BACKGROUND:Degenerative scoliosis is defined as a condition that occurs in adulthood with a coronal cobb angle of the spine>10° accompanied by sagittal deformity and rotational subluxation,which often produces symptoms of spinal cord and nerve compression,such as lumbar pain,lower limb pain,numbness,weakness,and neurogenic claudication.The finite element method is a mechanical analysis technique for computer modelling,which can be used for spinal mechanics research by building digital models that can realistically restore the human spine model and design modifications. OBJECTIVE:To review the application of finite element method in the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis. METHODS:The literature databases CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science were searched for articles on the application of finite element method in degenerative scoliosis published before October 2023.Search terms were"finite element analysis,biomechanics,stress analysis,degenerative scoliosis,adult spinal deformity"in Chinese and English.Fifty-four papers were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The biomechanical findings from the degenerative scoliosis model constructed using the finite element method were identical to those from the in vivo experimental studies,which proves that the finite element method has a high practical value in degenerative scoliosis.(2)The study of the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis by the finite element method is conducive to the prevention of the occurrence of the scoliosis,slowing down the progress of the scoliosis,the development of a more appropriate treatment plan,the reduction of complications,and the promotion of the patients'surgical operation.(3)The finite element method has gradually evolved from a single bony structure to the inclusion of soft tissues such as muscle ligaments,and the small sample content is increasingly unable to meet the research needs.(4)The finite element method has much room for exploration in degenerative scoliosis.

Objective To investigate the factors affecting the distribution of Pomacea and project the trends in the spread of suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in 2050 and 2070 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, so as to provide insights into Pomacea control in the prefecture. Methods The longitudes and latitudes of Pomacea sampling sites were captured based on Pomacea field survey data in 12 cities (counties) of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture from 2023 to 2024. A total of 19 climatic factors (annual mean temperature, mean diurnal range, isothermality, temperature seasonality, maximum temperature of the warmest month, minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature annual range, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest month, mean temperature of the coldest month, annual precipitation, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the driest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest quarter, and mean temperature of the coldest quarter) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) were retrieved from the world climate database (www.worldclim.org). All climatic variables were employed to create a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. The predictive accuracy of the model was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and the contributions of these 19 climatic factors to the distribution of Pomacea were analyzed in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture using Jackknife test. In addition, the suitable distribution areas of Pomacea were predicted with the MaxEnt model in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 2024 and in 2050 and 2070 under RCP4.5. Results Data pertaining to 91 Pomacea sampling sites were captured. ROC analysis revealed the MaxEnt model had an AUC value of 0.885 ± 0.088 for predicting the suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Of the 19 climatic factors, the maximum temperature of the warmest month had the highest contribution to the distribution of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, followed by mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the wettest quarter and minimum temperature of the coldest month. The suitable distribution area of Pomacea was predicted to be 14 555.69 km² in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 2024, and would expand gradually to the southeastern part of the prefecture in the future due to climatic factors. The suitable distribution areas of Pomacea were projected to expand to 21 475.61 km² in 2050 and 25 782.52 km² in 2070 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, respectively. Conclusions Temperature is an important contributor to the distribution of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and the suitable distribution area of Pomacea will gradually expand to the southeastern part of the prefecture in 2050 and 2070.

ObjectiveTo simulate the microstructure and mechanical properties of tendon tissue and promote its regeneration and repair, electrospinning technology was used to prepare L-polylactic acid (PLLA) fiber membranes loaded with different nano zinc oxide contents and with oriented structures. Physical and chemical characterization and biological performance evaluation were carried out to explore their effects on tendon cell proliferation and differentiation. MethodsPreparation of PLLA fiber scaffolds and PLLA/ZnO fiber scaffolds containing different mass fractions of nano ZnO was performed using electrospinning technology. The physicochemical properties of the scaffold were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, mechanical stretching, and EDS spectroscopy. The scaffold was co-cultured with mouse tendon cells to detect its biocompatibility and regulatory effects on cell differentiation behavior. ResultsThe fiber scaffolds were arranged in an oriented manner, and zinc elements were uniformly distributed in the fibers. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of PLLA/0.1%ZnO fiber scaffolds were significantly higher than PLLA fiber scaffolds. The number of cells on the surface of PLLA/0.1%ZnO fiber scaffold was significantly higher than that of the PLLA group, and the activity was better; mouse tendon cells exhibit directional adhesion and growth along the fiber arrangement direction. ConclusionThe oriented PLLA/0.1%ZnO fiber scaffold had excellent physicochemical properties, which can significantly promote the oriented growth, proliferation and differentiation of tendon cells. It is expected to be used for tendon tissue regeneration and repair in the future.

