BACKGROUND:Degenerative scoliosis is defined as a condition that occurs in adulthood with a coronal cobb angle of the spine>10° accompanied by sagittal deformity and rotational subluxation,which often produces symptoms of spinal cord and nerve compression,such as lumbar pain,lower limb pain,numbness,weakness,and neurogenic claudication.The finite element method is a mechanical analysis technique for computer modelling,which can be used for spinal mechanics research by building digital models that can realistically restore the human spine model and design modifications. OBJECTIVE:To review the application of finite element method in the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis. METHODS:The literature databases CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science were searched for articles on the application of finite element method in degenerative scoliosis published before October 2023.Search terms were"finite element analysis,biomechanics,stress analysis,degenerative scoliosis,adult spinal deformity"in Chinese and English.Fifty-four papers were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The biomechanical findings from the degenerative scoliosis model constructed using the finite element method were identical to those from the in vivo experimental studies,which proves that the finite element method has a high practical value in degenerative scoliosis.(2)The study of the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis by the finite element method is conducive to the prevention of the occurrence of the scoliosis,slowing down the progress of the scoliosis,the development of a more appropriate treatment plan,the reduction of complications,and the promotion of the patients'surgical operation.(3)The finite element method has gradually evolved from a single bony structure to the inclusion of soft tissues such as muscle ligaments,and the small sample content is increasingly unable to meet the research needs.(4)The finite element method has much room for exploration in degenerative scoliosis.

Purpose To investigate the differential diagnosis of diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI),perfusion-weighted imaging(PWI)and DWI combined with PWI in supratentorial pilocytic astrocytoma(PA)and WHO grade 2 pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma(PXA).Materials and Methods The conventional MRI,DWI and PWI data of 23 cases of supratentorial PA and 11 cases of PXA(WHO grade 2)in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2010 to February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Supratentorial PA was further divided into lobar PA and non-lobar PA based on the lesion location.The basic data(gender,age,cystic degeneration,homogeneous enhancement,lesion size and meningeal involvement),minimum apparent diffusion coefficient,relative apparent diffusion coefficient and relative maximum cerebral blood volume were compared and analyzed between the two groups.Results The probability of leptomeningeal involvement in PXA(WHO grade 2)(36.3%)was higher than that in supratentorial PA(4.3%,P=0.029).Compared with supratentorial PA and lobar PA,PXA(WHO grade 2)had lower minimum apparent diffusion coefficient,relative apparent diffusion coefficient and higher relative maximum cerebral blood volume(t=-4.398-5.828,all P<0.05).The threshold value of minimum apparent diffusion coefficient to discriminate between supratentorial PA and PXA(WHO grade 2)was 1.09×10-3 mm2/s,and its sensitivity,specificity and area under the curve were 90.91%,83.33%and 0.947,respectively.When the differential diagnosis threshold of relative maximum cerebral blood volume was 1.79,its sensitivity,specificity and area under the curve were 90.00%,100.00%and 0.950,respectively.The area under the curve of DWI combined with PWI was 0.993,which did not significantly improve the diagnostic performance compared with DWI and PWI respectively(Z=1.371,0.928,both P>0.05).In subgroup analysis,the area under the curve of DWI combined with PWI in lobar PA and PXA(WHO grade 2)was 0.988,which did not improve the diagnostic performance compared with DWI and PWI respectively(Z=1.322,0.882,both P>0.05).Conclusion DWI and PWI are helpful in the differential diagnosis of PXA(WHO grade 2)from supratentorial PA and lobar PA,but combining DWI and PWI does not significantly improve the efficacy of differential diagnosis.

