Background/Aims: Natural killer (NK) cell function is generally considered dampened in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, the NK cell pool exhibits phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, and the antibody--mediated effect of NK cells remains less characterized. This study evaluated the dynamic changes in antibody-mediated NK cell responses and the involvement of distinct NK subsets across disease stages and during antiviral treatment. Methods: A T-cell receptor-like antibody specific for the HBV core 18–27 peptide (cTCRL-Ab) was used to determine the antibody-mediated effect of NK cells, and an array of NK cell surface markers were analyzed in cross-sectional and longitudinal cohorts of patients with chronic HBV infection. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to identify the heterogeneity of NK subsets. Results: The cTCRL-Ab enabled the detection of NK cell cytolytic activity and IFNγ production. Notably, cTCRL-Ab-mediated NK cell responses were compromised in chronically HBV-infected patients, particularly in those receiving pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFNα), which was associated with the downregulation of CD16 expression. Correspondingly, Peg-IFNα inhibited cTCRL-Ab-mediated NK cell function by reducing CD16 expression in vitro. scRNA-seq revealed that CD16 downregulation occurred mainly within a dysfunctional CD16hi NK subset exhibiting exhaustion properties. In contrast, an activated CD16hiNK subpopulation (CX3CR1⁺KLRC2–CD16hi) with high cytotoxicity was enriched in patients who experienced favorable treatment responses. Furthermore, the intrahepatic CX3CR1+KLRC2–CD16hi subset tended to exhibit functional restoration in HBsAg-loss individuals. Conclusions Our data contribute to the understanding of antibody-mediated responses of NK cells in chronic HBV infection, and highlight a previously unappreciated functional CX3CR1+KLRC2–CD16hiNK subset as a potential therapeutic target.

Objective:To construct curved microgrooves with gradient surface roughness on polycaprolactone (PCL) members by regulating alkali etching time and to investigate the synergistic effect of surface roughness and curved microgrooves on the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of mouse pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1), aiming to determine the optimal PCL surface modification strategy. Methods:Soft lithography and melt-casting techniques were used to fabricate PCL membranes with regularly arranged curved microgrooves (CMP). Alkali etching was performed for 24, 48, and 72 h. Groups: smooth PCL (control), CMP (curved microgrooves only), CMP-24 h, CMP-48 h, CMP-72 h (CMP etched for 24, 48, 72 h, respectively). Surface physicochemical properties were characterized: surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface roughness was measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface hydrophilicity was evaluated by contact angle measurement. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in vitro. Cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation were assessed using cell counting (CCK-8), immunofluorescence staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red staining with quantification. The mRNA expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes [ALP, collagen type Ⅰ (COL-1), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN)] were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Results:Curved microgrooves were successfully fabricated on PCL membranes. Alkali treatment improved surface hydrophilicity and increased roughness. The CMP-72 h group exhibited the best hydrophilicity (contact angle: 33.2°±5.5°), with significant differences compared to all other groups (all P<0.05). The CMP-72 h group showed the highest roughness [(59.966±4.729) nm], which was significantly different from all other groups (all P<0.05). CCK-8 results on day 5 showed that both curved microgrooves and roughness promoted cell proliferation: CMP-24 h (0.292±0.003) and CMP-72 h (0.383±0.004) were significantly higher than those in the smooth group (0.270±0.005) (all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining revealed that curved microgrooves induced significant contact guidance of cells; this effect weakened with increasing etching time. ALP and Alizarin red staining indicated the deepest osteogenic staining in the CMP-48 h group. Both ALP activity (0.013 021±0.000 032) and Alizarin red quantification (0.290±0.003) were highest in the CMP-48 h group, significantly different from all other groups (all P<0.05). RUNX-2 expression in CMP-24 h and CMP-48 h groups (1.845±0.087 and 1.837±0.027, respectively) was significantly higher than in other groups (all P<0.05), with no significant difference between these two groups ( P>0.05). CMP-48 h group exhibited the highest mRNA expression of all osteogenic genes tested, specifically ALP (2.194±0.028), COL-1 (1.983±0.024), OCN (7.644±0.156), and OPN (2.648±0.031), all significantly greater than other groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Both curved microgrooves and surface roughness modification enhance the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of cells on PCL membranes. Among the tested strategies, alkali etching of curved microgrooves for 48 hours (CMP-48h) provided the optimal enhancement of osteogenic capability for MC3T3-E1 cells and represented a promising surface modification strategy for future PCL membranes.

Objective:To construct curved microgrooves with gradient surface roughness on polycaprolactone (PCL) members by regulating alkali etching time and to investigate the synergistic effect of surface roughness and curved microgrooves on the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of mouse pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1), aiming to determine the optimal PCL surface modification strategy. Methods:Soft lithography and melt-casting techniques were used to fabricate PCL membranes with regularly arranged curved microgrooves (CMP). Alkali etching was performed for 24, 48, and 72 h. Groups: smooth PCL (control), CMP (curved microgrooves only), CMP-24 h, CMP-48 h, CMP-72 h (CMP etched for 24, 48, 72 h, respectively). Surface physicochemical properties were characterized: surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface roughness was measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface hydrophilicity was evaluated by contact angle measurement. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in vitro. Cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation were assessed using cell counting (CCK-8), immunofluorescence staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red staining with quantification. The mRNA expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes [ALP, collagen type Ⅰ (COL-1), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN)] were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Results:Curved microgrooves were successfully fabricated on PCL membranes. Alkali treatment improved surface hydrophilicity and increased roughness. The CMP-72 h group exhibited the best hydrophilicity (contact angle: 33.2°±5.5°), with significant differences compared to all other groups (all P<0.05). The CMP-72 h group showed the highest roughness [(59.966±4.729) nm], which was significantly different from all other groups (all P<0.05). CCK-8 results on day 5 showed that both curved microgrooves and roughness promoted cell proliferation: CMP-24 h (0.292±0.003) and CMP-72 h (0.383±0.004) were significantly higher than those in the smooth group (0.270±0.005) (all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining revealed that curved microgrooves induced significant contact guidance of cells; this effect weakened with increasing etching time. ALP and Alizarin red staining indicated the deepest osteogenic staining in the CMP-48 h group. Both ALP activity (0.013 021±0.000 032) and Alizarin red quantification (0.290±0.003) were highest in the CMP-48 h group, significantly different from all other groups (all P<0.05). RUNX-2 expression in CMP-24 h and CMP-48 h groups (1.845±0.087 and 1.837±0.027, respectively) was significantly higher than in other groups (all P<0.05), with no significant difference between these two groups ( P>0.05). CMP-48 h group exhibited the highest mRNA expression of all osteogenic genes tested, specifically ALP (2.194±0.028), COL-1 (1.983±0.024), OCN (7.644±0.156), and OPN (2.648±0.031), all significantly greater than other groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Both curved microgrooves and surface roughness modification enhance the in vitro osteogenic differentiation of cells on PCL membranes. Among the tested strategies, alkali etching of curved microgrooves for 48 hours (CMP-48h) provided the optimal enhancement of osteogenic capability for MC3T3-E1 cells and represented a promising surface modification strategy for future PCL membranes.

Objective To explore the impact of prolonged sitting on lumbar disc degeneration using MRI T1ρ and T2 mapping.Methods A total of 25 taxi drivers(prolonged sitting group)and 24 age-matched non-prolonged sitting volunteers(control group)underwent routine lumbar MRI,T1ρ,and T2 mapping.The differences of T1ρ and T2 values for different Pfirrmann grades of anterior annulus fibrosus(AAF),nucleus pulposus(NP),and posterior annulus fibrosus(PAF)were analyzed using Variance analysis,Spearman correlation test,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn,with independent t-tests was used for between-group com-parisons.Results Statistically significant differences were observed in T1ρ and T2 values for all Pfirrmann Ⅰ-Ⅱ grades NP and Pfirrmann Ⅱ-Ⅳgrades AAF,NP,and PAF in both groups(P＜0.05).Both T1ρ and T2 values were negatively correlated with Pfirrmann grades.The area under the curve(AUC)of T1ρ values for NP at each Pfirrmann grade were 0.928,0.987,and 0.968,respectively,while the AUC of T2 values for NP were 0.777,0.966,and 0.975,respectively.The T1ρ and T2 values of L4/L5 NP and L5/S1 AAF,NP,and PAF were lower in the prolonged sitting group compared to the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion T1ρ is superior to T2 mapping in detecting lumbar disc degeneration.Prolonged sitting is more likely to cause degeneration of L4/L5 and L5/S1 inter-vertebral discs.

BACKGROUND:For teeth with normal dental crown height,pulp cavity retention crown restoration with different depths of the pulp cavity and different repair materials affects the stress and flexural strength of tooth tissue.For short crown molar defects,the research on pulp cavity repair mainly focuses on clinical observation and in vitro flexural strength experiments. OBJECTIVE:To establish a three-dimensional finite element model for short crown molar restored by the endocrown after root canal treatment to analyze the effects of different pulp cavity retention depths and different repair materials on the distribution and size of dentin equivalent stress. METHODS:Based on establishing the complete model of the short crown mandible first molar,a three-dimensional finite element model was established for repairing the distal adjacent defect of the short crown molar with different pulp cavity retention depths(h=2,3,4 mm)and different repair materials(zirconia,lithium disilicate).Under the oblique loading,the equivalent stress distribution was observed.The peak value of dentin equivalent stress and the mean value of equivalent stress near the bottom of the mesial pulp cavity wall were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Equivalent stress concentration areas:The stress of complete short crown molar and restored models mainly concentrated in the mesial root mesial neck and mesial root lingual neck.The stress concentration area was found in the mesial pulp cavity wall corresponding to the bottom layer of restored models,and the stress concentration was obvious in the 4 mm retention depth group.(2)Under the same repair material,the peak value of dentin equivalent stress was the lowest at 3 mm for all models after repair.The average value of equivalent stress near the bottom of the mesial pulp cavity wall was lowest at 3 mm.(3)Under the same retention depth,there was no significant difference between the two materials in the dentin equivalent stress peak and the mean value near the bottom of the mesial pulp cavity.(4)The results showed that under the conditions of this experiment,the endocrown was used to repair the defect of the short crown molar and the retention depth was 3 mm,which was more beneficial to protect the remaining dental tissue.The selection of zirconia or lithium disilicate as the repair material had little effect on the dentin stress.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

Objective:To explore the treatment of thoracoabdominal combined injury in a child with heart rupture caused by sheep horns under limited medical conditions.Methods:To summarize the diagnosis and treatment of a child with thoracoabdominal combined injury and cardiac rupture who were treated with epidural anesthesia and having spontaneous breath, and even more there was no oxygen supply and perioperative monitoring during operation.Results:After the complete of thoracoabdominal exploration, the repair of heart, stomach and diaphragm, postoperative anti-infection, nutritional support and symptomatic treatment, the little patient recovered successfully.Conclusions:Thoracoabdominal injuries combined cardiac rupture requires rapid judgment of the patient’s condition, control of bleeding, discharge cardiac tamponade and cardiac repair as soon as possible. In order to save life, unconventional measures can be used when it is necessary.

Sarcopenia is a serious health concern that must be payed attention by aged people.The occurrence of sarcopenia in obese older individuals may be intricately linked to lipotoxic substances such as free fatty acids(FFA),diacylglycerols(DAG),and ceramides,which are toxic to skeletal muscle cells.Lipotoxic substances in-duce inflammatory responses,oxidative stress,endoplasmic reticulum stress,and insulin resistance in skeletal mus-cle cells,disrupting protein metabolism and impairing regeneration and then lead to the onset of sarcopenia.Up to the present,the precise mechanisms by which lipotoxicity in skeletal muscle results in the development of sarcope-nia remain incompletely understood.Further research may highlight the orientation for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.

Objective:To investigate the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger and dual trigger on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) during superovulation with an antagonist regimen in individuals with normal ovarian reserve function. Methods:A retrospective cohort study was carried out. A total of 239 patients with normal ovarian reserve undergoing IVF-ET from January 2019 to November 2022 at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the types of the trigger, group A ( n=143) was given 250 μg recombinant hCG (rhCG), group B ( n=96) was given a dual trigger comprising 0.2 mg gonadotropin releasing-hormone agonist and 2 000 U hCG. The quality of oocytes and embryos, outcomes of pregnancy between the two groups were compared. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in mature oocyte rate, normal fertilization rate, embryo formation rate on day 3 (D3), high-quality embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, or high-quality blastocyst rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). The incidence of moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in group A was 1.40% (2/143), which was higher than that of group B [0 (0/96)], but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate between the two groups during the fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles (all P>0.05). Conclusion:In patients with normal ovarian reserve function, there are no significant differences in oocyte and embryo quality, and pregnancy outcome between the dual trigger and hCG trigger. The dual trigger has a tendency to reduce the incidence of OHSS.

Objective:To investigate the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger and dual trigger on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) during superovulation with an antagonist regimen in individuals with normal ovarian reserve function. Methods:A retrospective cohort study was carried out. A total of 239 patients with normal ovarian reserve undergoing IVF-ET from January 2019 to November 2022 at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the types of the trigger, group A ( n=143) was given 250 μg recombinant hCG (rhCG), group B ( n=96) was given a dual trigger comprising 0.2 mg gonadotropin releasing-hormone agonist and 2 000 U hCG. The quality of oocytes and embryos, outcomes of pregnancy between the two groups were compared. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in mature oocyte rate, normal fertilization rate, embryo formation rate on day 3 (D3), high-quality embryo rate, blastocyst formation rate, or high-quality blastocyst rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). The incidence of moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in group A was 1.40% (2/143), which was higher than that of group B [0 (0/96)], but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate between the two groups during the fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles (all P>0.05). Conclusion:In patients with normal ovarian reserve function, there are no significant differences in oocyte and embryo quality, and pregnancy outcome between the dual trigger and hCG trigger. The dual trigger has a tendency to reduce the incidence of OHSS.