Schizophrenia (SZ) stands as a severe psychiatric disorder. This study applied diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data in conjunction with graph neural networks to distinguish SZ patients from normal controls (NCs) and showcases the superior performance of a graph neural network integrating combined fractional anisotropy and fiber number brain network features, achieving an accuracy of 73.79% in distinguishing SZ patients from NCs. Beyond mere discrimination, our study delved deeper into the advantages of utilizing white matter brain network features for identifying SZ patients through interpretable model analysis and gene expression analysis. These analyses uncovered intricate interrelationships between brain imaging markers and genetic biomarkers, providing novel insights into the neuropathological basis of SZ. In summary, our findings underscore the potential of graph neural networks applied to multimodal DTI data for enhancing SZ detection through an integrated analysis of neuroimaging and genetic features.
Humans ; Schizophrenia/pathology* ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Brain/metabolism* ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; White Matter/pathology* ; Gene Expression ; Nerve Net/diagnostic imaging* ; Graph Neural Networks

The rich club, as a community of highly interconnected nodes, serves as the topological center of the network. However, the similarities and differences in how the rich club supports functional integration and segregation in the brain across different species remain unknown. In this study, we first detected and validated the rich club in the structural networks of mouse, monkey, and human brains using neuronal tracing or diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data. Further, we assessed the role of rich clubs in functional integration, segregation, and balance using quantitative metrics. Our results indicate that the presence of a rich club facilitates whole-brain functional integration in all three species, with the functional networks of higher species exhibiting greater integration. These findings are expected to help to understand the relationship between brain structure and function from the perspective of brain evolution.
Animals ; Humans ; Brain/diagnostic imaging* ; Mice ; Male ; Nerve Net/diagnostic imaging* ; Macaca ; Female ; Neural Pathways/diagnostic imaging* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Biological Evolution ; Adult ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Brain Mapping ; Species Specificity ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment of hydrocephalus in children.Methods:This study was a retrospective analysis. A total of 120 children with hydrocephalus admitted to Xi'an Children's Hospital from January 2021 to March 2024 were selected. Among them, 49 children who underwent VPS treatment were included in the VPS group, and 71 children who underwent ETV treatment were included in the ETV group. Perioperative indicators, complication rates, postoperative recovery outcomes, levels of neurological injury markers, and developmental status at 6 months postoperatively were compared between the two groups. Measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as Mean ± SD, and intergroup comparisons was performed by independent samples t-test; counting data were expressed as case (%), and intergroup comparisons were performed by χ2 test. Results:The operation time [(83.26±10.67) min], time to first flatus [(2.58±0.44) days], and total complication rate [24.49% (12/49)] in the VPS group were all higher than those in the ETV group [(74.68±8.64) min, (2.21±0.42) days, and 9.86% (7/71)], while the one-time success rate [81.63% (40/49)] was lower than that in the ETV group [95.77% (68/71)]. The differences between the groups were statistically significant ( t=4.85, P<0.001; t=4.65, P<0.001; χ2=4.66, P=0.031; χ2=4.97, P=0.026, respectively). On postoperative day 3, the Glasgow Coma Scale score in the VPS group [(12.46±0.72) points] was lower than that in the ETV group [(12.89±0.67) points], and on postoperative day 7, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score in the VPS group [(8.96±1.09) points] was higher than that in the ETV group [(8.54±1.02) points], with statistically significant differences ( t=3.35, P=0.001; t=2.16, P=0.033, respectively). On postoperative day 3, the levels of central nervous system-specific protein [(12.57±2.51) mg/L], high mobility group box 1 protein [(28.83±3.77) μg/L], and neuron-specific enolase [(21.47±2.56) μg/L] in the VPS group were all higher than those in the ETV group [(10.54±2.11) mg/L, (25.63±3.26) μg/L, (19.27±2.31) μg/L], and the differences were statistically significant ( t=5.04, P<0.001; t=4.96, P<0.001; t=4.91, P<0.001, respectively). At 6 months postoperatively, the developmental quotient score in the VPS group [(84.15±3.14) points] was lower than that in the ETV group [(86.51±3.27) points], and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.93, P<0.001). Conclusion:Both VPS and ETV can be used for the treatment of hydrocephalus in children. However, ETV has a higher one-time success rate, better perioperative indicators, fewer complications, and superior postoperative neurological recovery compared to VPS.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment of hydrocephalus in children.Methods:This study was a retrospective analysis. A total of 120 children with hydrocephalus admitted to Xi'an Children's Hospital from January 2021 to March 2024 were selected. Among them, 49 children who underwent VPS treatment were included in the VPS group, and 71 children who underwent ETV treatment were included in the ETV group. Perioperative indicators, complication rates, postoperative recovery outcomes, levels of neurological injury markers, and developmental status at 6 months postoperatively were compared between the two groups. Measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as Mean ± SD, and intergroup comparisons was performed by independent samples t-test; counting data were expressed as case (%), and intergroup comparisons were performed by χ2 test. Results:The operation time [(83.26±10.67) min], time to first flatus [(2.58±0.44) days], and total complication rate [24.49% (12/49)] in the VPS group were all higher than those in the ETV group [(74.68±8.64) min, (2.21±0.42) days, and 9.86% (7/71)], while the one-time success rate [81.63% (40/49)] was lower than that in the ETV group [95.77% (68/71)]. The differences between the groups were statistically significant ( t=4.85, P<0.001; t=4.65, P<0.001; χ2=4.66, P=0.031; χ2=4.97, P=0.026, respectively). On postoperative day 3, the Glasgow Coma Scale score in the VPS group [(12.46±0.72) points] was lower than that in the ETV group [(12.89±0.67) points], and on postoperative day 7, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score in the VPS group [(8.96±1.09) points] was higher than that in the ETV group [(8.54±1.02) points], with statistically significant differences ( t=3.35, P=0.001; t=2.16, P=0.033, respectively). On postoperative day 3, the levels of central nervous system-specific protein [(12.57±2.51) mg/L], high mobility group box 1 protein [(28.83±3.77) μg/L], and neuron-specific enolase [(21.47±2.56) μg/L] in the VPS group were all higher than those in the ETV group [(10.54±2.11) mg/L, (25.63±3.26) μg/L, (19.27±2.31) μg/L], and the differences were statistically significant ( t=5.04, P<0.001; t=4.96, P<0.001; t=4.91, P<0.001, respectively). At 6 months postoperatively, the developmental quotient score in the VPS group [(84.15±3.14) points] was lower than that in the ETV group [(86.51±3.27) points], and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.93, P<0.001). Conclusion:Both VPS and ETV can be used for the treatment of hydrocephalus in children. However, ETV has a higher one-time success rate, better perioperative indicators, fewer complications, and superior postoperative neurological recovery compared to VPS.

Objective:To identify the pathogenic gene and inheritance pattern in a pedigree of congenital iris coloboma with congenital cataract.Methods:The method of pedigree investigation was adopted.A pedigree of congenital iris coloboma with congenital cataract was collected by Yunnan Disabled Rehabilitation Center and the 2nd Afliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University in February 2020.Ophthalmic examinations were carried out on the female proband, her parents, her children and her husband, and the clinical diagnosis was made.Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples collected from the family members.The suspected pathogenic gene in the proband and her husband was screened by whole exome sequencing and was identified by bioinformatics analysis.The amino acid conservation was analyzed by UGENE software.The impact of the mutation on protein translation was predicted using MutationTaster software.The pathogenicity of the mutation was assessed according to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) Standards and Guidelines.Pathogenic gene and mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the 2nd Afliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (No.PJ-2020-61).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject or custodian.Results:The proband showed large iris defects in both eyes with only a small amount of observable iris tissue in the periphery, lens cortical opacity and posterior capsule opacification, accompanied by nystagmus.A novel heterozygous frameshift variation c. 415dupA (p.R139fs) was located in exon 8 of PAX6 gene, and the variation was conservative across multiple species.The variation was in the highly conserved region of PAX6 gene and caused the dysfunction of PAX6 protein.The variation was graded as PVS1+ PM2+ PP1, a pathogenic variation, based on ACMG guidelines.The pedigree was consistent with co-segregation, indicating that the novel variation was pathogenic.The proband and her children were diagnosed, but her parents were phenotypically normal, in accordance with autosomal dominant inheritance. Conclusions:The novel frameshift variation c.415dupA (p.R139fs) on the exon 8 of PAX6 gene is responsible for congenital iris coloboma with congenital cataract in the pedigree.This is the first report of this novel variation in PAX6 gene.

Biomarkers ; Brain/diagnostic imaging* ; Brain Diseases/diagnostic imaging* ; Humans ; Machine Learning ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neuroimaging

Due to the influence of immunosuppression, nerve injury and other comprehensive factors, the overall incidence of gastrointestinal complications after lung transplantation is relatively high, which can cause drug absorption disorder and chronic rejection. In recent years, more and more studies have been conducted on these complications. However, due to the great difference of the incidence of gastrointestinal complications among lung transplantation centers, clinicians lack of understanding of these. In this article, the general status, common types and risk factors of gastrointestinal complications after lung transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for comprehensive management of gastrointestinal complications after lung transplantation.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the online problem-based learning (PBL) teaching mode was first implemented based on the curriculum integration of basic medicine and clinical medicine in our university in 2020. A total of 357 eight-year program clinical medicine students from three grades participated in the online PBL courses. The students have had related skills and knowledge of integration curriculum, and the teachers have carried out sufficient analysis of learning situation, preparation of software and hardware, as well as teaching design. Teachers and students has communicated with each other smoothly and cooperated closely through the Tencent Conference software platform, therefore this teaching mode has gained better feedback among students, with higher satisfaction of courses and significantly improved students' learning enthusiasm. The curriculum integration has laid the foundation for the case design and application of online PBL teaching, while the success of online PBL teaching has also reflected the original intention of curriculum integration reform.

To introduce the repairation procedure of composite distal soft tissue defect of thumb and finger with mini toenail flap. Methods From June, 2015 to June, 2018, 7 cases with composite tissue defect at 7 distal fingers, including 5 thumbs, 1 index finger and 1 middle finger, were reconstructed with mini toenail flap transfer.The flap sizes which were raised during the operation ranged from 4.5 cm×3.0 cm-3.0 cm×1.5 cm.The donor sites were covered by toe phalanx shortening, V-Y advancement flap and local pedicle flap. Microsurgical routine treatment was made after the operation, and followed-up regularly. Results Seven flaps of 7 cases completely sur-vived without any necrosis. All the wounds at the donor sites healed well. All patients were followed-up for 6-36 months. The motive, sensor and cosmetic result were satisfied. In sensory function, the two-point discrimination dis-tance could restore to be 4-6 mm. Conclusion The mini toenail flap transfer is a reliable and suggested method.It can anatomically restored the distal digit sensor function with cosmetic contour, and regain the motive, sensory func-tion and satisfied cosmetic appearance.

OBJECTIVETo perform a retrospective cohort study in order to determine the differences in short-term curative effect of ribavirin in combination with interferon alfa (IFNa)-2a vs. pegylated (Peg)-IFNa-2a in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

METHODSOne-hundred-and-eighty-eight treatment of the CHC patients who were administered combination therapy of ribavirin with IFNa from 2010 to 2012. One-hundred-and-thirty-three of the patients received the therapy with IFNa-2a and the remaining 55 received Peg-IFNa-2a. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) load and levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured at treatment weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48. Adverse reactions were recorded. Differences between the groups were assessed by statistical analysis.

RESULTSThe patients in the Peg-IFNa-2a group and the IFNa-2a group showed no significant difference in sex distribution, age, smoking habits, or drinking habits at baseline (all P more than 0.05). Both antiviral therapies significantly reduced the HCV load and levels of ALT and AST (baseline levels vs. all treatment weeks examined, P less than 0.05); however, the reduction in the HCV load at week 4 was significantly more robust with the Peg-IFNa-2a therapy (2.96 ± 0.66) log10 IU/ ml vs. (3.47 ± 1.42)1og10 IU/ml; F =4.14, P=0.04). The Peg-IFNa-2a group also showed a significant higher rate of rapid virological response (RVR) than the IFNa-2a group (72.72% vs .57.14%; x²=4.37, P=0.04), but there were no statistically significant differences found between the two groups for early virological response rate (EVR), endpoint antiviral treatment virologic response rate (ETR), biochemical response rate, or rate of adverse reactions (all P more than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONRibavirin in combination with Peg-IFNa-2a produces a better RVR than in combination with IFNa-2a .Yet, the EVR, ETR, biochemical response rate, and rate of adverse reactions is similar for the two forms of IFNa-2a. Further studies are required to determine the potential superiority of Peg-IFNa-2a for a long-term curative effect.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; Ribavirin ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult