Objective To investigate the changes in eosinophil counts and the activation of microglial cells in the brain tissues of mice at different stages of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection, and to examine the role of microglia in regulating the progression of angiostrongyliasis and unravel the possible molecular mechanisms. Methods Fifty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-day and 25-d infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. All mice in infection groups were infected with 30 stage III A. cantonensis larvae by gavage, and animals in the control group was given an equal amount of physiological saline. Five mice were collected from each of infection groups on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice were collected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. The general and focal functional impairment was scored using the Clark scoring method to assess the degree of mouse neurological impairment. Five mice from each of infection groups were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice from the control group were sacrificed on the day of oral gavage. Mouse brain tissues were sampled, and the pathological changes of brain tissues were dynamically observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence staining with eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) was used to assess the degree of eosinophil infiltration and the counts of microglial cells in mouse brain tissues in each group, and the morphological parameters of microglial cells (skeleton analysis and fractal analysis) were quantified by using Image J software to determine the morphological changes of microglial cells. In addition, the expression of M1 microglia markers Fcγ receptor III (Fcgr3), Fcγ receptor IIb (Fcgr2b) and CD86 antigen (Cd86), M2 microglia markers Arginase 1 (Arg1), macrophage mannose receptor C-type 1 (Mrc1), chitinase-like 3 (Chil3), and phagocytosis genes myeloid cell triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2), CD68 antigen (Cd68), and apolipoprotein E (Apoe) was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay in the mouse cerebral cortex of mice post-infection. Results A large number of A. cantonensis larvae were seen on the mouse meninges surface post-infection, and many neuronal nuclei were crumpled and deeply stained, with a large number of bleeding points in the meninges. The median Clark scores of mouse general functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 0 (interquartile range, 0.5), 6 (interquartile range, 1.0), 14 (interquartile range, 8.5) points and 20 (interquartile range, 9.0) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.45, P < 0.01), and the median Clark scores of mouse focal functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 2 (interquartile range, 2.5), 7 (interquartile range, 3.0), 18 (interquartile range, 5.0) points and 25 (interquartile range, 6.5) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.72, P < 0.01). The mean scores of mice general and focal functional impairment were all higher in the infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant difference in the eosinophil counts in mouse brain tissues among the five groups (F = 40.05, P < 0.000 1), and the eosinophil counts were significantly higher in mouse brain tissues in the 14-d (3.08 ± 0.78) and 21-d infection groups (5.97 ± 1.37) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.28) (both P values < 0.05). Semi-quantitative analysis of microglia immunofluorescence showed a significant difference in the counts of microglial cells among the five groups (F = 17.66, P < 0.000 1), and higher Iba1 levels were detected in mouse brain tissues in 14-d (5.75 ± 1.28), 21-d (6.23 ± 1.89) and 25-d infection groups (3.70 ± 1.30) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.30) (all P values < 0.05). Skeleton and fractal analyses showed that the branch length [(162.04 ± 34.10) μm vs. (395.37 ± 64.11) μm; t = 5.566, P < 0.05] and fractal dimension of microglial cells (1.30 ± 0.01 vs. 1.41 ± 0.03; t = 5.266, P < 0.05) were reduced in mouse brain tissues in the 21-d infection group relative to the control group. In addition, there were significant differences among the 5 groups in terms of M1 and M2 microglia markers Fcgr3 (F = 48.34, P < 0.05), Fcgr2b (F = 55.46, P < 0.05), Cd86 (F = 24.44, P < 0.05), Arg1 (F = 31.18, P < 0.05), Mrc1 (F = 15.42, P < 0.05) and Chil3 (F = 24.41, P < 0.05), as well as phagocytosis markers Trem2 (F = 21.19, P < 0.05), Cd68 (F = 43.95, P < 0.05) and Apoe (F = 7.12, P < 0.05) in mice brain tissues. Conclusions A. cantonensis infections may induce severe pathological injuries in mouse brain tissues that are characterized by massive eosinophil infiltration and persistent activation of microglia cells, thereby resulting in progressive deterioration of neurological functions.

