Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is marked by early-onset neurodevelopmental anomalies, yet the temporal dynamics of genetic contributions to these processes remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the Shank3 gene, known to be associated with monogenic causes of autism, in early developmental processes to inform the timing and mechanisms for potential interventions for ASD. Utilizing the Shank3B knockout (KO) mouse model, we examined Shank3 expression and its impact on neuronal maturation through Golgi staining for dendritic morphology and electrophysiological recordings to measure synaptic function in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) across different postnatal stages. Our longitudinal analysis revealed that, while Shank3B KO mice displayed normal neuronal morphology at one week postnatal, significant impairments in dendritic growth and synaptic activity emerged by two to three weeks. These findings highlight the critical developmental window during which Shank3 is essential for neuronal and synaptic maturation in the ACC.
Animals ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism* ; Mice, Knockout ; Dendrites/metabolism* ; Mice ; Synapses/metabolism* ; Gyrus Cinguli/metabolism* ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/genetics* ; Microfilament Proteins

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has recently been proposed as a key player in the representation of itch stimuli. However, to date, little is known about the contribution of specific ACC interneuron populations to itch processing. Using c-Fos immunolabeling and in vivo Ca²⁺ imaging, we reported that both histamine and chloroquine stimuli-induced acute itch caused a marked enhancement of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing interneuron activity in the ACC. Behavioral data indicated that optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of these neurons reduced scratching responses related to histaminergic and non-histaminergic acute itch. Similar neural activity and modulatory role of these neurons were seen in mice with chronic itch induced by contact dermatitis. Together, this study highlights the importance of ACC VIP⁺ neurons in modulating itch-related affect and behavior, which may help us to develop novel mechanism-based strategies to treat refractory chronic itch in the clinic.
Animals ; Pruritus/physiopathology* ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/metabolism* ; Interneurons/metabolism* ; Gyrus Cinguli/metabolism* ; Mice ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Histamine ; Chloroquine ; Optogenetics ; Mice, Transgenic

As an important part of the enteric nervous system(ENS),enteric glial cells(EGCs)play an important role in regulating intestinal homeostasis and maintaining intestinal health in hu-mans and animals.This review focuses on the role of EGCs in maintaining intestinal barrier homeo-stasis,maintaining gastrointestinal transit and motor function,regulating the niche of intestinal cells,and the role in the occurrence and development of intestinal diseases,hoping to provide new ideas for further research on the function and mechanism of EGCs in the intestine and the occur-rence,development and treatment of related intestinal diseases.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between time within the glucose target range(TIR) and hyperuricemia(HUA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods:A total of 215 patients with T2DM in the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from June 2021 to May 2022 were selected and divided into HUA group and non-HUA group according to serum uric acid level. The clinical characteristics and biochemical indicators of the patients were collected. The association of 72 h glucose monitoring system(FGMS) related indicators TIR, mean blood glucose fluctuation range(MAGE), blood glucose variability(CV), blood glucose standard deviation(SDBG), and mean blood glucose(MBG) with serum uric acid level was analyzed. The influencing factors of T2DM combined with HUA were analyzed with binary logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate their predictive values.Results:TIR of HUA group was significantly decreased compared with non-HUA group, while HbA 1C, MAGE, CV, SDBG, and MBG were increased( P<0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum uric acid levels were negatively correlated with TIR, but positively correlated with MAGE, CV, SDBG, and MBG( P<0.001). After dichotomous logistic regression analysis, TIR was found to be an independent protective factor for T2DM with HUA. The ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC) of TIR for predicting HUA in T2DM was 0.856(95% CI 0.803-0.909, P<0.001), with the best cut-off value being 64.5%, the sensitivity being 76.8%, and the specificity being 90.3%. Conclusion:TIR in patients with T2DM combined with HUA was significantly decreased. TIR is an independent protective factor for T2DM combined with HUA, and TIR shows a certain predictive value for T2DM combined with HUA.

Parvalbumin interneurons belong to the major types of GABAergic interneurons. Although the distribution and pathological alterations of parvalbumin interneuron somata have been widely studied, the distribution and vulnerability of the neurites and fibers extending from parvalbumin interneurons have not been detailly interrogated. Through the Cre recombinase-reporter system, we visualized parvalbumin-positive fibers and thoroughly investigated their spatial distribution in the mouse brain. We found that parvalbumin fibers are widely distributed in the brain with specific morphological characteristics in different regions, among which the cortex and thalamus exhibited the most intense parvalbumin signals. In regions such as the striatum and optic tract, even long-range thick parvalbumin projections were detected. Furthermore, in mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, parvalbumin fibers suffered both massive and subtle morphological alterations. Our study provides an overview of parvalbumin fibers in the brain and emphasizes the potential pathological implications of parvalbumin fiber alterations.
Mice ; Animals ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/pathology* ; Parvalbumins/metabolism* ; Parkinson Disease/pathology* ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Interneurons/physiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Brain/pathology*

Objectives:To establish a geometric model of the atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination reduction,and examine its value for clinical application.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 35 patients with atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery,First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2018 to May 2020 was conducted.There were 5 males and 30 females,aged (48±15) years(range: 19 to 69 years). The geometric model of the atlantoaxial reduction was established based on the mid-sagittal section of the cervical spine. The relevant data were calculated according to the geometric model before operation,and the fusion cage of the corresponding height was placed into C 1-2 facet joint of patient for quantitative reduction. The theoretical reset value, actual reset value, postoperative symptoms and complications were collected. The paired t-test was used to compare the difference between theoretical and actual reset value to verify the reliability of the geometric model. Results:The theoretical vertical reduction distance of all patients was (5.79±2.96) mm(range:1.52 to 10.96 mm),and the actual vertical reduction distance was (7.43±2.96)mm(range: 1.40 to 12.77 mm),and there was no statistical difference between them( t=-1.96, P=0.069).The theoretical reduction angle was (10.80±2.24)°(range: 7.09 to 14.86°), the actual reduction angle was (10.64±7.00)°(range: 3.50 to 20.50°),and there was no statistical difference between them ( t=0.09, P=0.933). At 6 months follow-up, 35 patients achieved satisfactory atlanto-axial joint fusion, and the symptoms were relieved. No internal fixation system displacement, fracture, wound infection and other complications occurred. Conclusion:This geometric model can estimate the vertical reduction distance and the reduction angle of the axial before operation,and provide a reference for the height of the fusion cage so as to avoid under or over-reduction.

Objectives:To establish a geometric model of the atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination reduction,and examine its value for clinical application.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 35 patients with atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery,First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2018 to May 2020 was conducted.There were 5 males and 30 females,aged (48±15) years(range: 19 to 69 years). The geometric model of the atlantoaxial reduction was established based on the mid-sagittal section of the cervical spine. The relevant data were calculated according to the geometric model before operation,and the fusion cage of the corresponding height was placed into C 1-2 facet joint of patient for quantitative reduction. The theoretical reset value, actual reset value, postoperative symptoms and complications were collected. The paired t-test was used to compare the difference between theoretical and actual reset value to verify the reliability of the geometric model. Results:The theoretical vertical reduction distance of all patients was (5.79±2.96) mm(range:1.52 to 10.96 mm),and the actual vertical reduction distance was (7.43±2.96)mm(range: 1.40 to 12.77 mm),and there was no statistical difference between them( t=-1.96, P=0.069).The theoretical reduction angle was (10.80±2.24)°(range: 7.09 to 14.86°), the actual reduction angle was (10.64±7.00)°(range: 3.50 to 20.50°),and there was no statistical difference between them ( t=0.09, P=0.933). At 6 months follow-up, 35 patients achieved satisfactory atlanto-axial joint fusion, and the symptoms were relieved. No internal fixation system displacement, fracture, wound infection and other complications occurred. Conclusion:This geometric model can estimate the vertical reduction distance and the reduction angle of the axial before operation,and provide a reference for the height of the fusion cage so as to avoid under or over-reduction.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) with 80 kVp and contrast agent of iodixanol (270 mg I/ml) by filtered back projection(FBP) reconstruction.Methods In total,52 patients who underwent CTPA were randomly divided into two equally-sized groups,control group and experimental group.The volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP)were recorded,and the weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDIw) and effective dose (E) were calculated.The image quality was visually evaluated and measured,and statistical analyses were performed on the image quality and the radiation dose.Results The sex,age,height,weight and body mass index (BMI) had no statistical difference between two groups (P ＞ 0.05).The average iodine dosage decreased by 22.9％ in the experimental group compared with the control group.Compared with the control group,the CTDIvol,DLP,CTDIw and E decreased by 73.5％,75.1％,73.5％ and 75.8％,respectively.The differences were statistically significant (t =＜0.001,30.5,＜ 0.001,-28.7,P ＜ 0.05).The image quality of the two groups met the requirement of diagnosis and there were no significant statistic differences between visually evaluating and objectively measuring the image quality (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Using 80 kVp and iodixanol for CTPA,FBP reconstruction image quality can meet diagnostic requirements.At the same time the radiation dose,the contrast agent dose and the X-ray tube wastage are reduced respectively.

Objective:To analyze that if the quality of ethics review is closely related to the protection of human subjects' right and interest. Methods:This article has analyzed all the issues raised by local Ethics Committee in the process of review in recent two years since guideline of ethical review of drug clinical trials was published, summed up the most common problems occurred in protocols and informed consents. Results:Total 94 new drug or medical device clinical trial projects were reviewed by the local ethics committee, among which 29 projects were ap-proved through regular full board meeting, the approval rate in the initial review was 31%. The most common prob-lems in protocols include: the research backgrounds, design, and risk-benefit ratio; Main issues raised on in-formed consent focused on the contents, language and signature terms. Conclusions:The protection of subjects needs more improvement of capability of investigator, sponsor, drug clinical trial institution and the ethics commit-tee.