Objective To investigate the regulatory role of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling on the subtypes and functions of natural killer (NK) cells at the maternal-fetal interface during the second trimester in mice following Toxoplasma gondii infection during the first trimester. Methods Twelve 6- to 8-week-old female mice of the C57BL/6J strain were divided into a control group and an infection group, of 6 mice in each group. On the 6.5th day of pregnancy (Gd6.5), each pregnant mouse in the infection group was intraperitoneally injected with 150 tachyzoites of the Toxoplasma gondii PRU strain, while mice in the control group were injected with an equal volume of physiological saline. On the 12.5th day of pregnancy (Gd12.5), uterus and placenta tissues were sampled from pregnant mice for pathological observations, and the mRNA expression levels of PD-1, PD-L1, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified in uterus and placenta tissues. The PD-1 and DX5 expression was measured on NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface using flow cytometry. In addition, the in vitro JEG-3 trophoblast cells and NK-92MI cells co-culture system was established as the control group, and the addition of T. gondii tachyzoites in the co-culture system served as the infection group. The PD-1, PD-L1, and DX5 mRNA expression was quantified in cells using real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay, and the TNF-α concentration was measured in the cell culture supernatant using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results On Gd12.5, clear and intact cellular structures of placental decidual tissues were seen in pregnant mice in the control group, with no remarkable abnormal changes found in the uterine columnar epithelial cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration and blood stasis at varying degrees were found in uterine and placental tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was (1.004 ± 0.004), (1.001 ± 0.001), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the control group and (2.480 ± 0.720), (3.355 ± 0.920), and (2.391 ± 0.073) in the infection group, respectively. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was (1.007 ± 0.010), (1.006 ± 0.006), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in the uterine tissues in the control group and (6.948 ± 1.918), (3.225 ± 1.034), and (1.536 ± 0.150) in the infection group, respectively. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was higher in both the uterine (t = 3.55, 4.43 and 33.02, all P values < 0.05) and placental tissues (t = 5.36, 3.72 and 6.18, all P values < 0.05) in the infection group than in the control group. Flow cytometry showed that the proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells, PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells, and DX5⁺ NK cells were (12.200 ± 1.082)%, (9.373 ± 7.728)%, and (44.000 ± 4.095)% in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the control group, and (21.733 ± 1.630)%, (18.767 ± 1.242)%, and (73.367 ± 0.611)% in the infection group, respectively. The proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells, PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells, and DX5⁺ NK cells were (1.100 ± 0.510)%, (2.277 ± 1.337)%, and (96.167 ± 2.831)% in placental tissues from mice in the control group, and (26.867 ± 9.722)%, (23.433 ± 6.983)%, and (82.467 ± 2.248)% in the infection group, respectively. The proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells (t = 8.45, P < 0.05) and DX5⁺ NK cells (t = 12.29, P < 0.05) were higher in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group than in the control group, and no significant difference was seen in the proportion of PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells (Z = -1.09, P > 0.05). The proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells (t = 4.58, P < 0.05) and PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells (t = 5.15, P < 0.05) were higher in placental tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group than in the control group, while the proportion of DX5⁺ NK cells was lower in the infection group than in the control group (t = -6.56, P < 0.05). RT-qPCR assay revealed that the relative PD-1, PD-L1, and DX5 mRNA expression was (1.010 ± 0.005), (1.002 ± 0.003), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in the JEG-3 cells and NK92MI cells co-culture system and (3.638 ± 1.258), (0.397 ± 0.158), and (4.267 ± 1.750) in the control group, and ELISA measured that the TNF-α concentration was higher in the cell culture supernatant in the infection group [(22.056 ± 3.205) pg/mL] than in the control group [(12.441 ± 0.001) pg/mL] (t = 5.20, P < 0.05). The PD-1(t = 3.62, P < 0.05) and DX5 mRNA expression (t = 3.23, P < 0.05) was higher in the infection group than in the control group, and the PD-L1 mRNA expression was lower in the infection group than in the control group (t = -6.63, P < 0.05). Conclusions Following T. gondii infection, both PD-L1 expression and PD-1 expression on DX5⁺ NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface are upregulated in mice during the second trimester; however, the proportion of DX5⁺ NK cells decreases. These findings suggest that PD-1/PD-L1 signaling may suppress NK cell functions by modulating DX5⁺ NK cell subsets.

This article reports a patient with long-term ulcerative colitis (UC) who was initially diagnosed as eosinophilic gastroenteritis due to a increase in peripheral blood eosinophils. During the diagnosis and treatment process, acute myocardial infarction was repeatedly induced. The patient was eventually diagnosed as UC complicated by amoebic infection and improved after anti-infective therapy. Through case analysis and literature review, this article discusses the diagnosis and treatment strategies for UC complicated by rare opportunistic infections.

Colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R)-related leukoencephalopathy (CSF1R-L) is a rare autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the CSF1R gene. It is typically characterized by rapidly progressive cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, and psychiatric or behavioral abnormalities, leading to significant disability and early mortality. More than 100 mutations of CSF1R have been identified in CSF1R-L, but the clinical-genotype relationship is unclear. This report describes a case of CSF1R-L that initially presented with atypical symptoms of left lower limb pain, numbness, and weakness. Despite the non-specific presentation, comprehensive imaging data were available throughout the disease course. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous missense mutation in exon 18 of the CSF1R gene (c.2508CA, p.Ser836Arg), a novel variant not previously reported in the literature. This case offers valuable insights into the dynamic progression of cranial MRI changes in CSF1R-L, broadens the genetic spectrum of this disease, enhances awareness among clinicians, and provides crucial information for the early diagnosis of this condition.

The incidence of anorectal diseases continues to rise，posing significant challenges to patients' quality of life and even survival. Endorectal/endoanal ultrasound（ERUS/EAUS）has become a primary imaging modality for anorectal conditions due to its non-invasive nature，real-time capability，high resolution，and cost-effectiveness. This review summarizes ERUS/EAUS examination techniques，clinical applications and value，multimodal integration for precision diagnostics and treatment，as well as artificial intelligence research advancements-aiming to enhance understanding and clinical utilization of ERUS/EAUS.

Objective:To summarize endorectal ultrasound（ERUS）findings of rectal lymphoma（RL）and evaluate its clinical value for preoperative diagnosis.Methods:Nine RL patients between Jan 2015 and March 2025 in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University were included in this retrospective study. ERUS findings including lesion location，size，echogenicity，mucosal integrity，depth of infiltration，and blood flow characteristics were reviewed. The diagnostic performance of ERUS was evaluated using pathology as the gold standard.Results:ERUS features of RL included extensive bowel wall involvement（≥1/2 circumference in 8/9 cases），intact mucosa（7/9），homogeneous markedly hypoechoic echogenicity（6/9），and Adler grade 3 blood flow（9/9）. No case presented bowel obstruction；three cases involved multi- segmental bowel. All four cases who received ultrasound-guided biopsy reached conclusive diagnosis，while 2 of them were infeasible for endoscopic biopsy.Conclusions:Typical ERUS findings of RL include extensive infiltration，preserved mucosa，and homogeneous markedly hypoechoic echogenicity. ERUS could clearly show the submucosal infiltration pattern and bowel wall layers，and significantly improve preoperative diagnostic accuracy in combination with ultrasound-guided biopsy.

Objective:To explore the value of endorectal echodefecography（EDF）in the evaluation of functional anorectal disorders（FAD）.Methods:A total of 67 patients clinically diagnosed with FAD who underwent EDF at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from September 2021 to August 2024 were retrospectively collected. EDF was performed using a combination of transrectal and transperineal scans. XRD was used as the reference standard.Results:The diagnostic accuracy，sensitivity，specificity，positive predictive value，and negative predictive value of EDF for common FADs were as follows：for rectocele，85.1%，84.6%，85.4%，78.6%，and 89.7%；for rectal intussusception，79.1%，50.0%，93.3%，78.6%，and 79.2%；for external rectal prolapse，94.0%，71.4%，100%，100%，and 93.0%；for anismus，82.1%，66.7%，82.8%，15.4%，and 98.1%；for perineal descent，65.7%，54.2%，72.1%，52.0%，and 52.0%.Conclusions:EDF is valuable for evaluating FAD，especially for external rectal prolapse and rectocele. It can serve as an effective complement to XRD and provide a non-invasive and safe imaging method for FAD diagnosis.

BACKGROUND:Stand-alone oblique lateral interbody fusion has a high rate of complications of fusion segment sink.Oblique lateral interbody fusion with posterior fixation can provide stable support,but intraoperative position changes and double incisions weaken the advantages of this technique.Oblique lateral interbody fusion combined with lateral plate fixation can achieve one-stage decompression in the same incision,while the lateral internal fixation provides stable support. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the short-term efficacy of oblique lateral interbody fusion combined with lateral plate fixation in the treatment of single-level lumbar degenerative disease. METHODS:The clinical data of 34 patients with single-level lumbar degenerative disease treated with oblique lateral interbody fusion combined with lateral plate fixation were collected from May 2020 to October 2022.Among them,14 were males and 20 were females aged from 41 to 72 years at the mean age of(58.6±9.9)years.There were 11 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis(Ⅰ°),7 cases of lumbar disc herniation with segmental instability,and 16 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis.Operation time,blood loss,and complications were recorded.Visual analog scale scores of lumbago,radiative pain of both lower limbs,and Oswestry disability index scores were evaluated before surgery,3 months after surgery,and the last follow-up.Dural sac cross-sectional area,intervertebral height,and intervertebral fusion were measured and observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The 34 patients were followed up for 14-36 months,with an average of(21.3±5.2)months.(2)The operation time ranged from 50 to 92 minutes,with an average of(68.5±11.1)minutes.Intraoperative blood loss was 50-170 mL,with an average of(71.6±25.3)mL.(3)Compared with the preoperative results,the visual analog scale scores and Oswestry disability index scores were significantly decreased at 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up(P<0.001),and the maximum Oswestry disability index scores were improved by nearly 50％.(4)Bone fusion was achieved in all patients during half-year follow-up.The overall complication rate was 21％(7/34),including 1 case of plate displacement,3 cases of cage subsidence,1 case of psoas weakness,and 2 cases of anterior thigh pain.(5)It is concluded that oblique lateral interbody fusion combined with lateral plate fixation for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases has the characteristics of less blood loss,short operation time,rapid postoperative recovery,and significant short-term clinical efficacy with the stable support to a certain extent.The long-term curative effect needs further follow-up observation.

This article reports a patient with long-term ulcerative colitis (UC) who was initially diagnosed as eosinophilic gastroenteritis due to a increase in peripheral blood eosinophils. During the diagnosis and treatment process, acute myocardial infarction was repeatedly induced. The patient was eventually diagnosed as UC complicated by amoebic infection and improved after anti-infective therapy. Through case analysis and literature review, this article discusses the diagnosis and treatment strategies for UC complicated by rare opportunistic infections.

Objective To explore the value of 18F-flortaucipir tau PET combined with APOE ε4 genotype status for diagnosing mild cognitive impairment(MCI).Methods A total of 213 MCI patients(MCI group)and 402 healthy controls(HC group)were selected from Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative(ADNI)database.The neuropsychological information,APOE ε4 gene carrier status,tau PET and high-resolution structural MRI data were recorded.The random forest algorithm was used to screen the most informative brain regions of tau PET for diagnosing MCI,and the efficacy of tau PET for distinguishing MCI with or without APOE ε4 gene and HC were compared.Results Amygdala,parahippocampal gyrus,entorhinal cortex,posterior cingulate gyrus,inferior temporal gyrus,fusiform gyrus and middle temporal gyrus in turn were the important brain regions of tau PET for diagnosing MCI.The accuracy and the area under the curve(AUC)of tau PET standardized uptake value ratio(SUVR)model for identifying MCI with APOE ε4 gene and HC was 86.68％and 0.784,respectively,both higher than those for identifying MCI and HC,as well as MCI without APOE e4 gene and HC(with accuracy of 70.57％and 75.05％,and AUC of 0.711 and 0.609).Conclusion 18F-flortaucipir tau PET SUVR model established based on amygdala,parahippocampal gyrus,entorhinal cortex,posterior cingulate gyrus,inferior temporal gyrus,fusiform gyrus and middle temporal gyrus could be used to diagnosing MCI.Combining with APOE ε4 gene could further improve its efficacy.

Objective To explore the value of 18F-flortaucipir tau PET combined with APOE ε4 genotype status for diagnosing mild cognitive impairment(MCI).Methods A total of 213 MCI patients(MCI group)and 402 healthy controls(HC group)were selected from Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative(ADNI)database.The neuropsychological information,APOE ε4 gene carrier status,tau PET and high-resolution structural MRI data were recorded.The random forest algorithm was used to screen the most informative brain regions of tau PET for diagnosing MCI,and the efficacy of tau PET for distinguishing MCI with or without APOE ε4 gene and HC were compared.Results Amygdala,parahippocampal gyrus,entorhinal cortex,posterior cingulate gyrus,inferior temporal gyrus,fusiform gyrus and middle temporal gyrus in turn were the important brain regions of tau PET for diagnosing MCI.The accuracy and the area under the curve(AUC)of tau PET standardized uptake value ratio(SUVR)model for identifying MCI with APOE ε4 gene and HC was 86.68％and 0.784,respectively,both higher than those for identifying MCI and HC,as well as MCI without APOE e4 gene and HC(with accuracy of 70.57％and 75.05％,and AUC of 0.711 and 0.609).Conclusion 18F-flortaucipir tau PET SUVR model established based on amygdala,parahippocampal gyrus,entorhinal cortex,posterior cingulate gyrus,inferior temporal gyrus,fusiform gyrus and middle temporal gyrus could be used to diagnosing MCI.Combining with APOE ε4 gene could further improve its efficacy.