Objective:To study echinococcosis in the population and canine Echinococcus infection in Yushu City, Qinghai Province, and to explore the current epidemic situation and main transmission species of Echinococcus. Methods:In June 2023, a multi-stage sampling method was used to select 2 villages each in Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Town, Yushu City, Qinghai Province. Each village included at least 100 permanent residents who had lived locally for at least 1 year and were 2 years old or older as the survey subjects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum antibodies against Echinococcus larvae in the population, and B-mode ultrasound was used for abdominal organ scanning. Meanwhile, on the main roads of Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Town, canine feces were collected in designated areas at intervals. ELISA was used to detect the antigen of canine fecal Echinococcus, and PCR was used to detect the types of parasites ( Echinococcus multilocularis, Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus shiquicus). Results:A total of 511 residents were investigated in Yushu City, and the positive rate of serum Echinococcus larvae antibodies in the population was 26.22% (134/511), and the detection rate of echinococcosis B-mode ultrasound was 1.37% (7/511). Among them, the detection rates of B-mode ultrasound for cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) were 1.17% (6/511) and 0.20% (1/511), respectively. The positive rate of Echinococcus antigen in 543 canine feces detected by ELISA was 12.89% (70/543). PCR was used to test 497 canine feces, and the detection rate of Echinococcus was 3.02% (15/497). Among them, the detection rate of Echinococcus multilocularis was higher than that of Echinococcus granulosus [2.82% (14/497) vs 0.20% (1/497)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 11.44, P < 0.001). No Echinococcus shiquicus was detected. Conclusions:The positive rates of Echinococcus larvae antibodies in the population and canine Echinococcus antigen in Yushu City, Qinghai Province are both relatively high. There is a mixed epidemic of CE and AE, with Echinococcus multilocularis being the main species.

A case of Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome(Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome,SIHIWES)is presented.The patient was a 35-year-old male with cryptorchidism,growth retardation,skeletal malformations,muscular atrophy,a wide forehead,special facial features like square face,small low-set and cup-shaped ears since birth.Whole-exon sequencing identified a heterozygous mutation(NM_001273:c.3047A>G(chr12-6701125)(p.K1016R))in CHD4 gene.The clinical significance of this mutation is currently unknown,and has not been previously reported.In light of the patient's symptoms,the case was diagnosed as Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome.This case represents the first instance of Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome in an adult patient in China.

A case of Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome(Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome,SIHIWES)is presented.The patient was a 35-year-old male with cryptorchidism,growth retardation,skeletal malformations,muscular atrophy,a wide forehead,special facial features like square face,small low-set and cup-shaped ears since birth.Whole-exon sequencing identified a heterozygous mutation(NM_001273:c.3047A>G(chr12-6701125)(p.K1016R))in CHD4 gene.The clinical significance of this mutation is currently unknown,and has not been previously reported.In light of the patient's symptoms,the case was diagnosed as Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome.This case represents the first instance of Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome in an adult patient in China.

Objective:To study echinococcosis in the population and canine Echinococcus infection in Yushu City, Qinghai Province, and to explore the current epidemic situation and main transmission species of Echinococcus. Methods:In June 2023, a multi-stage sampling method was used to select 2 villages each in Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Town, Yushu City, Qinghai Province. Each village included at least 100 permanent residents who had lived locally for at least 1 year and were 2 years old or older as the survey subjects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum antibodies against Echinococcus larvae in the population, and B-mode ultrasound was used for abdominal organ scanning. Meanwhile, on the main roads of Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Town, canine feces were collected in designated areas at intervals. ELISA was used to detect the antigen of canine fecal Echinococcus, and PCR was used to detect the types of parasites ( Echinococcus multilocularis, Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus shiquicus). Results:A total of 511 residents were investigated in Yushu City, and the positive rate of serum Echinococcus larvae antibodies in the population was 26.22% (134/511), and the detection rate of echinococcosis B-mode ultrasound was 1.37% (7/511). Among them, the detection rates of B-mode ultrasound for cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) were 1.17% (6/511) and 0.20% (1/511), respectively. The positive rate of Echinococcus antigen in 543 canine feces detected by ELISA was 12.89% (70/543). PCR was used to test 497 canine feces, and the detection rate of Echinococcus was 3.02% (15/497). Among them, the detection rate of Echinococcus multilocularis was higher than that of Echinococcus granulosus [2.82% (14/497) vs 0.20% (1/497)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 11.44, P < 0.001). No Echinococcus shiquicus was detected. Conclusions:The positive rates of Echinococcus larvae antibodies in the population and canine Echinococcus antigen in Yushu City, Qinghai Province are both relatively high. There is a mixed epidemic of CE and AE, with Echinococcus multilocularis being the main species.

Acute appendicitis represents one of the most common causes of acute abdomen that may warrant emergency surgery. Necrotizing fasciitis complicated by acute appendicitis is considered a rare complication with life-threatening implications. A 65-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, where a scan, revealed a perforated appendicitis complicated by an anterior abdominal wall collection. He underwent percutaneous drainage, but subsequently developed extensive necrotizing fasciitis requiring extensive debridement and reconstruction. The rapid progression of necrotizing fasciitis calls for early recognition and prompt intervention. The key management principles employed were broad spectrum antibiotics and aggressive surgical debridement. This case demonstrated the use of vacuum-assisted closure dressing and multidisciplinary care in wound healing and coverage. To ensure early diagnosis and intervention for acute appendicitis complicated by necrotizing fasciitis, a high degree of clinical suspicion and awareness of this complication is required.

Objective:To report a case of Kufor-Rakeb syndrome caused by novel ATP13A2 mutation, collect the cases related to ATP13A2 gene mutation published in recent years, summarize the clinical manifestations of the disease, and broaden the clinical diagnostic thinking. Methods:The clinical manifestations of a newly diagnosed patient with Kufor-Rakeb syndrome caused by ATP13A2 gene mutation admitted to Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University on November 26, 2021, were summarized. The related cases of ATP13A2 mutation published from January 2000 to December 2021 were searched through the PubMed and CNKI databases using the keywords "ATP13A2" and "Parkinson′s disease". The onset age, clinical symptoms, family history, genetic testing, and levodopa responsiveness results of the patients were collected. Results:The patient is a 52-year-old female with the main clinical symptoms of static tremor and bradykinesia. Physical examination showed a gear like increase in muscle tension in the right upper limb, involuntary shaking of the right hand and slow movement. She had good responsiveness to levodopa, and the magnetic resonance imaging and susceptibility weighted imaging of the head showed a lack of clear observation of bilateral black matter swallowtail sign. Whole exome sequencing showed that mutations c.3010A>G (p.S1004G) and c.1195+5G>A (splice) were found in the ATP13A2 gene, both of which were not reported. The c.3010A>G (p.S1004G) mutation originated from the mother, and the c.1195+5G>A (splice) mutation originated from the father. In the retrospective literature review, a total of 10 cases were collected, with onset ages ranging from 18 months to 24 years. Among them, 4/10 patients′ parents married close relatives, and the clinical manifestations were mainly motor symptoms of Parkinson′s disease. In addition, 5/10 patients had cognitive dysfunction, and 3/10 patients had mental symptoms. And demonstrations of most patients′ magnetic resonance imaging were normal in the early stage of the disease, and as the disease progressed, some patients′ imaging results showed specific changes, such as whole brain atrophy and changes in the corpus callosum. Meanwhile, 8/10 patients showed good responsiveness to levodopa. Conclusions:Kufor-Rakeb syndrome is a special type of adolescent levodopa responsive Parkinson′s disease caused by ATP13A2 mutation, which is an autosomal recessive disorder. In addition to motor symptoms such as static tremor and bradykinesia, its clinical manifestations may also be accompanied by non motor symptoms such as cognitive and psychiatric disorders. The disease responds well to treatment with levodopa.

Objective To construct clinical imaging model,radiomics model,and a combined model based on the above two for predicting lymph node metastasis(LNM)of colon cancer(CC),and to compare the diagnostic performance of each model.Methods The data from 328 CC patients confirmed by surgical pathology were analyzed retrospectively,including 156 with LNM.All patients were randomly divided into training group(229 cases)and validation group(99 cases)at a ratio of 7∶3.The difference of clinical imaging indicators were compared between groups and a clinical imaging model for diagnosing LNM was constructed.The tumor three-dimensional volume of interest(VOI)was used for radiomics feature extraction,and after dimensionality reduction and selection,8 features were obtained to construct the Radiomics score(Radscore).A combined model of clinical imaging indicators and Radscore was built.The diagnostic performance of each model for LNM was compared,and the calibration and clinical benefit of the optimal model were evaluated.Results There were statistical differences in clinical imaging indicators between the two groups:carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),CA199,tumor long diameter,and lymph node short diameter(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of the clinical imaging model,radiomics model,and combined model were 0.721,0.814,0.854(training group),and 0.744,0.732,0.808(validation group),respectively.The AUC of the combined model was the highest,and both the training and validation groups were higher than that of the clinical imaging model(P＜0.05).The combined model demonstrated higher calibration,with a clinical benefit from decision curve analysis(DCA)threshold range of 0.09 to 0.91.Conclusion The nomogram constructed based on clinical imaging indicators and CT radiomics holds high value in diagnosing LNM of CC.

