Objective To develop GTKO (α-1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout, GTKO)/hCD55 (human CD55) gene-edited xenotransplant donor pigs and verify their function. Methods In this study, CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated nuclease 9), PiggyBac transposon technology and somatic cell nuclear transfer technology were used to construct GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited Diannan miniature pigs. The phenotype and function of GTKO/hCD55 pigs were analyzed by Sanger sequencing, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, bisulfite sequencing, antigen-antibody binding assays, and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays. Results After transfection of PX458 and PiggyBac gene editing vectors into wild-type fetal pig fibroblasts, 48 single-cell colonies were obtained through puromycin drug screening. Two single-cell colonies were selected for somatic cell nuclear transfer, resulting in two fetal pigs at 33 days of gestation. The GGTA1(α-1,3-galactosyltransferase) genotypes of fetal pig F01 were -17 bp and wild type (WT), while the GGTA1 genotypes of fetal pig F02 were -26 bp/+2 bp and -3 bp. The hCD55 mRNA expression levels of both fetal pigs were significantly higher than those of WT pigs (P＜0.01). The fetal pig F02 was selected as the donor cell source for recloning, 11 surviving piglets were obtained, all identified as GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited pigs. These pigs showed absence of α-Gal antigen expression, but weak or no expression of hCD55 was observed. Methylation analysis of the hCD55 gene's CpG island showed hypermethylation in kidney tissue lacking hCD55 expression, whereas it was not methylated or partially methylated in kidney tissue expressing hCD55. Moreover, codon optimization of the CpG island of the hCD55 gene to reduce CG content could achieve stable expression of the hCD55 gene. In addition, antigen-antibody binding experiment showed that the amount of human IgM binding to GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited pig fibroblasts was significantly lower than that of WT pigs (P＜0.01). Complement-dependent cytotoxicity experiment showed that the survival rate of fibroblasts in GTKO/hCD55 pigs was significantly higher than that in WT pigs (P＜0.01). Conclusion This study demonstrates the successful generation of GTKO/hCD55 gene-edited xenotransplant donor pigs. Methylation-induced gene silencing of the hCD55 gene can be effectively avoided by reducing the CG content of the CpG island through codon optimization. This study provides a reference for the development of xenotransplant donor pigs and guides subsequent research on xenotransplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics and rules of the locations of acupoints selected in weight loss after syndrome differentiation of acupuncture and moxibustion, and provide quantitative evidence for the location specificity of acupoint selection in weight loss. METHODS: Clinical research articles on acupoint selection based on syndrome differentiation of acupuncture and moxibustion in weight loss were retrieved in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), from the inception to September 20th, 2024, and the data about acupoints and differentiated syndromes were extracted. Based on graph theory, the acupoint-syndrome network was established and its topological parameters such as node degree, value of betweenness centrality, description length and number of community were calculated. RESULTS: ①The description length of the limbs was 4 255.592, and that of the trunk was 3 274.312. The information contained in the acupoint-syndrome network for the acupoints on the limbs was greater than that for those on the trunk. ②The value of betweenness centrality and node degree showed a nonlinear relationship, with R²of 0.812 1 for the trunk and 0.321 8 for the limbs. The values of betweenness centrality for the acupoints on the trunk were uniformly distributed, and the difference among these values was much smaller than that for the acupoints on the limbs. It suggested that the distance from each trunk acupoint to network center was similar, and the importance among these acupoints to network was similar, while the importance among acupoints located on the limbs was different significantly. ③The frequency proportion of acupoints on the trunk showed uniform distribution among different syndromes, while that of some acupoints located on the limbs such as Taichong (LR3), Neiting (ST44) and Taixi (KI3) presented a correlation with the syndromes. CONCLUSION In weight loss with acupuncture and moxibustion, the correlation between the limb acupoints and syndromes is more diverse and specific than that between the trunk acupoints and syndromes. The differences in acupoint selection for simple obesity treated with acupuncture and moxibustion are mostly reflected in the acupoints on the four limbs rather than those on the trunk. It provides an approach to acupoint selection for "local weight loss" and "general regulation" in treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Moxibustion ; Weight Loss ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Obesity/physiopathology*

Objective To analyze the risk factors of critically ill patients infected with Acinetobacter bau-mannii(AB)and carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB).Methods From January 2022 to June 2023,the data of Intensive Care Unit(ICU)patients admitted to Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical Uni-versity in Shanxi Province were collected.According to whether they were infected with AB,the patients were divided into an observation group and a control group(98 cases each).The observation group was further di-vided into a carbapenem sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii(CSAB)group(72 cases)and a CRAB group(26 cases).Mann-Whitney U test,chi-square test and other univariate and multivariate binary Logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of AB and CRAB infection for critically ill patients.The prognosis was analyzed by Kaplan Meier survival analysis.Results Long stay in ICU,previous use of carbapenem drugs and high Acute Physiology and Health Evaluation(APACHE Ⅱ)score were independent risk factors for AB sus-ceptibility(P＜0.05),while the independent risk factors for CRAB susceptibility were invasive ventilation and delayed surgery(P＜0.01).In addition,CRAB infection,COVID-19 and shock was risk factors for death in critically ill patients,and invasive ventilation,indwelling drainage tube and operation could reduce the risk of death in critically ill patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion ICU stay time,APACHE Ⅱ score,previous use of car-bapenem drugs and invasive ventilation increase the risk of AB and CRAB infection in critically ill patients.In-vasive ventilation,indwelling drainage and early surgery could reduce the risk of death from AB and CRAB in-fection in critically ill patients.

Objective To compare the pathological status of gastric mucosa and the expression of HH-PTCH-SMO-GLI(Hedgehog signaling pathway)and NOX/NF-κB/STAT1 signaling pathways in Hp and non-HP infected CAG patients,and to explore the biological mechanism of Hp promoting the"inflammatory cancer transformation"of CAG.Methods 43 patients with CAG who met the criteria were enrolled and divided into CAG with Hp infection group(Hp+ CAG group,n=21)and CAG without Hp infection group(HP-CAG group,n=22).The histological changes of gastric mucosa were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Western blot was used to detect the relative expression levels of NOX1,NOX2,NOX4,STAT1,P65 and P-P65 in gastric mucosa.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to detect Gli1 mRNA,Gli2 mRNA,Gli3 mRNA,Shh mRNA,Smo mRNA,Ptch mRNA,NOX1 mRNA,NOX2 mRNA,NOX4 mRNA and NF-κB mRNA in gastric mucosa The mRNA level.Results HE staining results of gastric tissues in the two groups:In the Hp+CAG group,gastric epithelial cells were partially necrotic and shed,the surface was not smooth,the number of glands was reduced and disordered,intestinal metaplasia was observed,and diffuse lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration were observed in the lamina proper.The degree of lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration in HP-CAG group was lighter than that in Hp+CAG group.RT-qPCR results:Compared with HP-CAG group,the levels of Gli1 mRNA,Shh mRNA,Smo mRNA and Ptch mRNA in gastric mucosa of Hp+CAG group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The levels of Gli2 mRNA,Gli3 mRNA,NOX1 mRNA,NOX2 mRNA,NOX4 mRNA and NF-κB mRNA were significantly increased(P<0.01).Western blot detection results:Compared with hP-CAG group,the relative expression levels of NOX1/GAPDH,NOX2/GAPDH,NOX4/GAPDH and P-P65/GAPDH in gastric mucosa of Hp+CAG group were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the STAT1 level was significantly decreased(P<0.01).There was no significant difference in the relative expression of P65/GAPDH between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Hp infection may cause long-term inflammation of gastric mucosa,promote atrophy and intestinal metaplasia,and increase the risk of cancer by inhibiting hH-PTC-SMO-GLi signaling pathway and abnormal activation of NOX/NF-κB/STAT1 signaling pathway.

Sick sinus syndrome(SSS)refers to damage to the sinoatrial node and its surrounding tissues,which leads to excitation and conduction dysfunction of the sinoatrial node,Resultsing in arrhythmia diseases.A better understanding of the pathogenesis of SSS is required to provide a basis for its treatment,including establishing an animal model that can simulate human sinus node dysfunction.In this paper,we review the animal selection,the principles and method of modeling,and the evaluation method and detection indicators of the models,to provide a basis for further studies of the pathogenesis of SSS.

Background and Objectives: Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) are a research hotspot in the endodontic field. One of the biggest problems of REPs is that it is difficult to realize regeneration of pulp-dentin complex and functional reconstruction. The reason is still not clear. We hypothesize that the migration may be different in different dental stem cells. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) may migrate faster than stem cells of apical papilla (SCAPs), differentiating into cementum-like tissue, bone-like tissue and periodontal ligament-like tissue and, finally affecting the outcomes of REPs. Hence, this study aimed to explore the mechanism that regulates the migration of PDLSCs. Methods: and Results: After isolating and culturing PDLSCs and SCAPs from human third molars, we compared the migration of PDLSCs and SCAPs. Then we investigated the role of SDF-1α-CXCR4/CXCR7 axis in PDLSC migration. We further investigated the impact of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on PDLSC migration and the potential mechanism. PDLSCs showed better migration under both noninflammatory and inflammatory conditions than SCAPs. SDF-1α can promote the migration of PDLSCs by elevating the expression of CXCR4 and CXCR7, increasing the interaction between them, promoting expression of β-arrestin1 and activating the ERK signaling pathway. P. gingivalis LPS can promote the migration of PDLSCs toward SDF-1α through increasing the expression of CXCR4 via the NF-κB signaling pathway, promoting the expression of β-arrestin1, and activating the ERK signaling pathway. Conclusions This study helped elucidate the potential reason for the difficulty in forming pulp-dentin complex.

