Human self-organizing cardioids, a recent breakthrough in cardiac organoid research, are constructed with the specialized cardiac lineage cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and have made rapid advancements since 2021. A key advantage of these organoids is their minimal reliance on external interventions, allowing them to more accurately replicate the heart's developmental processes through intrinsic signaling pathways, thereby closely mimicking natural cardiac characteristics. Consequently, they hold significant promise for improving drug safety evaluations, treating both congenital and acquired heart diseases, advancing eugenics practices, developing humanized cardiac disease models, conducting research in regenerative medicine, and understanding how unique environments (such as aerospace) affect human health. This review systematically describes the current various self-organizing cardioid construction techniques, comparing the structural differences caused by diverse signal stimulations, which would be instrumental in optimizing designs for more advanced and mature cardioids. Additionally, we summarize existing applications and address the challenges faced. Despite some uncertainties and challenges in current technologies and applications, this emerging cardiac organoid technology holds promise to provide new possibilities for cardiovascular medicine through continuous refinement.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of stone needle thermocompression and massage compared to flurbiprofen gel patch in relieving chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back， and to explore the potential mediating mechanism through muscle elasticity. MethodsA total of 120 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back were randomly assigned to either stone needle group or flurbiprofen group， with 60 patients in each. The stone needle group received stone needle thermocompression and massage for 30 minutes， three times per week； the flurbiprofen group received flurbiprofen gel patch twice daily. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Pain improvement， as the primary outcome， was assessed using the Global Pain Scale （GPS） at baseline， after 2 weeks of treatment， and again 2 weeks post-treatment. To explore potential mechanisms， a mediator analysis was conducted by measuring changes in superficial and deep muscle elasticity using musculoskeletal ultrasound at baseline and after the 2-week treatment period. ResultsThe stone needle group showed significantly greater pain relief than the flurbiprofen group 2 weeks post-treatment. After adjusting for confounders related to pain duration， the between-group mean difference was -8.8 ［95% CI （-18.2， -0.7）， P＜0.05］. Part of the therapeutic effect was mediated by changes in deep muscle elasticity， with a mediation effect size of -1.5 ［95% CI （-2.0， -0.9）， P = 0.024］， accounting for 17.9% of the total effect. ConclusionStone needle thermocompression and massage can effectively relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back， partly through a mediating effect of improved deep muscle elasticity.

To investigate the phenotype and genomic characterization of a mucoid-type Salmonella Saintpaul ST50 isolate from a urinary tract infection patient,promoting clinical diagnosis and treatment for urinary tract infections caused by Salmo-nella spp.Culture-based quantitative counts of midstream urine sample from the patient were conducted,and further biochemi-cal identification,mass spectrometry detection,serum agglutination test and antimicrobial susceptibility test(AST)were con-ducted on Salmonella isolate(2024JD5).Whole-genome sequencing(WGS)was performed on isolate 2024JD5 to predict sero-type,multilocus sequence type(MLST),resistance genes,and virulence genes.Two smooth-type of Salmonella Saintpaul ST50 were selected as comparative genomic reference strains from the Chinese local Salmonella genome database.The literature reviews of global Salmonella serotype of urinary tract infection were summarized.Specific serum agglutination confir-mation of isolate 2024JD5 failed due to characterization of the mucus type.The strain 2024JD5 was predicted as Salmonella Saintpaul(4,5,12:e,h:1,2)ST50 using WGS,and was resistant to ciprofloxacin,nalidixic acid,chloramphenicol and tetracy-cline with carrying aminoglycoside resistance genes aac(6')-Ⅰaa and aph(3)-Ⅱa,chloramphenicol resistance gene floR,tetra-cycline resistance gene tet,quinolone resistance gene qnrS1,and S83Y substitution in the gyrA gene was found in the quinolo-ne resistance determination region(QRDR).In addition,the strain 2024JD4 carried six types of non-plasmid-based mobile ge-netic elements and 144 virulence genes,including 71 secretion transporter genes and 58 fimbriae adhesion genes,respectively.Four types of fimbriae regulatory genes(csgB,csgC,fimW,fimY)were absent in comparison with smooth-type Salmonella Saintpaul.The literature reviews showed Salmonella Saintpaul was currently a rare Salmonella serotype in cases of urinary tract infections worldwide.Salmonella Saintpaul ST50 with mucoid-type is the pathogen of urinary tract infection with multi-drug resistant phenotypic and genotypic characteristics,and the high mucoid expression may be related to the compensatory mechanism of fimbriae regulatory genes absence in urinary tract colonization and adaptation.WGS combined with the Chinese local Salmonella genome database can effectively solve the diagnosis and biosafety assessments of rare Salmonella phenotypes.

