Objective To investigate the changes in eosinophil counts and the activation of microglial cells in the brain tissues of mice at different stages of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection, and to examine the role of microglia in regulating the progression of angiostrongyliasis and unravel the possible molecular mechanisms. Methods Fifty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-day and 25-d infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. All mice in infection groups were infected with 30 stage III A. cantonensis larvae by gavage, and animals in the control group was given an equal amount of physiological saline. Five mice were collected from each of infection groups on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice were collected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. The general and focal functional impairment was scored using the Clark scoring method to assess the degree of mouse neurological impairment. Five mice from each of infection groups were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice from the control group were sacrificed on the day of oral gavage. Mouse brain tissues were sampled, and the pathological changes of brain tissues were dynamically observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence staining with eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) was used to assess the degree of eosinophil infiltration and the counts of microglial cells in mouse brain tissues in each group, and the morphological parameters of microglial cells (skeleton analysis and fractal analysis) were quantified by using Image J software to determine the morphological changes of microglial cells. In addition, the expression of M1 microglia markers Fcγ receptor III (Fcgr3), Fcγ receptor IIb (Fcgr2b) and CD86 antigen (Cd86), M2 microglia markers Arginase 1 (Arg1), macrophage mannose receptor C-type 1 (Mrc1), chitinase-like 3 (Chil3), and phagocytosis genes myeloid cell triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2), CD68 antigen (Cd68), and apolipoprotein E (Apoe) was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay in the mouse cerebral cortex of mice post-infection. Results A large number of A. cantonensis larvae were seen on the mouse meninges surface post-infection, and many neuronal nuclei were crumpled and deeply stained, with a large number of bleeding points in the meninges. The median Clark scores of mouse general functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 0 (interquartile range, 0.5), 6 (interquartile range, 1.0), 14 (interquartile range, 8.5) points and 20 (interquartile range, 9.0) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.45, P < 0.01), and the median Clark scores of mouse focal functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 2 (interquartile range, 2.5), 7 (interquartile range, 3.0), 18 (interquartile range, 5.0) points and 25 (interquartile range, 6.5) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.72, P < 0.01). The mean scores of mice general and focal functional impairment were all higher in the infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant difference in the eosinophil counts in mouse brain tissues among the five groups (F = 40.05, P < 0.000 1), and the eosinophil counts were significantly higher in mouse brain tissues in the 14-d (3.08 ± 0.78) and 21-d infection groups (5.97 ± 1.37) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.28) (both P values < 0.05). Semi-quantitative analysis of microglia immunofluorescence showed a significant difference in the counts of microglial cells among the five groups (F = 17.66, P < 0.000 1), and higher Iba1 levels were detected in mouse brain tissues in 14-d (5.75 ± 1.28), 21-d (6.23 ± 1.89) and 25-d infection groups (3.70 ± 1.30) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.30) (all P values < 0.05). Skeleton and fractal analyses showed that the branch length [(162.04 ± 34.10) μm vs. (395.37 ± 64.11) μm; t = 5.566, P < 0.05] and fractal dimension of microglial cells (1.30 ± 0.01 vs. 1.41 ± 0.03; t = 5.266, P < 0.05) were reduced in mouse brain tissues in the 21-d infection group relative to the control group. In addition, there were significant differences among the 5 groups in terms of M1 and M2 microglia markers Fcgr3 (F = 48.34, P < 0.05), Fcgr2b (F = 55.46, P < 0.05), Cd86 (F = 24.44, P < 0.05), Arg1 (F = 31.18, P < 0.05), Mrc1 (F = 15.42, P < 0.05) and Chil3 (F = 24.41, P < 0.05), as well as phagocytosis markers Trem2 (F = 21.19, P < 0.05), Cd68 (F = 43.95, P < 0.05) and Apoe (F = 7.12, P < 0.05) in mice brain tissues. Conclusions A. cantonensis infections may induce severe pathological injuries in mouse brain tissues that are characterized by massive eosinophil infiltration and persistent activation of microglia cells, thereby resulting in progressive deterioration of neurological functions.

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*

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), the most commonly-occurring form of hearing loss, is caused mainly by injury to or the loss of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea. Numerous environmental and physiological factors have been shown to cause acquired SNHL, such as ototoxic drugs, noise exposure, aging, infections, and diseases. Several programmed cell death (PCD) pathways have been reported to be involved in SNHL, especially some novel PCD pathways that have only recently been reported, such as ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. Here we summarize these PCD pathways and their roles and mechanisms in SNHL, aiming to provide new insights and potential therapeutic strategies for SNHL by targeting these PCD pathways.
Humans ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/metabolism* ; Necroptosis/drug effects* ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Animals

Growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45b(GADD45b)was initially discovered to be involved in processes such as cell cycle arrest,differentiation and apoptosis.It is an important signal regulatory molecule in cells,responsible for signal transduction under various physiological or environmental stimuli.The GADD45b gene belongs to the GADD45 gene family.This gene is commonly expressed in human and fetal tissues,but the expression is tissue-specific,with high expression in the liver and bone marrow.The GADD45b protein is a small,evolutionarily conserved acidic protein distributed in both the cytoplasm and nucleus.Research has shown that GADD45b is closely associated with signaling pathways such as p38/MAPK and TGFβ/Smad3,and it has functions including improving tissue fibrosis and inflammation progression,inhibiting cell autophagy,and enhancing neural function recovery.GADD45b plays a significant role in tumors,innate immunity,neurological diseases,and disorders of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism.The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is increasing year by year in China and has become a serious public health issue in the country.Disorders in hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism are major causes of NAFLD.Multiple studies have shown that GADD45b gene and protein exhibit abnormal expression in liver diseases with hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism disorders.Previous research has found that GADD45b can increase the stability of the FoxO1 protein in hepatocytes,and enhance the expression of PGC1a,thereby promoting hepatic gluconeogenesis.Additionally,GADD45b can inhibit fatty acid transport in hepatocytes by binding to FABP1 and reduce hepatic steatosis by interacting with HSP72 protein.Therefore,the roles of GADD45b in promoting hepatic gluconeogenesis,inhibiting fatty acid transport,and reducing steatosis may form the basis for research into treatments for hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and liver diseases.This paper reviews the characteristics and functions of the GADD45b protein,as well as recent advances in the study of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism and liver diseases,aiming to provide reference for further GADD45b research.

Objective To investigate the capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and its association with hepatic fibrosis during the development of alveolar echinococcosis, so as to provide the basis for unraveling the mechanisms underlying the role of LSEC in the development and prognosis of hepatic injuries and hepatic fibrosis caused by alveolar echinococcosis. Methods Forty C57BL/6 mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into a control group and 1-, 2- and 4-week infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. Each mouse in the infection groups was intraperitoneally injected with 2 000 Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces, while each mouse in the control group was given an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline using the same method. All mice were sacrificed 1, 2 and 4 weeks post-infection and mouse livers were collected. The pathological changes of livers were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and hepatic fibrosis was evaluated through semi-quantitative analysis of Masson’s trichrome staining-positive areas. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition were examined using immunohistochemical staining of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), and the fenestrations on the surface of LSECs were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Primary LSECs were isolated from mouse livers, and the mRNA expression of LSEC marker genes Stabilin-1, Stabilin-2, Ehd3, CD209b, GATA4 and Maf was quantified using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. Results Destruction of local liver lobular structure was observed in mice 2 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis protoscoleces, and hydatid cysts, which were surrounded by granulomatous tissues, were found in mouse livers 4 weeks post-infection. Semi-quantitative analysis of Masson’s trichrome staining showed a significant difference in the proportion of collagen fiber contents in mouse livers among the four groups (F = 26.060, P < 0.001), and a higher proportion of collagen fiber contents was detected in mouse livers in the 4-week infection group [(11.29 ± 2.58)%] than in the control group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining revealed activation of a few HSCs and ECM deposition in mouse livers 1 and 2 weeks post-infection, and abundant brown-yellow stained α-SMA and COL1A1 were deposited in the lesion areas in mouse livers 4 weeks post-infection, which spread to surrounding tissues. Semi-quantitative analysis revealed significant differences in α-SMA (F = 7.667, P < 0.05) and COL1A1 expression (F = 6.530, P < 0.05) in mouse levers among the four groups, with higher α-SMA [(7.13 ± 3.68)%] and COL1A1 expression [(13.18 ± 7.20)%] quantified in mouse livers in the 4-week infection group than in the control group (both P values < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant differences in the fenestration frequency (F = 37.730, P < 0.001) and porosity (F = 16.010, P < 0.001) on the surface of mouse LSECs among the four groups, and reduced fenestration frequency and porosity were observed in the 1-[(1.22 ± 0.48)/μm² and [(3.05 ± 0.91)%] and 2-week infection groups [(3.47 ± 0.10)/μm² and (7.57 ± 0.23)%] groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the average fenestration diameter on the surface of mouse LSECs among the four groups (F = 15.330, P < 0.001), and larger average fenestration diameters were measured in the 1-[(180.80 ± 16.42) nm] and 2-week infection groups [(161.70 ± 3.85) nm] than in the control group (both P values < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences among the four groups in terms of Stabilin-1 (F = 153.100, P < 0.001), Stabilin-2 (F = 57.010, P < 0.001), Ehd3 (F = 31.700, P < 0.001), CD209b (F = 177.400, P < 0.001), GATA4 (F = 17.740, P < 0.001), and Maf mRNA expression (F = 72.710, P < 0.001), and reduced mRNA expression of Stabilin-1, Stabilin-2, Ehd3, CD209b, GATA4 and Maf genes was quantified in three infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.001). Conclusions E. multilocularis infections may induce capillarization of LSECs in mice, and result in a reduction in the expression of functional and phenotypic marker genes of LSECs, and capillarization of LSECs occurs earlier than activation of HSC and development of hepatic fibrosis.

Objective To investigate the effect of age on the incidence of cirrhosis and liver cancer in patients with chronic hepatitis B.Methods 279 patients with chronic hepatitis B were divided into the senior group and the younger group according to the age of the patients.The cumulative incidence of cirrhosis and liver cancer during 25 years of follow-up was calculated by using SPSS and R language through the long-term follow-up of HIS system,and the risk factors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.Results During follow-up,24 cases developed cirrhosis and 12 cases developed liver cancer.The cumulative incidence of liver cirrhosis was 1.5%,2.1%,5.4%,11.6%and 15.5%in the 5-year,10-year,15-year,20-year and 25-year group,and 5.5%,9.8%,22.9%,29.0%and 52.1%in the elderly,respectively.The difference between the younger age group and senior age group was statistically significant(P<0.001).A total of 2 risk factors(age and follow-up time)were included in the regression model.Two cases in the younger group developed into liver cancer after 17 and 21 years of follow-up,respectively.The cumulative incidence rates at 5,10,15,20 and 25 years were 1.8%,3.8%,18.5%,21.8%and 26.7%.A total of five factors(initial age,HBV-DNA load,HBV-DNA turned negative before the end-point,follow-up time,and sex)were included in the regression model.Conclusions The incidence of cirrhosis and liver cancer in CHB patients aged≥40 years,especially in male patients,is significantly higher than younger CHB patients.Timely initiation of antiviral therapy can delay disease progression and reduce the incidence of termi-nal liver disease.Whether antiviral therapy should be initiated for people aged 30 to 40 years remains to be studied.

Objective To explore growth pattern of neo-aortic root as well as development of neo-aortic regurgitation after arterial switch operation (ASO) for Taussig-Bing anomaly. Methods From 2002 to 2017, the patients who received ASO, and were discharged alive from Shanghai Children’s Medical Center and followed up for more than 3 years were retrospectively involved in this study. Results A total of 127 patients were enrolled. There were 98 (77.2%) males, the median age at ASO was 73.0 d and the average weight was 4.7 kg. Forty-five (35.4%) children were complicated with mild or mild-to-moderate pulmonary insufficiency (PI) before ASO. The average follow-up time was 7.0 years. During the follow-up, 14 (11.0%) children presented moderate or greater neo-aortic regurgitation (neo-AR). The diameter of neo-aortic annulus and sinus of Valsalva was beyond normal range during the entire follow-up. The average diameter of neo-aortic annulus was 18.0 mm at 5 years and 20.5 mm at 10 years. The average diameter of sinus of Valsalva was 25.9 mm at 5 years and 31.1 mm at 10 years. Neo-AR continued to develop over time. The diameter of children who developed moderate or greater neo-AR was constantly larger than that of children who did not (χ2=18.3, P<0.001). Preoperative mild or mild-to-moderate PI was an independent risk factor for the development of moderate or greater neo-AR during mid-to-long term follow-up (c-HR=3.46, P=0.03). Conclusion The diameters of neo-aortic annulus and sinus of Valsalva of Taussig-Bing children who receive ASO repair continue to expand without normalization. The dilation of annulus correlates with the development of neo-AR. PI before ASO repair increases the risk of neo-AR development.