AIM: To analyze the mechanism of Usher syndrome(USH)caused by Adgrv1 gene variation through the Hedgehog(Hh)signaling pathway.METHODS: Based on Adgrv1 gene variant mice(Adgrv1-/-), taking wild type(WT)C57BL/6 mice as controls, the expression of Adgrv1 gene and the structure of retina and cell cilia were analyzed by qRT-PCR, HE, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence. Additionally, the changes of key factors in the Hh signaling pathway caused by Adgrv1 gene variation were observed.RESULTS: The Adgrv1 gene was expressed in both the retina and primary cultured lung fibroblasts of Adgrv1-/- mice, but the expression levels were significantly decreased. The Adgrv1 gene variation can cause dissolution of the outer disc membrane of the retinal photoreceptors and significantly shorten the cilia length in primary lung fibroblasts. In the Hh signaling pathway, the expression of Ptch1 and Gli genes of Adgrv1-/- was significantly reduced, while the expression of PKA genes was increased.CONCLUSION:The Adgrv1 gene variation leads to shortened cell cilia and dissolution of the outer disc membrane of the retinal photoreceptors, resulting in retinitis pigmentosa, which is related to decreased expression of PTCH1 and GLI1 proteins in the Hh pathway.

The basement membrane is a specialized extracellular matrix between the epithelium and the mesenchyme.In stratified epithelium,only the basal cells in contact with the basement membrane exhibit the apical-basal polarity,whereas the epithelial cells do being not in contact with the basement membrane do not exhibit the apical-basal polarity.The basement membrane plays an important role in epithelial cell polarization.It is an important extracellular matrix(ECM)structure in the multicellular organisms,is situated between the epithelium and the mesenchyme,and is produced jointly by the epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells.Its components mainly include Laminin,type Ⅳ collagen(Col-Ⅳ),nidogen(NDG),and heparan sulfate proteoglycans(HSPG),and each component plays the different role in influencing the epithelial cell polarity.The network scaffold formed by Col-Ⅳ and Laminin is the main structure of the basement membrane,and the integrity of the structure affects the epithelial cell polarization.This review summarizes the composition and structure of the basement membrane,focuses on its role in epithelial cell polarization and its mechanism,and compiles the current status of biomimetic basement membrane materials that promotes the epithelial cell polarization,and provides the theoretical foundation for further exploration of the establishment and maintenance of epithelial cell polarity.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)based CT derived fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)and ΔCT-FFR in improving the diagnostic efficiency for coronary abnormal hemodynamics in patients with severe calcification.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of coronary artery disease(CAD)patients who underwent CCTA,CT-FFR,invasive coronary angiography(ICA)and FFR during hospitalization from January 2018 to June 2019 in Chinese PLA General Hospital.Severe calcification was defined as coronary artery calcium score(CACS)≥100 on single vessel level.A total of 107 CAD patients with 149 coronary arteries were included in the present study.The enrolled coronary arteries were assigned to CACS≥100 group(n=56)and CACS<100 group(n=93).CT-FFR was performed on the deep FFR platform based on machine learning(ML)algorithms and ΔCT-FFR was defined as CT-FFR difference between proximal and distal to the coronary lesion.The correlation and consistency between CT-FFR and FFR values were analyzed by Pearson and Bland-Altman methods.We attempted to analyze the incremental value of ΔCT-FFR for coronary functional evaluation,especial for coronary arteries with severe calcification,regarding FFR≤0.8 as the diagnostic gold standard.Comparison of receiver operating characteristic curves(ROC)between different diagnostic methods was presented by Delong test.Results Pearson and Bland-Altman analyses showed appreciable correlation(CACS≥100 group,r=0.71,P<0.01;CACS<100 group,r=0.73,P<0.01)and consistency(CACS≥100 group,Mean=-0.01,P=0.25;CACS<100 group,Mean=0,P=0.96)between CT-FFR and FFR values in both groups.FFR(0.80±0.08 vs.0.84±0.09,P=0.004)and CT-FFR(0.81±0.06 vs.0.85±0.06,P<0.001)levels were significant lower in CACS≥100 group than those in CACS<100 group,while ΔCT-FFR(0.14±0.06 vs.0.09±0.06,P<0.001)levels were significant higher in CACS≥100 group.Moreover,the diagnostic efficiency of CT-FFR in CACS≥100 group was inferior to that in CACS<100 group[AUC=0.792(95%CI 0.663-0.889)vs.AUC=0.929(95%CI 0.856-0.972),P=0.04],while it achieved significant improvement after ΔCT-FFR adjustment[AUC=0.876(95%CI 0.760-0.949)vs.AUC=0.792(95%CI 0.663-0.889),P=0.02]and was similar to that in CACS<100 group(P=0.37).Conclusion For coronary arteries with severe calcification,CT-FFR demonstrated significant incremental value in improving the diagnostic efficiency of coronary abnormal hemodynamics after ΔCT-FFR adjustment.