Objective To investigate the expression of NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase family member 2(NSUN2)and protein arginine methyltransferase 5(PRMT5)in retinoblastoma(Rb)tissue and their correlation with the survival prognosis of Rb patients.Methods From February 2019 to February 2021,84 patients with Rb(Rb group)were selected from Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University Nanchong Hospital,and 50 normal retinal tissues were used as control group.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the levels of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in retinal tissues.Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze the effect of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA on the prognosis of Rb patients.COX regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of Rb.Results The expression of NSUN2 mRNA(3.11±0.42)and PRMT5 mRNA(2.84±0.39)in Rb cancer tissues were higher than that in the control group(0.80±0.23,0.76±0.20),and the differences were statistically significant(t=35.935,35.033,all P<0.001).The expression of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in Rb cancer tissues with tumor diameter≥20mm,undifferentiated and ⅡRC stage D～E were higher than that in tumor diameter<20mm,differentiated tissues and ⅡRC stage A～C cancer tissues,and the differences were statistically significant(t=18.297,141.770,16.693;18.663,139.144,39.947,均P<0.001).The 3-year progression-free survival rate in the high expression group of NSUN2 mRNA was lower than that in the low expression group(60.00%vs 88.64%).The 3-year progression-free survival rate in the high expression group of PRMT5 mRNA was lower than that in the low expression group(56.10%vs 93.02%)(Log rank χ2=13.440,19.501,all P<0.001).Undifferentiated type,ⅡRC stage D-E stage,NSUN2 mRNA high,PRMT5 mRNA high were risk factors affecting the prognosis of Rb patients(Waldχ2=5.923～7.161,all P<0.001).Conclusion The expression of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in Rb tissues is increased,which is related to the maximum diameter of tumor,pathological classification and ⅡRC stage,and can be used as a tumor marker to evaluate the survival prognosis of Rb.

Objective To prepare a stable rat model of chronic liver failure to provide a tool for basic research.Methods Sixty-six SPF SD rats were divided into a normal group(n=18)and a modeling group(n=48).Rats in the modeling group received an intraperitoneal injection of 50％CCl4 olive oil solution(1.5 mL/kg,twice a week).Multidimensional assessment was performed at 8,16,and 24 weeks,respectively,including ultrasonic examination of liver morphology,hardness,portal vein diameter,and ascites,and collection of serum,plasma,and liver tissue to detect liver function,coagulation function,and blood ammonia levels.Liver tissue injury and fibrosis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Masson staining.Cognitive function was assessed using the water maze test.Survival were recorded simultaneously.Results Rats in the model group showed decreased activity and appetite,yellow urine,and increased abdominal circumference compared with the normal group.Ultrasound showed enhanced liver parenchyma echo in the model group that thickened with time,secondary ascites formation,portal vein dilation,and portal hypertension.Water maze and blood ammonia tests confirmed cognitive decline(memory and orientation loss)and hepatic encephalopathy in the model group.Gross observation showed that the liver in the model group was atrophied and appeared rough and uneven.HE staining showed hepatocyte swelling,steatosis,and necrosis,and Masson staining confirmed fibrosis progression with pseudolobule formation.The liver function indexes AST,ALT,TBIL and blood ammonia continued to increase,and coagulation dysfunction(prolonged PT and increased INR)gradually increased with the modeling process.Conclusions Intraperitoneal injection of 50％CCl4 olive oil solution(1.5 mL/kg,every week)for 24 weeks can stably simulate persistent chronic liver injury in rats and lead to the typical pathological changes and complications of chronic liver failure,based on the decompensation stage of cirrhosis.This model replicates the pathological evolution of human hepatitis from liver fibrosis → liver cirrhosis compensation → decompensation → chronic liver failure,providing a reliable modeling reference for the study of the mechanism of chronic liver failure.

Objective To develop and validate a transgenic mouse model enabling specific and inducible optogenetic activation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells(OPCs).Methods A conditional allele for the photosensitive opsin chicken opsin 5(cOpn5)(Rosa26-LSL-cOpn5)was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.These mice were subsequently crossed with NG2-CreERT transgenic mice to produce NG2-CreERT;cOpn5 animals.In this model,tamoxifen administration induces Cre-mediated recombination,leading to specific expression of cOpn5 in NG2-positive OPCs.The specificity and efficiency of cOpn5 expression in OPCs were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining.Functional validation of light-induced OPC activation was performed by using calcium imaging in acute brain slices after stimulation with 470 nm blue light.Results Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed robust and specific expression of cOpn5 within NG2-positive OPCs in the brains of tamoxifen-treated NG2-CreERT;cOpn5 mice.Crucially,calcium imaging of acute brain slices from these mice demonstrated a significant increase in intracellular calcium levels in cOpn5-expressing OPCs upon stimulation with 470 nm blue light,indicating successful optogenetic activation.Conclusion We have successfully generated and validated a novel transgenic mouse model(NG2-CreERT;cOpn5)that permits specific and inducible optogenetic activation of OPCs.This model provides a novel tool for subsequent in vivo studies of the role and regulating mechanisms of OPCs in the central nervous system.

Objective To observe the origin and course of the obturator artery(OA),so as to provide anatomical reference for reducing hemorrhage during pelvic surgery and pubic fracture fixation.Methods A total of 65 human hemi-pelvises specimens with intact structure were dissected to observe the origin,course and other variations of OA.Measure the length of the inner section of OA basin and the outer diameter at the origin,etc.Results OA originated from the internal iliac artery in 57 cases(87.7%),including 3 cases(4.6%)of the superior gluteal artery,5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior gluteal artery,3 cases(4.6%)of the external iliac artery and 5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior epigastric artery.OA participated in the formation of the arterial trunk in 3 cases(4.6%).The length of the pelvic segment of the OA in male and female was(50.87±15.41)mm and(51.71±14.19)mm,respectively,with no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).The outer diameters at the origin of the OA in male and female were(2.79±1.05)mm and(2.35±0.86)mm,and there was no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).Conclusion OA mainly originated from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery,with a few OA originated from the branches of the posterior trunk or the inferior epigastric artery,or participated in the formation of the arterial trunk.In pelvic surgery involving OA area,attention should be paid to the length of its pelvic segment and the outer diameter at the origin of OA,so as to better locate and protect blood vessels during surgery.

Objective To develop and validate a transgenic mouse model enabling specific and inducible optogenetic activation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells(OPCs).Methods A conditional allele for the photosensitive opsin chicken opsin 5(cOpn5)(Rosa26-LSL-cOpn5)was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.These mice were subsequently crossed with NG2-CreERT transgenic mice to produce NG2-CreERT;cOpn5 animals.In this model,tamoxifen administration induces Cre-mediated recombination,leading to specific expression of cOpn5 in NG2-positive OPCs.The specificity and efficiency of cOpn5 expression in OPCs were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining.Functional validation of light-induced OPC activation was performed by using calcium imaging in acute brain slices after stimulation with 470 nm blue light.Results Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed robust and specific expression of cOpn5 within NG2-positive OPCs in the brains of tamoxifen-treated NG2-CreERT;cOpn5 mice.Crucially,calcium imaging of acute brain slices from these mice demonstrated a significant increase in intracellular calcium levels in cOpn5-expressing OPCs upon stimulation with 470 nm blue light,indicating successful optogenetic activation.Conclusion We have successfully generated and validated a novel transgenic mouse model(NG2-CreERT;cOpn5)that permits specific and inducible optogenetic activation of OPCs.This model provides a novel tool for subsequent in vivo studies of the role and regulating mechanisms of OPCs in the central nervous system.

Objective To observe the origin and course of the obturator artery(OA),so as to provide anatomical reference for reducing hemorrhage during pelvic surgery and pubic fracture fixation.Methods A total of 65 human hemi-pelvises specimens with intact structure were dissected to observe the origin,course and other variations of OA.Measure the length of the inner section of OA basin and the outer diameter at the origin,etc.Results OA originated from the internal iliac artery in 57 cases(87.7%),including 3 cases(4.6%)of the superior gluteal artery,5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior gluteal artery,3 cases(4.6%)of the external iliac artery and 5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior epigastric artery.OA participated in the formation of the arterial trunk in 3 cases(4.6%).The length of the pelvic segment of the OA in male and female was(50.87±15.41)mm and(51.71±14.19)mm,respectively,with no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).The outer diameters at the origin of the OA in male and female were(2.79±1.05)mm and(2.35±0.86)mm,and there was no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).Conclusion OA mainly originated from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery,with a few OA originated from the branches of the posterior trunk or the inferior epigastric artery,or participated in the formation of the arterial trunk.In pelvic surgery involving OA area,attention should be paid to the length of its pelvic segment and the outer diameter at the origin of OA,so as to better locate and protect blood vessels during surgery.

Objective To investigate the expression of NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase family member 2(NSUN2)and protein arginine methyltransferase 5(PRMT5)in retinoblastoma(Rb)tissue and their correlation with the survival prognosis of Rb patients.Methods From February 2019 to February 2021,84 patients with Rb(Rb group)were selected from Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University Nanchong Hospital,and 50 normal retinal tissues were used as control group.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the levels of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in retinal tissues.Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze the effect of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA on the prognosis of Rb patients.COX regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of Rb.Results The expression of NSUN2 mRNA(3.11±0.42)and PRMT5 mRNA(2.84±0.39)in Rb cancer tissues were higher than that in the control group(0.80±0.23,0.76±0.20),and the differences were statistically significant(t=35.935,35.033,all P<0.001).The expression of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in Rb cancer tissues with tumor diameter≥20mm,undifferentiated and ⅡRC stage D～E were higher than that in tumor diameter<20mm,differentiated tissues and ⅡRC stage A～C cancer tissues,and the differences were statistically significant(t=18.297,141.770,16.693;18.663,139.144,39.947,均P<0.001).The 3-year progression-free survival rate in the high expression group of NSUN2 mRNA was lower than that in the low expression group(60.00%vs 88.64%).The 3-year progression-free survival rate in the high expression group of PRMT5 mRNA was lower than that in the low expression group(56.10%vs 93.02%)(Log rank χ2=13.440,19.501,all P<0.001).Undifferentiated type,ⅡRC stage D-E stage,NSUN2 mRNA high,PRMT5 mRNA high were risk factors affecting the prognosis of Rb patients(Waldχ2=5.923～7.161,all P<0.001).Conclusion The expression of NSUN2 mRNA and PRMT5 mRNA in Rb tissues is increased,which is related to the maximum diameter of tumor,pathological classification and ⅡRC stage,and can be used as a tumor marker to evaluate the survival prognosis of Rb.