Acromicric dysplasia(AD) is a rare skeletal dysplasia characterized by severe short stature, short hands and feet, normal intelligence, mild facial dysmorphism, and radiological characteristics. The clinical data and genetic test results of one patient with AD in our hospital were analyzed, and the clinical characteristics of this case were summarized. The main manifestations of the child were short stature, short hands and feet, mild facial dysmorphism, short and stubby metacarpals and phalanges on hand X-ray. One mutation, FBN1: c.5141T>G(p.Met1714Arg), was identified in this child, the mutation is inherited from her short mother and grandfather. AD is a rare congenital skeletal dysplasia disorder associated with mutations in the FBN1 gene. It conforms to the pathogenesis of autosomal dominant genetic disease.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans ( DFSP ) is very rare in clinic, and its diagnosis is not specific. According to the literature domestic and abroad, only 18 cases of patients during gestation period suffered from DFSP have been reported. This paper reported a case from the Department of Plastic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College in April 2022 diagnosed with DFSP during pregnancy.The DFSP showed rapid growth and pain during pregnancy, and stopped rapid growth after delivery. Extensive local resection was performed and the incision margin exceeded 3 cm diameter of the tumor. One-stage skin graft was used to repair the defect. HE staining showed a single spindle cell, arranged in a vortex, with large and dark nuclei. Some nuclei were heteromorphic, and few mitotic figures were observed. Postoperative pathology showed negative margins and basement. Immunohistochemistry showed CD34 (+ + ), Ki-67 (+, 10% ), bcl-2 (-), s-100 (-), SMA (-), CD163 (-), CD68 (-), which were consistent with the diagnosis of DFSP. The pathogenesis of DFSP is not yet clear. As a special population, patients during gestation period need special treatment and diagnosis. Through literature review, this paper summarizes the reports domestic and abroad, and discusses the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with DFSP during pregnancy.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans ( DFSP ) is very rare in clinic, and its diagnosis is not specific. According to the literature domestic and abroad, only 18 cases of patients during gestation period suffered from DFSP have been reported. This paper reported a case from the Department of Plastic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College in April 2022 diagnosed with DFSP during pregnancy.The DFSP showed rapid growth and pain during pregnancy, and stopped rapid growth after delivery. Extensive local resection was performed and the incision margin exceeded 3 cm diameter of the tumor. One-stage skin graft was used to repair the defect. HE staining showed a single spindle cell, arranged in a vortex, with large and dark nuclei. Some nuclei were heteromorphic, and few mitotic figures were observed. Postoperative pathology showed negative margins and basement. Immunohistochemistry showed CD34 (+ + ), Ki-67 (+, 10% ), bcl-2 (-), s-100 (-), SMA (-), CD163 (-), CD68 (-), which were consistent with the diagnosis of DFSP. The pathogenesis of DFSP is not yet clear. As a special population, patients during gestation period need special treatment and diagnosis. Through literature review, this paper summarizes the reports domestic and abroad, and discusses the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with DFSP during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis (HA) remains the mainstay on treatment for intrauterine adhesions (IUA). The fertility outcome of patients with moderate and severe intrauterine adhesions after HA is still far from satisfactory. Estrogen combined with progesterone is the most common treatment; however, they do not help in improving the fertility rate to the maximum because of the limitations. This retrospective, non-randomized controlled study will assess the effects of traditional Chinese medicine Yangmo decoction after HA in restoration of the endometrium and improvement of the fertility rate. METHODS: A total of 427 patients, who met the inclusion criteria, aged between 20 and 45 years and diagnosed with moderate or severe IUA underwent HA at the Third Xiangya Hospital from January to August 2021, were enrolled for this study. Participants were assigned into 2 groups: A Yangmo decoction group (n=213, patients were given Yangmo decoction consisting of Ginseng flower, Sanchi flower, Daidai flower, Snow lotus, Licorice and so on after HA), and an estrogen and progesterone group (n=214, patients were given estrogen and progesterone after HA). The following basic information was collected retrospectively for both groups, including age, parity, history of abortion, menstrual status, and times of hysteroscopic interventions. American Fertility Society (AFS) score was used by a senior surgeon and the density of opening of endometrial glands was evaluated during HA. The parameters were obtained from three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVUS) preoperatively and postoperatively, to evaluate the efficacy of Yangmo decoction, estrogen, and progesterone. All patients were followed up on telephone to determine the fertility rate until 6 months from the last HA. RESULTS: Based on the basic information collected preoperatively, there were no significant differences between the groups (all P>0.05). Postoperatively, patients in the Yangmo decoction group had a better surgical success rate with a more significant AFS reduction (P<0.001), better density of opening of endometrial glands in the uterine cavity (P<0.000 1) after HA, and a better fertility rate (40.4%) in the time of 6 months after the last HA than those of the estrogen and progesterone group. CONCLUSIONS Yangmo decoction has better therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of intrauterine adhesion after HA than the combined effect of estrogen and progesterone. Yangmo decoction helps restore the endometrium and improve the fertility rate, therefore, it can be adopted as a routine practice for IUA patients who have fertility requirements.
Humans ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Progesterone/therapeutic use* ; East Asian People ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Estrogens/therapeutic use*