Background At present, occupational poisoning has become one of the most serious occupational diseases that jeopardize the health of workers in China, in addition to pneumoconiosis, with a wide range of impacts and heavy social and economic losses. Objective To analyze the characteristics and patterns of the incidence of occupational poisoning in Tianjin from 2006 to 2020, and to provide a scientific basis for the development of effective intervention measures and prevention strategies. Methods The Occupational Diseases and Health Hazards Monitoring Information System, a module of the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, was the primary data source of the study. The case files of acute and chronic occupational poisoning diagnosed by occupational disease diagnostic institutions in Tianjin from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2020 were retrieved from the system. The data included basic information, occupational history, disease characteristics, and employer information. Excel 2016 was used to establish database, and frequencies and composition ratios were reported. Results From 2006 to 2020, a total of 234 cases of occupational chemical poisoning were reported in Tianjin, including 49 cases of acute occupational poisoning (20.94%) and 185 cases of chronic occupational poisoning (79.06%). The number of acute occupational poisoning cases showed a rising and then falling trend, and the number of chronic occupational poisoning cases showed an overall decreasing trend. Acute occupational poisoning mainly occurred in the four districts around the city (22 cases, 44.90%), and chronic occupational poisoning mainly occurred in Binhai New Area (90 cases, 48.65%). More male cases were reported than female cases. The age of onset was concentrated at 45-55 years old. The acute occupational poisoning cases were concentrated in the group with less than 5 years of service (22 cases, 44.90%), mainly asphyxiating gas poisoning, and the highest incidence was reported in chemical raw materials and chemical products manufacturing industry. The chronic occupational poisoning cases were concentrated in the groups with a working age of 5-14 years (70 cases, 37.84%), mainly organic solvent poisoning, and the highest incidence was also reported in chemical raw materials and chemical products manufacturing industry. Conclusion The prevention and control of occupational poisoning as well as health surveillance and management in Tianjin shall be carried out in a hierarchical and focused manner in accordance with types of acute and chronic occupational poisoning chemicals in the city, regional economic differences, types of industries, and distribution of workers.

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.

AIM:This study aim to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation on the aging phenotype of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells(HSPCs)in the bone marrow(BM)and spleen of mice.METHODS:(1)Young(2-month old)wild-type(WT)mice were treated with LPS to establish an actue inflammation model.The percentage of HSPCs in the BM and spleen of mice after LPS stimulation,as well as the ratio of mature cells in peripheral blood(PB)and spleen,were analyzed using flow cytometry.The proliferation of HSPCs in the BM and spleen was evaluated by examining the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67.In addition,changes in CD45 expression on HSPCs in the spleen of mice following LPS exposure were investigated by flow cytometry.(2)The percentage of HSPCs in BM and mature cells in PB and spleen of both young(2-month old)and old(24-month old)WT mice were analyzed by flow cytometry.(3)The transcriptome changes of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs)after LPS stimulation was performed by an in silico analysis.RESULTS:(1)Mice exposed to LPS exhibited a significant increase in the percentage of HSPCs in BM and a marked elevation in the percentages of myeloid cells in PB and spleen compared to the mice in control group(P<0.05).(2)LPS exposure resulted in increased spleen weight and cell counts(P<0.05),along with a higher per-centage of HSPCs in the spleen compared to controls(P<0.05).(3)LPS stimulation promoted the proliferation of HSPCs in the BM and spleen(P<0.05).(4)The expression of CD45 was reduced on HSPCs from spleen of mice after LPS stimu-lation(P<0.01).(5)In comparison to young mice,aged mice showed an increase in spleen weight and a higher percent-age of HSPCs in the spleen(P<0.05).(6)Aged mice,in comparison to young mice,demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of HSPCs in the BM and myeloid skewing in the PB and spleen(P<0.01).(7)The silico analysis revealed up-regualtion of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and apoptosis signaling in HSPCs following LPS stimulation.CONCLU-SION:Young HSPCs stimulated by LPS exhibited an increase in cell number,a bias towards myeloid differentiation,en-hanced extramedullary hematopoiesis,and elevated levels of ROS and apoptosis,all of which collectively manifested the aging phenotype of HSPCs.

Objective To evaluate the value of miniprobe endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)in guiding endoscopic treatment of small-diameter(maximum diameter less than 1 cm)and low-grade(G1 grade)rectum neuroendocrine neoplasm(R-NEN),and to provide evidence and clues for its clinical application and further research.Methods The clinical data of 85 cases of low-grade(G1 grade)R-NEN with a maximum diameter of less than 1 cm who underwent endoscopic treatment in our center from January 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the EUS group(37 cases)and control group(48 cases)according to whether EUS was performed before endoscopic treatment.The positive rate of incision margin,the incidence of complications,the recurrence rate,the hospital stay,the cost of hospitalization and endoscopic therapy were compared between the two groups.Results The positive rate of incision margin in the EUS group was significantly lower than that in control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications,tumor recurrence rate,hospital stay or hospital costs between the two groups(P>0.05).There was statistically significant difference in the endoscopic therapy between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Evaluating the lesion depth of small-diameter and low-grade(G1 grade)R-NEN before surgery by miniprobe EUS and selecting endoscopic surgery according to its results of can significantly reduce the residual risk of resection margin tumors.