Purpose To investigate the differential diagnosis of diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI),perfusion-weighted imaging(PWI)and DWI combined with PWI in supratentorial pilocytic astrocytoma(PA)and WHO grade 2 pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma(PXA).Materials and Methods The conventional MRI,DWI and PWI data of 23 cases of supratentorial PA and 11 cases of PXA(WHO grade 2)in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2010 to February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Supratentorial PA was further divided into lobar PA and non-lobar PA based on the lesion location.The basic data(gender,age,cystic degeneration,homogeneous enhancement,lesion size and meningeal involvement),minimum apparent diffusion coefficient,relative apparent diffusion coefficient and relative maximum cerebral blood volume were compared and analyzed between the two groups.Results The probability of leptomeningeal involvement in PXA(WHO grade 2)(36.3%)was higher than that in supratentorial PA(4.3%,P=0.029).Compared with supratentorial PA and lobar PA,PXA(WHO grade 2)had lower minimum apparent diffusion coefficient,relative apparent diffusion coefficient and higher relative maximum cerebral blood volume(t=-4.398-5.828,all P<0.05).The threshold value of minimum apparent diffusion coefficient to discriminate between supratentorial PA and PXA(WHO grade 2)was 1.09×10-3 mm2/s,and its sensitivity,specificity and area under the curve were 90.91%,83.33%and 0.947,respectively.When the differential diagnosis threshold of relative maximum cerebral blood volume was 1.79,its sensitivity,specificity and area under the curve were 90.00%,100.00%and 0.950,respectively.The area under the curve of DWI combined with PWI was 0.993,which did not significantly improve the diagnostic performance compared with DWI and PWI respectively(Z=1.371,0.928,both P>0.05).In subgroup analysis,the area under the curve of DWI combined with PWI in lobar PA and PXA(WHO grade 2)was 0.988,which did not improve the diagnostic performance compared with DWI and PWI respectively(Z=1.322,0.882,both P>0.05).Conclusion DWI and PWI are helpful in the differential diagnosis of PXA(WHO grade 2)from supratentorial PA and lobar PA,but combining DWI and PWI does not significantly improve the efficacy of differential diagnosis.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 years or older.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 120 pediatric patients aged 2 - 17 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were enrolled from departments of dermatology of 8 hospitals in China between March 2022 and February 2023. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the crisaborole group and the pimecrolimus group, and received the treatment with crisaborole ointment 2% and pimecrolimus cream 1% respectively, twice a day for 4 weeks. Visits were scheduled at baseline/on day 1, as well as on days 8, 15, and 29. The primary efficacy outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) success (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale, combined with ≥ 2‐grade improvement from baseline) on day 29. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total scores from baseline to day 29, percentages of patients achieving ISGA improvement (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale), as well as changes in the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) /Infants' Dermatology Life Quality Index (IDLQI) /Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores, and in the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) scores. Drug safety was evaluated according to the incidence of adverse events. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Since measurement data did not follow a normal distribution, the rank sum test was used for comparisons of measurement data between groups.Results:A total of 106 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were included in the per-protocol analysis set, with 52 in the crisaborole group (26 males and 26 females) and 54 in the pimecrolimus group (27 males and 27 females). There were no significant differences in age, disease duration, ISGA and EASI scores at baseline between the two groups (all P > 0.05). On day 29, 22 patients (42.31%) in the crisaborole group and 25 (46.30%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA success, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.68) ; 35 patients (67.31%) in the crisaborole group and 45 (83.33%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA improvement, also with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 3.68, P = 0.06) ; additionally, there were no significant differences in the EASI, pruritus NRS, DLQI/IDLQI/CDLQI, or DFI scores between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Adverse reactions to the two topical agents were mainly local reactions such as mild to moderate pain, itching, or worsening of itching, and no obvious systemic adverse reactions occurred. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions was 46.15% (24 cases) in the crisaborole group and 37.04% (20 cases) in the pimecrolimus group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.34) . Conclusion:The efficacy of crisaborole ointment 2% was comparable to that of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged ≥ 2 years, and it yielded early and rapid improvement in the quality of life of patients and their families, with good safety and tolerability profiles.

tRNA is one of the RNA molecules with the most diverse post-transcriptional modifications.It not only functions as an adaptor molecule transporting amino acids during translation but also relies on its extensive post-transcriptional modifications to regulate gene expression,thereby influencing numerous bio-logical processes.These modifications are dynamically regulated by tRNA methyltransferases and demeth-ylases,which collaboratively maintain a balance-the former catalyze methyl group addition,while the latter remove methyl groups,ensuring reversible control.Mutations or dysregulation of these enzymes are closely associated with tumorigenesis and other diseases,constituting a major research focus.They pro-mote tumor progression through two distinct pathways:cytoplasmic tRNA(ctRNA)methylation enhances the translation of oncogenes,whereas mitochondrial tRNA(mtRNA)methylation optimizes mitochondrial protein synthesis to reprogram energy metabolism.From the dual dimensions of"enzyme supply"and"energy provision",tRNA methylation establishes a material foundation for tumor cell growth and directly contributes to cell cycle dysregulation.The cell cycle,an orderly process governing cell division,is tight-ly controlled by checkpoint proteins to guarantee accurate genetic information transmission.Notably,ab-errant cell cycle activation is not only a hallmark of cancer but also a pivotal therapeutic target.tRNA methyltransferases and demethylases exert multidimensional control over both cell cycle progression and metabolic adaptation.Elucidating the mechanisms underlying tRNA modification mediated cell cycle reg-ulation will not only accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets but may also overcome the con-straints of conventional cell cycle targeted therapies.Within this context,we systematically review the molecular mechanisms by which tRNA methylation-modifying enzymes regulate the cell cycle,with an emphasis on their translational potential.

BACKGROUND:The highest incidence of spinal fracture is in the thoracolumbar segment,and its symptoms are back pain,posterior convexity deformity,activity limitation,or with spinal cord nerve injury causing lower limb pain,numbness,and even paraplegia and other complications.The finite element method is a digital computer modeling technique,which can simulate the physical model and carry out force analysis realistically.OBJECTIVE:To review the application of finite element method in thoracolumbar spine fractures.METHODS:We searched the Chinese and English literature databases PubMed,Web of Science,and CNKI for relevant literature on the application of the finite element analysis method in spinal thoracolumbar fracture published before March 2024.The search terms in Chinese and English were:finite element analysis methods,biomechanical phenomena,stress analysis,thoracolumbar fractures,spinal fractures.Finally,55 papers were included.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The exploration of thoracolumbar fractures caused by different etiologies(osteoporotic,traumatic,and pathological)through the finite element method is conducive to a deeper understanding of the biomechanics of various types of thoracolumbar fractures,and to improve the individualized and fine-tuned treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.(2)The finite element analysis of a single sample or a small number of samples has the chance,and a larger number of samples are required for the future finite element analysis to reduce the chance caused by the sample.(3)The rigid structure of bones alone cannot meet the biomechanical working conditions of the integrity of the physical object,and future finite element models need to incorporate all the structures of the physical object(e.g.,soft tissues,such as muscles and ligaments)as far as possible.(4)The finite element method has been used in more studies on osteoporotic and traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures,which will need to be more in-depth in the future,and less in the field of pathologic thoracolumbar fractures,which has a wider scope for future research.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 years or older.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 120 pediatric patients aged 2 - 17 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were enrolled from departments of dermatology of 8 hospitals in China between March 2022 and February 2023. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the crisaborole group and the pimecrolimus group, and received the treatment with crisaborole ointment 2% and pimecrolimus cream 1% respectively, twice a day for 4 weeks. Visits were scheduled at baseline/on day 1, as well as on days 8, 15, and 29. The primary efficacy outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) success (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale, combined with ≥ 2‐grade improvement from baseline) on day 29. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total scores from baseline to day 29, percentages of patients achieving ISGA improvement (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale), as well as changes in the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) /Infants' Dermatology Life Quality Index (IDLQI) /Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores, and in the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) scores. Drug safety was evaluated according to the incidence of adverse events. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Since measurement data did not follow a normal distribution, the rank sum test was used for comparisons of measurement data between groups.Results:A total of 106 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were included in the per-protocol analysis set, with 52 in the crisaborole group (26 males and 26 females) and 54 in the pimecrolimus group (27 males and 27 females). There were no significant differences in age, disease duration, ISGA and EASI scores at baseline between the two groups (all P > 0.05). On day 29, 22 patients (42.31%) in the crisaborole group and 25 (46.30%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA success, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.68) ; 35 patients (67.31%) in the crisaborole group and 45 (83.33%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA improvement, also with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 3.68, P = 0.06) ; additionally, there were no significant differences in the EASI, pruritus NRS, DLQI/IDLQI/CDLQI, or DFI scores between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Adverse reactions to the two topical agents were mainly local reactions such as mild to moderate pain, itching, or worsening of itching, and no obvious systemic adverse reactions occurred. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions was 46.15% (24 cases) in the crisaborole group and 37.04% (20 cases) in the pimecrolimus group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.34) . Conclusion:The efficacy of crisaborole ointment 2% was comparable to that of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged ≥ 2 years, and it yielded early and rapid improvement in the quality of life of patients and their families, with good safety and tolerability profiles.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the molecular epidemiology of children with phenylketonuria (PKU) in Gansu, China, providing foundational data for intervention strategies. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1 159 PKU families who attended Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital from January 2012 to December 2024. Sanger sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, whole exome sequencing, and deep intronic variant analysis were used to analyze the PAH gene. RESULTS: For the 1 159 children with PKU, 2 295 variants were identified in 2 318 alleles, resulting in a detection rate of 99.01%. The detection rates were 100% (914/914) in 457 classic PKU families, 99.45% (907/912) in 456 mild PKU families, and 96.34% (474/492) in 246 mild hyperphenylalaninemia families. The 2 295 variants detected comprised 208 distinct mutation types, among which c.728G>A (14.95%, 343/2 295) had the highest frequency, followed by c.611A>G (4.88%, 112/2 295) and c.721C>T (4.79%, 110/2 295). The cumulative frequency of the top 23 hotspot variants reached 70.28% (1 613/2 295), and most variant alleles were detected in exon 7 (29.19%, 670/2 295). CONCLUSIONS Deep intronic variant analysis of the PAH gene can improve the genetic diagnostic rate of PKU. The development of targeted detection kits for PAH hotspot variants may enable precision screening programs and enhance preventive strategies for PKU.
Humans ; Phenylketonurias/epidemiology* ; Female ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Phenylalanine Hydroxylase/genetics* ; Mutation ; Child, Preschool ; China/epidemiology* ; Child ; Infant

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular alterations of splenocytes associated with anti-factor Ⅷ (FⅧ) immune response and the underlying mechanisms based on hemophilia A (HA) murine model via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. METHODS: Severe HA mice were immunized with recombinant human factor Ⅷ (rhF8) weekly for 4 weeks to establish an FⅧ inhibitor model. High quality raw data were obtained by using bulk RNA-seq and CASAVA base identification technology, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The DEGs were statistically classified by gene ontology (GO) annotation to obtain information on the major signaling pathways and biological processes involved in anti-FⅧ immune response in HA mouse splenocytes. The cell clusters, genes, and signaling pathway datasets were comprehensively analyzed by GO, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and single cell RNA-seq (ScRNA-seq) analysis, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis was used to verify the changes in T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and regulatory T cells (Treg). RESULTS: A total of 3731 DEGs was identified, including 2275 genes with up-regulated expression and 1456 genes with down-regulated expression. The DEGs were enriched in helper T cell differentiation, cytokine receptor, T cell receptor signaling pathway, ferroptosis, etc. Uniform Manifold Approximation and Project (UMAP) downscaling and visualization analysis yielded a total number of 11 T/NK cell subsets, visualizing the overall expression distribution of C-X-C chemokine-specific receptor gene cxcr5 among these T/NK cell subsets. Higher expression of cxcr5 was found in activated Tfh from FⅧ inhibitor mice, in comparison to the control group. The visualization using Upset plot R language showed a close interaction between Tfh and Treg. Moreover, the increased frequencies of Tfh and the decreased frequencies of Treg in inhibitor mouse splenocytes were further verified by flow cytometry analysis. CONCLUSION Multiple immune cell subsets, signaling pathways, and characteristic genes may be involved in the process of anti-FⅧ immune response in HA mouse splenocytes. The molecules involved in the regulation of Tfh/Treg may play key roles, which provide potential biological targets and therapeutic strategies for HA patients with inhibitors in the future.
Animals ; Hemophilia A/genetics* ; Mice ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; Disease Models, Animal ; Spleen/cytology* ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology* ; Humans ; Signal Transduction ; Factor VIII/immunology* ; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology*