OBJECTIVE To analyze the prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of Lithocarpus litseifolius leaves， so as to provide a reference for clarifying the pharmacological material basis of its prevention and treatment of central nervous system dis eases. METHODS The ethanol extract of L. litseifolius leaves， as well as the gastric lavage fluid and perfusion solution were prepared. Using rats as subjects， plasma samples of intestinal wall metabolism， intestinal flora metabolism and hepatic metabolism were prepared via in situ intestinal perfusion and closed intestinal loop method； while comprehensive metabolic plasma samples， brain tissue samples， and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected after intragastric administration. UPLC-HRMS technology was utilized to analyze and identify chemical components and prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of L. litseifolius leaves. RESULTS A total of 66 chemical constituents were identified in L. litseifolius leaves， primarily consisting of flavonoids， organic acids， and others. A total of 16， 13， 11， and 5 prototype components were identified in intestinal wall metabolism， intestinal flora metabolism， hepatic metabolism， and comprehensive metabolic plasma samples， respectively. Additionally， 4 prototype components were detected in brain tissue and 9 in cerebrospinal fluid. Phloridzin， trilobatin， phloretin-2- O -malonyl hexoside， and phloretin were identified as common components across all sample types. CONCLUSIONS Prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of L. litseifolius leaves， such as phloridzin， trilobatin， phloretin， and other components may serve as the pharmacological material basis for their therapeutic effects on central nervous system diseases.

Intervertebral disc degeneration （IVDD） is the core cause of chronic low back pain， which severely impairs patients’ quality of life and imposes a heavy social and medical burden. The hypoxia-pyroptosis-inflammation cascade mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） is the core pathological mechanism driving the initiation and progression of IVDD. Natural active ingredients derived from traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） have become a research hotspot in the field of IVDD prevention and treatment due to their advantages of multi-target effects， favorable efficacy， and low toxicity. This paper systematically reviews the mechanism of HIF-1α-mediated hypoxia-pyroptosis-inflammation cascade in degenerative nucleus pulposus tissue and the intervention of related active ingredients. It is found that natural active ingredients such as baicalein， curcumin and resveratrol can intervene in the HIF-1α-mediated pathological cascade through four core links to delay IVDD progression： targeting the HIF-1α oxygen sensing pathway to block the initiation of pyroptosis cascade， inhibiting NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome activation to cut off the cascade amplification of inflammatory signals， intervening in the Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis execution stage to protect cell membrane integrity， and regulating extracellular matrix metabolism to reconstruct intervertebral disc homeostasis.

Laparoscopic intersphincteric resection(ISR)represents a key technique for achieving maximal sphincter preservation in ultra-low rectal cancer.Based on 400 cases of surgical experience,this study proposes a series of systematic strategies addressing some major technical challenges of ISR.To facilitate precise dissection of the intersphincteric space,a"knife-edge position transanal-priority"approach was adopted,improving exposure and reducing the risk of circumferential margin positivity.To prevent and reduce anastomotic leakage,ISR combined with the modified Bacon(Turnbull-Cutait)delayed anastomosis was introduced as a"stoma-free but safe"alternative.For large anastomotic disruptions,a stoma-therapist-involved management protocol with transanal"U-shaped"repair was implemented to promote healing.Furthermore,a transabdominal levatorplasty was explored to enhance pelvic floor support and improve postoperative continence.Our initial experience suggests that,these strategies contribute to optimizing the balance between oncological radicality and functional preservation,offering a practical and individualized pathway for sphincter-saving surgery in ultra-low rectal cancer.

Objective To investigate the influencing factors for low anterior resection syndrome(LARS)at one year after ileostomy reversal in patients who have undergone radical resection for rectal cancer,and to inform clinical interventions.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 312 patients who successfully underwent ileostomy reversal after radical resection for rectal cancer between January 2023 and January 2024 at 3 tertiary hospitals in Chongqing.Based on LARS scores at 1-year after stoma reversal,they were divided into a LARS group(score≥21)and a non-LARS group(score≤20).Clinical data were collected from the medical record system,including age,body mass index(BMI),sex,tumor size,tumor distance from the anal verge,T stage,N stage,date of low anterior resection,neoadjuvant therapy,postoperative chemotherapy,anastomotic leakage,and date of ileostomy reversal.Univariate analysis was used to screen potential influencing factors,and variables with P<0.2 were included in a multivariate logistic regression model.Binary stepwise regression analysis was applied to further analyze significant influencing factors for LARS at 1 year after ileostomy reversal.Results In the cohort,there were 127 patients assigned into the LARS group and 185 into the non-LARS group.The incidence of LARS at 1 year after ileostomy reversal was 40.70%,with mild cases accounting for 21.79%and severe ones for 18.91%,and a mean LARS score of 14.52±11.64.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that neoadjuvant therapy(yes vs no:OR=1.830,95%CI:1.088～3.089;P=0.023),tumor distance from anal verge≤5 cm(vs>5 cm:OR=2.044,95%CI:1.249～3.374;P=0.005),occurrence of anastomotic leakage(yes vs no:OR=7.470,95%CI:2.247～34.102;P=0.003),time to reversal(≥181 d vs 91～180 d:OR=2.297,95%CI:1.363～3.917;P=0.002),and N stage(N1～N2 vs N0:OR=1.650,95%CI:1.009～2.717;P=0.047)were significant influencing factors for LARS at 1 year after ileostomy reversal.Conclusion Our results suggest that anastomotic leakage,time to reversal≥181 d,tumor distance from anal verge≤5 cm,neoadjuvant therapy,and N stage N1～N2 are associated with the occurrence of LARS at 1 year after ileostomy reversal in patients following radical resection of rectal cancer.Clinical healthcare providers should implement early intervention and long-term follow-up for patients with high-risk factors both before and after stoma reversal.

Objective To develop a machine learning(ML)-based prediction model for assessing the therapeutic effects of resveratrol(RES)on the pathological damage of acute pancreatitis(AP),and to optimize RES administration strategies for AP through validation using an animal model.Methods AAn ML-based prediction model was constructed using published data.Interpretability analysis was applied to identify high-efficacy zones within the parameter space of administration dose and frequency,which was followed by rigorous screening to select the optimal dosing strategy that balanced therapeutic efficacy and experimental feasibility.A total of 32 C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups(n=8 per group),including a control group(Ctrl),an AP model group induced by caerulein(CER)and referred to as CER-AP,a treatment group receiving RES via intraperitoneal injection(RES i.p.),and a treatment group receiving RES via intragastric gavage(RES i.g.).The Ctrl group received intraperitoneal injection of normal saline.The CER-AP and the treatment groups were induced with 10 intraperitoneal injections of CER at 50 μg/kg.RES was administered to the RES i.p.and RES i.g.groups according to the optimal dose and timing predicted by the ML model.Blood and tissue samples were collected 12 hours after the experiment started.Results The gradient boosting decision tree model,optimized via Hyperopt,yielded the best performance,predicting that the optimal dose and administration frequency were 19.992 mg/kg and 3.828 times,respectively.Accordingly,a regimen of 20 mg/kg RES,administered four times,was used in the animal experiments.Compared with the Ctrl group,the CER-AP group exhibited higher pancreatic pathology scores and elevated levels of serum amylase,lipase,pancreatic myeloperoxidase,and trypsin,with all differences reaching statistical significance(all P<0.05).The administration of 20 mg/kg RES via both intraperitoneal injection and intragastric gavage mitigated pancreatic inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis,improved the overall pathology score,and reduced serum amylase,lipase,and pancreatic myeloperoxidase levels to varying degrees(all P<0.05).Conclusion A regimen of 20 mg/kg RES administered four times effectively alleviates the severity of CER-induced AP.The therapeutic benefits appear to arise from a multi-target regulatory network that simultaneously suppresses inflammatory cascades,mitigates oxidative stress,and reduces apoptosis,thereby reducing pancreatic tissue damage and systemic inflammatory responses.

Objective:To establish 30-day of age transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) reference curves for healthy neonates, and to investigate regional variations in bilirubin dynamics.Methods:A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 220 950 healthy neonates born at a gestational age of 35-<42 weeks, with a birth weight ≥2 000 g, who did not receive phototherapy within 60 h after birth were recruited. All of them underwent remote TcB monitoring using the Bilibaby remote jaundice monitoring system between August 1 st, 2020 and December 31 st, 2024 in 426 hospitals. TcB data were collected within the period from birth to 30-day of age. The P40, P75, and P95 of TcB values were calculated, and dynamic TcB curves for 30-day of age were constructed. Patterns of bilirubin change, rates of change, and transition outcomes were described. Regional comparisons between South and North were conducted using linear mixed-effects models for TcB trajectories and Pearson′s chi-square test for outcome differences. Results:A total of 220 950 neonates were included, of whom 101 711 (46.03%) were female. Gestational age at birth was (38.75±1.12) weeks, and birth weight was (3 272±417) g. TcB levels increased rapidly within 3-day of age, peaked at 4-6-day of age, with peak values at P40, P75, and P95 of 200.6, 239.7 and 275.4 μmol/L (11.8, 14.1 and 16.2 mg/dl), respectively. TcB levels gradually declined thereafter and stabilized after 13-day of age, with values at P40, P75, and P95 fluctuating between 147.9-159.8, 190.4-200.6, and 231.2-239.7 μmol/L (8.7-9.4, 11.2-11.8, 13.6-14.1 mg/dl), respectively. Notably, among neonates categorized as low-or low-intermediate-risk within 3-day of age, 6 700 (12.76%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk between 4 and 30 days of age. Before 13-day of age, TcB levels in the southern regions were consistently higher than those in the northern regions ( P=0.039); from 14 to 30 days of age, the overall TcB levels had no statistically difference, but the temporal changes in TcB still showed regional differences (degrees of freedom=3, all interaction P<0.05). Among neonates classified as low-or low-intermediate risk within 3-day of age, 25 326 were from southern regions, of whom 4 254 (16.80%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk between 4 and 30 days of age. In northern regions, 27 193 neonates were classified as low-or low-intermediate risk within 3-day of age, among whom 2 446 (8.99%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk. The risk progression between the 2 regions had statistically difference ( χ2=716.49, P<0.001). Conclusions:A TcB percentile curve for neonates within 30-day of age was established, revealing that both the overall TcB level and its temporal trend were higher in southern than in northern newborns. These findings provide baseline data to support continuous management of neonatal jaundice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of a child with Cortical dysplasia, complex, with other brain malformations 4 (CDCBM4) and epilepsy due to a TUBG1 gene variant. METHODS: A child diagnosed with CDCBM4 and epilepsy at the Children's Medical Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University in May 2024 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the child and her parents for genomic DNA extraction. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed, and candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. According to the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants established by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), candidate variants were classified for pathogenicity. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University (Ethics No.: PJ2021-097). RESULTS: The child, a 4-month-old female infant, had no special facial features, normal limb muscle strength, and increased muscle tone of infantile onset, with generalized tonic-clonic seizures as the main manifestation. During seizures, she exhibited head retroflexion, tightly closed eyes, and tonic convulsions of the limbs, occurring approximately 2-3 times per day. Electroencephalogram suggested bilateral anterior predominant medium-to-high amplitude 7-8 Hz mixed rhythm discharges. Head MRI revealed ventricular system dilatation and pachygyria. Trio-WES results indicated that the child has harbored a TUBG1 gene variant of c.776C>T (p.Ser259Leu). Sanger sequencing verification showed that neither of her parents had carried the same variant, confirming it as de novo in origin. According to the ACMG guidelines, the variant was rated as pathogenic (PS2+PS3+PM2_Supporting+PP3). Combining the child's clinical phenotype, the child was diagnosed as CDCBM4 with epilepsy. CONCLUSION Children with CDCBM4 and epilepsy due to TUBG1 gene variants may show pachygyria or agyria and commonly present with intellectual and motor developmental delays and seizure disorders of variable severity. The heterozygous TUBG1 c.776C>T (p.Ser259Leu) variant is likely the genetic etiology underlying this disorder. The results of this study has expanded the mutational spectrum of the TUBG1 gene associated with CDCBM4 and epilepsy.
Humans ; Female ; Epilepsy/genetics* ; Malformations of Cortical Development/genetics* ; Infant ; Phenotype ; Exome Sequencing ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic etiology of a child with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, spondylodysplastic type 2 (EDSSPD2). METHODS: A child who was admitted to the Children's Medical Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University in July 2024 for "delayed motor development for 1 and a half year" was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected, including medical history, family history, and results of auxiliary examinations. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the child and his two brothers and both parents. Genomic DNA was extracted from the child and his family members and subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES) and copy number variation (CNV) analysis. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the parental origin of the candidate variants. Multiple protein function prediction software tools, including SIFT, PolyPhen-2, and REVEL, were used to assess the impact of candidate variants on the protein function. Based on protein database information from UniProt, a two dimensional structural schematic of the target protein was generated. The pathogenicity of the variants was classified based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Relevant literature on the B3GALT6 gene variants leading to EDSSPD2 was retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and PubMed databases. The procedures followed in this study were reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University (Ethics No.：PJ2021-097). RESULTS: The proband was a 2-year-old male with an onset in infancy. The main clinical manifestations included loose skin, scoliosis and kyphosis, generalized hypermobility of joints, and motor developmental delay. WES has revealed two compound heterozygous variants of the B3GALT6 gene (NM_080605.4): c.766C>T (p.Arg256Trp) and c.962G>A (p.Cys321Tyr). Sanger sequencing verification showed that the c.766C>T and c.962G>A variants were respectively derived from his phenotypically normal father and mother. Bioinformatics analysis showed that for the c.766C>T (p.Arg256Trp) variant, the Arg256 site is located within the galactosyltransferase catalytic domain (GalT domain) of the β3GalT6 protein. According to the ACMG guidelines, the c.766C>T variant was classified as a likely pathogenic (PS3+PM2_supporting+PM3+PP3), and the c.962G>A was classified as a variant of unknown significance (PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP3). By following the pre-set literature retrieval strategy, a total of 12 articles related to B3GALT6 gene variants were identified (11 English and 1 Chinese), which involved a total of 71 patients. Among these, 4 reports (involving 20 patients) involved B3GALT6 gene variants leading to EDSSPD2. Among the 18 live-born EDSSPD2 patients (including the proband in this study), common clinical manifestations have included scoliosis (88.9%, 16/18), generalized hypotonia (83.3%, 15/18), and soft and lax skin (66.7%, 12/18). Some patients already showed skeletal abnormalities on prenatal ultrasound scan (22.2%, 4/18), while a few presented with cervical instability (16.7%, 3/18). One child had deceased at 18 months of age due to hypoxia caused by tracheomalacia and tracheal compression due to scoliosis. Among the 23 reported EDSSPD2 related B3GALT6 variant sites, missense variants were the most common (78.3%, 18/23), followed by nonsense variants (21.7%, 5/23). CONCLUSION Above finding has enriched the clinical and mutational spectra of EDSSPD2. Early genetic testing has important clinical value for the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and genetic counseling of this disease.
Humans ; Male ; Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/genetics* ; Pedigree ; N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferases/genetics* ; Asian People/genetics* ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Exome Sequencing ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Phenotype ; Mutation ; China ; East Asian People ; Galactosyltransferases

Laparoscopic intersphincteric resection(ISR)represents a key technique for achieving maximal sphincter preservation in ultra-low rectal cancer.Based on 400 cases of surgical experience,this study proposes a series of systematic strategies addressing some major technical challenges of ISR.To facilitate precise dissection of the intersphincteric space,a"knife-edge position transanal-priority"approach was adopted,improving exposure and reducing the risk of circumferential margin positivity.To prevent and reduce anastomotic leakage,ISR combined with the modified Bacon(Turnbull-Cutait)delayed anastomosis was introduced as a"stoma-free but safe"alternative.For large anastomotic disruptions,a stoma-therapist-involved management protocol with transanal"U-shaped"repair was implemented to promote healing.Furthermore,a transabdominal levatorplasty was explored to enhance pelvic floor support and improve postoperative continence.Our initial experience suggests that,these strategies contribute to optimizing the balance between oncological radicality and functional preservation,offering a practical and individualized pathway for sphincter-saving surgery in ultra-low rectal cancer.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of a child with Cortical dysplasia, complex, with other brain malformations 4 (CDCBM4) and epilepsy due to a TUBG1 gene variant. Methods:A child diagnosed with CDCBM4 and epilepsy at the Children′s Medical Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University in May 2024 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the child and her parents for genomic DNA extraction. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed, and candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. According to the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants established by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), candidate variants were classified for pathogenicity. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University (Ethics No.: PJ2021-097).Results:The child, a 4-month-old female infant, had no special facial features, normal limb muscle strength, and increased muscle tone of infantile onset, with generalized tonic-clonic seizures as the main manifestation. During seizures, she exhibited head retroflexion, tightly closed eyes, and tonic convulsions of the limbs, occurring approximately 2-3 times per day. Electroencephalogram suggested bilateral anterior predominant medium-to-high amplitude 7-8 Hz mixed rhythm discharges. Head MRI revealed ventricular system dilatation and pachygyria. Trio-WES results indicated that the child has harbored a TUBG1 gene variant of c. 776C>T (p.Ser259Leu). Sanger sequencing verification showed that neither of her parents had carried the same variant, confirming it as de novo in origin. According to the ACMG guidelines, the variant was rated as pathogenic (PS2+ PS3+ PM2_Supporting+ PP3). Combining the child′s clinical phenotype, the child was diagnosed as CDCBM4 with epilepsy. Conclusion:Children with CDCBM4 and epilepsy due to TUBG1 gene variants may show pachygyria or agyria and commonly present with intellectual and motor developmental delays and seizure disorders of variable severity. The heterozygous TUBG1 c. 776C>T (p.Ser259Leu) variant is likely the genetic etiology underlying this disorder. The results of this study has expanded the mutational spectrum of the TUBG1 gene associated with CDCBM4 and epilepsy.