Objective    To explore the effect of LeCompte maneuver on in-hospital mortality and mid-to-long term reintervention after single-stage arterial switch operation in children with side-by-side Taussig-Bing anomaly. Methods     Clinical data of patients diagnosed with side-by-side Taussig-Bing anomaly and undergoing single-stage arterial switch operation in Shanghai Children’s Medical Center from 2006 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether LeCompte maneuver was performed: a LeCompte maneuver group and a non LeCompte maneuver group. The clinical data of two groups were compared. Results    Finally 92 patients were collected. LeCompte maneuver was performed in 32 out of 92 patients with a median age of 65.0 days and an average weight of 4.3 kg, among whom 24 (75.0%) were male. Fifteen (46.9%) patients received concomitant aortic arch repair while 12 (37.5%) patients were associated with coronary artery malformation. LeCompte maneuver was not performed in 60 patients with a median age of 81.0 days and an average weight of 4.8 kg, among whom 45 (75.0%) were male. Twenty-two (36.7%) patients received concomitant aortic arch repair while 35 (58.3%) patients were associated with coronary artery malformation. The average cardiopulmonary bypass duration of the LeCompte maneuver group showed no statistical difference from the non LeCompte maneuver group (179.0±60.0 min vs. 203.0±74.0 min, P=0.093). The in-hospital mortality of the two groups were 6 (18.8%) and 7 (11.7%), respectively, which also showed no statistical difference (P=0.364). The median follow-up period was 4.1 (1.6, 7.5) years for 79 patients with 8 lost to follow-up, and no death was observed. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test showed no statistical difference in overall mid-to-long term reintervention rate (P=0.850) as well as right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary artery reintervention rate (P=0.240) with or without LeCompte maneuver. Conclusion    Whether or not to perform LeCompte maneuver shows no statistical impact on in-hospital mortality and mid-to-long term reintervention rate of single-stage arterial switch operation for side-by-side Taussig-Bing anomaly.

Objective:To summarize the experience and effect of mitral valvuloplasty in the treatment of mitral valve disease in infants.Methods:The clinical data of 140 infants with mitral valve disease from June 2010 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 62 males and 78 females, with body weight of(6.4±1.4)kg and age of(196.6±80.1)days. Among them, 131 cases were moderately or above mitral insufficiency, and 9 cases were mitral stenosis. The perioperative and follow-up clinical data were recorded, and the therapeutic effect and prognostic factors of mitral valve plastic surgery were analyzed.Results:All 140 children were received surgery of mitral valve repair under cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was(79.1±41.9)min, aortic cross clamp time was(46.8±20.0)min, 7(5%)early death. Mechanical ventilation time was(74.2±149.8)h. After surgery, mild mitral regurgitation was found in 48 cases, mild-moderate regurgitation in 53 cases, moderate regurgitation in 32 cases, moderate-severe regurgitation in 6 cases, severe regurgitation in 1 case, with no mitral stenosis. During the follow-up period of 6-126 months, 3 cases died in the long term, and 11 cases were reoperated. Freedom from >moderate mitral regurgitation at 5 years after surgery was 81.2%. Longer cardiopulmonary bypass time and postoperative mitral regurgitation were risk factors for death and moderate or above regurgitation at the follow-up.Conclusion:Mitral valvuloplasty can effectively treat the mitral regurgitation and stenosis in infants. The prognosis of children with short cardiopulmonary bypass time and good valve plastic effect is better. For infants with Carpentier type I, good shaping effect can be achieved by mitral annuloplasty alone, while for type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ, treatment should be tailored to deal with the problems at all levels of the valve, and additional annuloplasty should be performed.

Objective:To summarize single-center experience and short-term outcomes of surgical treatment of pediatric cardiac fibromas.Methods:There was a retrospective study of 10 patients who underwent surgical treatment of cardiac fibromas between January 2018 and October 2021. Fibromas were located in the left ventricle in 7 cases, and in the right ventricle in 3 cases. Mean tumor diameter was(5.6±2.0) cm.Results:Median age at surgery was 3.1 years old(5 months-9 years old). Nine patients received complete resection, and the other one received partial resection. One patient with giant left ventricular fibroma required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for ventricular fibrillation after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, and was successfully weaned on the third postoperative day. There was no early mortality. Median follow-up time was 6 months(1 month-3 years). No tumor recurrence nor ventricular arrhythmia was documented during the follow-up period.Conclusion:Pediatric cardiac fibromas can be usually treated by complete resection, with relief of cardiac dysfunction and ventricular arrythmia after surgery, and with satisfactory results.