Objective:To explore the value of clinical and biparametric magnetic resonance imaging(bpMRI)in diagnosing extraprostatic ex-tension(EPE)of prostate cancer(PCa).Methods:This retrospective study assigned 107 patients into EPE(n=42)and organ-limited(n=65)groups based on their postoperative pathology after radical prostatectomy from August 2018 to May 2024 at Wuhu Second People's Hospit-al.The differences in the following clinical risk indicators were compared between the groups:age,total prostate specific antigen(tPSA),pro-state volume,prostate specific antigen density(PSAD)and International Society of Urological Pathology(ISUP)score for prostate puncture.The differences in MRI indicators,prostate imaging reporting and data system(PI-RADS)score and bpMRI were also identified.Binary Logist-ic regression analysis was used to construct clinical and joint models for diagnosing EPE,and screening independent influencing factors.The ROC curve analyze the independent influencing factors and diagnostic performance of the models.The DeLong test was used to compare the differences between the AUC models.A nomogram was draw,and performance evaluated.Results:The differences in tPSA,PSAD,ISUP score for prostate puncture,PI-RADS score,and bpMRI were statistically significant between the two groups(P<0.05).The clinical model AUC was 0.821;while the AUCs of the combined model and independent influencing factors PSAD(OR=25.992),ISUP score for prostate puncture(OR=1.676),and bpMRI(OR=10.729)were 0.899,0.813,0.770,and 0.793 respectively(P<0.001).The combined model was superior to the clinical model(Z=2.502 and P=0.012).The average AUC for 5-fold cross-validation was 0.887,with high model calibration and a threshold range of 5%-85%,indicating clinical benefits.Conclusions:The combined model nomogram derived from clinical and bpMRI indicators is highiy valuable for diagnosing PCa EPE.

AIM: To observe and analyze the effectiveness and safety of wearing corneal refractive therapy(CRT)and vision shaping treatment(VST)designed orthokeratology in controlling myopic progression in adolescents with low E-value corneal morphology.METHODS: This prospective study involved 100 cases(100 eyes)of adolescent myopia patients fitted with orthokeratology at our optometry clinic from January 2020 to December 2021. The data of right eye were collected for research, and they were divided into low myopia group(-1.00 to -3.00 D)and moderate myopia group(-3.25 to -5.00 D)according to spherical equivalent, with 50 cases in each group. Each group of patients was further randomly divided into the CRT group and the VST group, with 25 cases in each group. Uncorrected visual acuity, refractive error, axial length(AL), tear film break-up time(BUT), corneal endothelial cell density, corneal staining grading, lens decentration, and refractive power at 15°-30° were measured before and after wearing orthokeratology, with a follow-up duration of 1.5 a.RESULTS: The uncorrected visual acuity of CRT and VST subgroups in the low myopia group showed no statistical significance at any time point after wearing orthokeratology. However, in the moderate myopia group, CRT subgroup showed better uncorrected visual acuity than the VST subgroup, with significant differences at 1 d and 1 wk(t=-9.474, -12.067, both P<0.01); no significant differences were noted at other time points. After wearing lens for 6 mo and 1.5 a, the AL growth for the CRT subgroup in low and moderate myopia was less than the VST subgroup, with no statistically significant differences. There were no statistically significant differences in binocular BUT and corneal endothelial cell density after wearing lens for 6 mo and 1.5 a. Corneal injury was lower in the CRT subgroup than that in the VST subgroup, but the difference was not statistically significant(Z=-1.803, P=0.071). Lens decentration was significantly better in the CRT subgroup than in the VST subgroup(Z=-4.629, P<0.001). In the periphery of the retina at 15°-30°, there were no significant differences in the amount of myopic defocus between the two groups, while it was statistically significant at 1, 3, and 6 mo in the moderate myopia subgroup(t=-3.949, P=0.008; t=-5.833, P<0.001; t=-6.231, P<0.001), indicating that CRT subgroup could produce a greater amount of myopic defocus.CONCLUSION: For patients with low E-value corneal morphology, CRT, using the vector height at 8 mm on the cornea for fitting, is not limited to the corneal E-value. It shapes faster and improves uncorrected visual acuity after shaping, especially for moderate myopia, achieving better daytime vision. In terms of controlling myopia, CRT fitting elevates return zone depth(RZD), creating a small central optical zone to produce more peripheral myopic defocus. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in controlling AL growth. Both groups showed minimal corneal damage, indicating consistent safety in myopia control.