January 2025 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the patients were collected. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from each patient for the extraction of genomic DNA, followed by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and validation by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of candidate variants was rated based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), and multiple bioinformatic tools were used to assess the pathogenic effects of the variants. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Guangzhou Women′s and Children′s Medical Center Liuzhou Hospital (Ethics No. 2025-007).Results:All four patients had exhibited language delay and intellectual disability (IQ 35 ~ 65). Some also presented with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, albeit with significant phenotypic heterogeneity. All patients were found to harbor deletions of 22q13.33 region, ranging from 55.46 kb to 112.64 kb, primarily involving the SHANK3 gene. Conclusion:PMS is typically caused by deletions or mutations of the SHANK3 gene. The clinical manifestations are diverse, with developmental delay and intellectual disability being the most common. Accurate diagnosis requires integration of genetic testing and standardized clinical assessment. Genetic screening for suspected patients and at-risk pregnant women is recommended to facilitate their genetic counseling.

Objective To investigate the longitudinal relationship between sleep duration(SD)and positive youth development(PYD)among primary and secondary school students in Chengdu city using a cross-lagged model,and to provide scientific evidence for enhancing sleep management practices for students.Methods A total of 4061 students of grades 3 through 9 from the Chengdu Child Positive Development Cohort were included in this three-wave longitudinal study.There was a one-year interval between one survey and the following round of survey,and the time points for the baseline,12-month follow-up,and 24-month follow-up surveys were designated T0,T1,and T2.The PYD of the participants was assessed using the Chinese version of the Positive Youth Development Scale.The demographic data and the average daily SD over the past month were collected.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine the associations between SD and PYD,and a cross-lagged model was used to investigate the longitudinal relationship between them.Results The average daily SD for the 3 rounds of surveys conducted at T0,T1,and T2 was 9.00(8.04,10.00)hours,10.44(9.67,11.11)hours,and 10.39(9.83,11.00)hours,respectively,while the PYD scores were 5.30(4.73,5.71),5.27(4.73,5.73),and 5.39(4.89,5.77),respectively.Statistical significance was found in the differences of SD and PYD scores across the 3 rounds(P＜0.05).Spearman correlation analysis revealed synchronous correlations between SD and PYD at all three time points(r=0.10 at T0,r=0.18 at T1,and r=0.21 at T2,P＜0.05)and significant lagged correlations(e.g.,r=0.10 for T1-PYD and T2-SD,and likewise,significant correlation was found for the 3 other cross-lagged paths).The cross-lagged model demonstrated that PYD at T0 and T1 positively predicted SD at T1 and T2,respectively(β0-1=0.116[95％CI,0.083-0.150],β1-2=0.097(95％CI,0.067-0.127),P＜0.05),and that SD at T0 and T1 also positively predicted PYD at T1 and T2(β0-1=0.028[95％CI,0-0.056],β1-2=0.042[95％CI,0.010-0.074],P＜0.05).According to these findings,a bidirectional predictive relationship between SD and PYD across different time points was observed in primary and secondary school students.Furthermore,PYD demonstrated better performance for predicting SD than SD did for PYD.Subgroup analysis by sex confirmed the robustness of the predictive power of PYD for SD.Conclusion This study reveals a positive bidirectional predictive relationship between SD and PYD among primary and secondary school students,suggesting that higher levels of PYD may contribute to adequate sleep.These findings provide critical scientific evidence for schools and families to strengthen sleep management and promote the holistic development and well-being of adolescents.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (AB-BNCT) in the treatment of recurrent and refractory malignant tumors.Methods:The data of 14 patients admitted to Xiamen Humanity Hospital from September 2022 to April 2023 were prospectively collected, including 7 patients with primary brain malignancies and 7 patients with locally recurrent inoperable head and neck malignancies. All patients received intravenous infusion of boron drug (NBB-001, p-dihydroxyborylphe nylalanine, a patented freeze-dried formulation) at a total nominal dosage of 500 mg/kg (11 patients) or 750 mg/kg (3 patients), and were irradiated with neutrons (operating with NeuPex system). Adverse events after treatment were recorded and assessed. The primary efficacy endpoint was the 90 d objective response rate (ORR), while the secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and complete response rate (CRR). Data were compiled and analyzed by SAS 9.4 software. The rate and 95% CI were calculated using Clopper-Pearson method. Results:The median dose delivered to 80% of the target volume (D 80%) was 16.80 GyE (range: 8.93-23.79 GyE). The most common adverse reactions were hyperamylasemia, alopecia, and hyperprolactinemia. Five patients experienced 8 cases of grade 3 or above adverse events, including 1 case of grade 4 acute kidney injury and 7 cases of grade 3 adverse events. All adverse events were recovered after observation or treatment. At 90 d after treatment, the ORR of all patients was 9/14 (64%, 95% CI: 35%-87%), disease control rate (DCR) was 10/14 (71%, 95% CI: 42%-92%), CRR was 2/14 (14%, 95% CI: 2%-42%); and the best overall response during the entire course included an ORR of 10/14 (71% ,95% CI: 42%-92%), DCR of 13/14 (93%, 95% CI: 66%-100%), and CRR of 3/14 (21% ,95% CI: 5%-51%). The 1-year survival rate for head and neck malignancies was 71.4%, and the 2-year survival rate was 42.8%. The 1-year survival rate for recurrent brain malignancies was 42.8%. Conclusion:AB-BNCT demonstrates favorable safety and promising efficacy in treating primary brain malignancies and recurrent/refractory head and neck malignancies, representing a potential therapeutic option.

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

Nipah virus (NiV) and related viruses form a distinct henipavirus genus within the Paramyxoviridae family. NiV continues to spillover into the humans causing deadly outbreaks with increasing human-bat interaction. NiV encodes the large protein (L) and phosphoprotein (P) to form the viral RNA polymerase machinery. Their sequences show limited homologies to those of non-henipavirus paramyxoviruses. We report two cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the Nipah virus (NiV) polymerase L-P complex, expressed and purified in either its full-length or truncated form. The structures resolve the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and polyribonucleotidyl transferase (PRNTase) domains of the L protein, as well as a tetrameric P protein bundle bound to the L-RdRp domain. L-protein C-terminal regions are unresolved, indicating flexibility. Two PRNTase domain zinc-binding sites, conserved in most Mononegavirales, are confirmed essential for NiV polymerase activity. The structures further reveal anchoring of the P protein bundle and P protein X domain (XD) linkers on L, via an interaction pattern distinct among Paramyxoviridae. These interactions facilitate binding of a P protein XD linker in the nucleotide entry channel and distinct positioning of other XD linkers. We show that the disruption of the L-P interactions reduces NiV polymerase activity. The reported structures should facilitate rational antiviral-drug discovery and provide a guide for the functional study of NiV polymerase.
Nipah Virus/chemistry* ; Cryoelectron Microscopy ; Viral Proteins/genetics* ; RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/genetics* ; Phosphoproteins/genetics* ; Humans ; Models, Molecular ; Protein Binding

Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) has a long-standing history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it has been widely used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), myocardial infarction, and heart failure. However, the potency of Aconitum alkaloids, the primary active components of Aconitum, also confers substantial toxicity. Therefore, assessing the efficacy and toxicity of these Aconitum alkaloids is crucial for ensuring clinical effectiveness and safety. Metabolomics, a quantitative method for analyzing low-molecular-weight metabolites involved in metabolic pathways, provides a comprehensive view of the metabolic state across multiple systems in vivo. This approach has become a vital investigative tool for facilitating the evaluation of their efficacy and toxicity, identifying potential sensitive biomarkers, and offering a promising avenue for elucidating the pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms underlying TCM. This review focuses on the applications of metabolomics in pharmacological and toxicological studies of Aconitum alkaloids in recent years and highlights the significant role of metabolomics in exploring compatibility detoxification and the mechanisms of TCM processing, aiming to identify more viable methods for characterizing toxic medicinal plants.
Aconitum/metabolism* ; Metabolomics/methods* ; Alkaloids/metabolism* ; Humans ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)throat opening and brightening method in treating unilateral vocal cord paralysis(UVCP).Methods Sixty patients with UVCP were prospectively collected and randomly assigned to two groups:the Chinese herbal medicine group(trea-ted with Buyang Huanwu Decoction,n=30)and the throat opening and brightening method group(treated with TCM throat opening and brightening method,n=30).The clinical studies that had utilized injection laryngoplasty for the treatment of UVCP(historical control group).Evaluation indicators included the voice handicap index-10(VHI-10),GRBAS-G,objective acoustic measurements of voice(vocal intensity,F0,shimmer,jitter,HNR),and aerodynamic measurements(maximum phonation time,MPT).Results Before treatment,no significant differences were observed between the two groups in all the evaluation indicators(P＞0.05).Post-treatment,the throat open-ing and brightening method group demonstrated significant improvements in VHI-10,GRBAS-G,shimmer,jitter,HNR,and MPT compared to pre-treatment values(P＜0.01),and these improvements were superior to those in the Chinese herbal medicine group.Pre-treatment VHI-10,GRBAS-G,and shimmer scores in the throat opening and brightening method group were significantly higher than those in the historical literature group(P＜0.01).Af-ter treatment,no significant differences were noted in any assessed parameters between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The TCM throat opening and brightening method significantly enhances phonatory function and quality of life in patients with UVCP,showing comparable efficacy to injection laryngoplasty.

Objective To explore the application value of musculoskeletal ultrasound(MSUS)in grading acute gastrocnemius muscle injuries.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on ultrasound images of 291 patients who presented with sudden calf pain and suspected acute gastrocnemius muscle injury in the General Hospital of Central Theater Command from March 2019 to July 2024.The images were independently reviewed and assessed by three ultrasound doctors with different qualifications to determine the presence and grade of gastrocnemius muscle injury.The consistency of grading results among three doctors was compared.The diagnostic results of three doctors were summarized.Then,the diagnostic results of 29 patients who underwent routine MRI scans were compared with those of MSUS,and the agreement between the two imaging modalities was assessed using the Kappa test.Results Among the 291 patients,171 cases(58.8%)were diagnosed with gastrocnemius muscle injury,including 55 cases(32.2%)with grade Ⅰ,109 cases(63.7%)with grade Ⅱ,and 7 cases(4.1%)with grade Ⅲ.There were 159 cases(93.0%)of unilateral medial head injury,10 cases(5.8%)of unilateral lateral head injury,and 2 cases(1.2%)of bilateral medial and lateral head injury.Compared with patients without gastrocnemius muscle injury,patients with gastrocnemius muscle injury were older(P<0.05),with no significant difference in gender and laterality(P>0.05).No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found among patients with different grades of injury(P>0.05).The three doctors diagnosed 173(59.5%),171(58.8%),and 171(58.8%)cases of injury,respectively,with an inter-class correlation coefficient(ICC)of 0.947(P<0.001).Among 29 patients who underwent MRI,the diagnostic agreement between MRI and ultrasound for grade Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ injury was 8(27.6%),18(62.1%)and 3(10.3%)for MRI;and 9(31.0%),17(58.6%)and 3(10.3%)for MSUS,respectively,with a Kappa value of 0.808(P<0.001).Conclusions MSUS is effective for assessing the grade of acute gastrocnemius muscle injury,and shows high diagnostic consistency among doctors with different qualifications.It is recommended as the preferred method for diagnosing gastrocnemius muscle injury.

Objective To explore the value of shear wave elastography(SWE)combined with cervical length(CL)measurement in predicting spontaneous preterm birth(SPB)at 20 to 27 weeks of gestation.Methods A total of 161 pregnant women with antenatal care and examination in the hospi-tal from January 2020 to June 2022 were selected as research objects.All pregnant women underwent CL measurement and SWE detection by ultrasound during 20 to 27 weeks of gestation to obtain CL and SWE parameters.The occurrence of SPB was followed up,and the correlations of CL and SWE param-eters with the occurrence of SPB were analyzed.Results Among the 161 pregnant women,34 pa-tients experienced SPB.There were significant differences in the external os strain(EOS),elastic contrast index(ECI),internal os strain(IOS),and hardness ratio(HR)of SWE parameters between pregnant women with and without preterm birth(P＜0.05).Similarly,there was a significant differ-ence in CL between the two groups(P＜0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that ECI,IOS and EOS were positively correlated with the occurrence of preterm birth(P＜0.05),while HR and CL were negatively correlated with the occurrence of preterm birth(P＜0.05).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for CL in predicting preterm birth was 0.800,with a cut-off value of 2.710 cm.Among the SWE parameters,the AUCs for ECI,HR,IOS and EOS in predicting preterm birth were 0.651,0.642,0.705 and 0.653 respectively,with cut-off values of 5.140,53.650％,0.320 and 0.330 respectively.The ROC curve showed that the AUC for predicting preterm birth by SWE parameters combined with CL was 0.813,which was significantly higher than the AUC for prediction by the combination of the four SWE parameters(P＜0.05).The sensitivity and specificity at the maximum Youden index were 0.794 and 0.732 respectively.Conclusion CL,as well as ECI,HR,IOS and EOS among SWE parameters,have certain value in predicting SPB in pregnant women at 20 to 27 weeks of gestation,especially when the five indicators are combined for prediction.The critical values for prediction are 2.710 cm,5.140,53.650％,0.320 and 0.330 respectively.

Arsenic is a semi-metal,and lipid-soluble arsenic compounds are one of the widespread forms in the environment and food chain,but there is a lack of standards for lipid-soluble arsenic compounds,which is one of the bottlenecks in the current analytical detection and toxicological studies of organic arsenic.In this study,four saturated arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,AsHC 318,AsHC 332,AsHC 346,and AsHC 374(The number is relative molecular mass),were successfully synthesized in three steps by using dimethylarsinic acid,potassium iodide,sodium hydroxide,and four brominated alkanes(1-Bromotetradecane,1-bromopentadecane,1-bromohexadecane,and 1-bromooctadecane)as raw materials.The structures of these four saturated arsenic-containing hydrocarbons were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance(1H NMR)spectroscopy,13C nuclear magnetic resonance(13C NMR)spectroscopy,and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HR-MS).The yields of the method were 8%-10%,and the synthesized compounds could be used in subsequent toxicity evaluation experiments to assess the toxic effects and mechanisms of action of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons.This study provided an effective method for synthesis of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,enriching the synthesis methods of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,and provided raw materials for the subsequent toxicological studies of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons.