Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) that mediate rapid cholinergic synaptic transmission throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. These receptors are integral to neuromuscular junction signaling, autonomic regulation, cognitive learning, reward-related behavior, and neuroplasticity. The nAChR family exhibits remarkable functional diversity through combinatorial assembly of seventeen identified subunits (α1-α10, β1-β4, γ, δ, and ε). Among these, the α9 subunit occupies a distinctive phylogenetic position, exhibiting greater sequence divergence from other neuronal α subunits and possessing unique biochemical properties that distinguish it from all other family members. α9 can form homopentamers and also co-assemble with the α10 subunit to form functional heteropentamers, primarily in (α9)₂(α10)₃ and (α9)₃(α10)₂ stoichiometries. This dual assembly strategy generates functional heterogeneity, as distinct subunit compositions confer differential ion permeation, ligand sensitivity, and desensitization kinetics. The structural determinants governing this stoichiometric variability remain incompletely resolved, representing a critical gap in our mechanistic understanding. Unlike most other nAChR subtypes, traditional agonists of nAChRs (such as nicotine) elicit virtually no agonistic effect on α9* nAChRs (α9-containing receptors, including α9 homopentamers and α9α10 heteropentamers). This pharmacological divergence reflects structural differences within the orthosteric site, particularly in regions at complementary subunit interfaces. As cation-selective channels, α9* nAChRs exhibit high permeability to Ca²⁺. In cochlear outer hair cells, α9α10 nAChRs mediate cholinergic efferent modulation by the medial olivocochlear (MOC) bundle. Acetylcholine-evoked Ca²⁺ influx activates functionally coupled SK2 potassium channels, generating net hyperpolarization that dampens electromechanical amplification through a tightly constrained signaling microdomain. This Ca²⁺-dependent excitatory-to-inhibitory conversion exemplifies sophisticated sensory gain control, and its disruption contributes to noise-induced hearing loss, age-related hearing loss, and tinnitus. Beyond canonical ionotropic signaling, α9* nAChR engages metabotropic transduction pathways. In macrophages, receptor activation modulates cytokine production and inflammatory responses. In keratinocytes, it regulates wound healing by modulating cell migration and differentiation. In dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons, α9* signaling contributes to nociceptive processing and inflammatory hyperalgesia. This functional pleiotropy, spanning both ionotropic signaling and metabotropic transduction, positions α9* nAChR as an exemplary model for investigating signal polymorphism within the pLGIC superfamily. Pathophysiologically, α9* nAChR dysfunction is implicated across multiple organ systems. In the auditory system, disruption of α9α10 nAChR-mediated MOC efferent feedback impairs cochlear gain control, predisposing to noise-induced synaptopathy and age-related hearing loss. In immune cells, dysfunctional α9* nAChR signaling disrupts cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway activity, exacerbating pro-inflammatory responses. In the peripheral sensory system, aberrant α9* nAChR signaling has been implicated in neuropathic and inflammatory pain states. In skin, impaired receptor function compromises keratinocyte migration and re-epithelialization through disrupted signaling pathways, leading to chronic wound healing defects and inflammation. These pathophysiological associations have catalyzed pharmacological interest, yielding promising chemical entities including α‑conotoxins, small-molecule antagonists/agonists, and allosteric modulators.α-Conotoxin peptides, in particular, demonstrate remarkable subunit selectivity and potent antinociceptive effects in preclinical pain models. However, therapeutic translation faces substantial challenges: the broad tissue distribution of α9* nAChR risks on-target adverse effects in non-target organs; pronounced species differences between rodent and human receptors complicate preclinical validation; and the complexity of ionotropic-metabotropic signaling crosstalk demands pharmacological strategies that extend beyond conventional orthosteric agonism or antagonism. Looking forward, integrating cryo-electron microscopy of full-length receptors in distinct conformational states with single-channel electrophysiology and systems-level circuit analysis promises to illuminate the molecular mechanisms governing α9* nAChR function and regulation. The development of signal pathway-biased ligands and tissue-selective delivery strategies may ultimately harness the therapeutic potential of this receptor while mitigating safety liabilities. As a paradigm for understanding pLGIC signaling diversification, α9* nAChR research will continue to inform broader questions regarding ion channel evolution, allosteric regulation, and pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic pain and autoimmune inflammatory diseases.

Currently, the drug delivery system (DDS) based on nanomaterials has become a hot interdisciplinary research topic. One of the core issues is drug loading and controlled release, in which the key lever is carriers. Vaterite, as an inorganic porous nano-material, is one metastable structure of calcium carbonate, full of micro or nano porous. Recently, vaterite has attracted more and more attention, due to its significant advantages, such as rich resources, easy preparations, low cost, simple loading procedures, good biocompatibility and many other good points. Vaterite, gained from suitable preparation strategies, can not only possess the good drug carrying performance, like high loading capacity and stable loading efficiency, but also improve the drug release ability, showing the better drug delivery effects, such as targeting release, pH sensitive release, photothermal controlled release, magnetic assistant release, optothermal controlled release. At the same time, the vaterite carriers, with good safety itself, can protect proteins, enzymes, or other drugs from degradation or inactivation, help imaging or visualization with loading fluorescent drugs in vitro and in vivo, and play synergistic effects with other therapy approaches, like photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and thermochemotherapy. Latterly, some renewed reports in drug loading and controlled release have led to their widespread applications in diverse fields, from cell level to clinical studies. This review introduces the basic characteristics of vaterite and briefly summarizes its research history, followed by synthesis strategies. We subsequently highlight recent developments in drug loading and controlled release, with an emphasis on the advantages, quantity capacity, and comparations. Furthermore, new opportunities for using vaterite in cell level and animal level are detailed. Finally, the possible problems and development trends are discussed.

[Objective] To compare the clinical efficacy of super pulse thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (SPThuLEP) with "open tunnel" and transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in order to provide reference for the treatment options of BPH. [Methods] The clinical data of 112 BPH patients treated in our hospital during Jan.2023 and Jul.2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 65 treated with SPThuLEP with "open tunnel" and 57 with HoLEP.The operation time, postoperative hemoglobin decrease, postoperative bladder irrigation, catheter indwelling time, hospitalization time and complications were compared between the two groups.The changes of maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), postvoid residual (PVR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were compared between the two groups before operation and one month after operation. [Results] All operations were successful without conversion to open or transurethral plasmakinetic resection.The postoperative decrease of hemoglobin in SPThuLEP group was lower than that in HoLEP group [(13.12±6.72) g/L vs. (21.02±6.51) g/L], with statistical difference (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the operation time [(63.35±15.73) min vs.(61.02±17.55) min], postoperative bladder irrigation time [(1.07±0.45) d vs. (1.06±0.36) d], catheter indwelling time [(2.98±0.56) d vs. (3.01±0.63) d] and hospitalization time [(3.63±0.61) d vs.(3.79±0.76) d] between the two groups (P>0.05). No blood transfusion, secondary bleeding or unplanned hospitalization occurred, and there were no serious complications such as transurethral electroresection syndrome (TURS), urethral stricture and urinary incontinence.One month after operation, the Qmax, IPSS, QoL, PVR and PSA of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05), but with no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). [Conclusion] SPThuLEP with "open tunnel" has comparable efficacy as HoLEP in the treatment of BPH.With advantages of small amount of bleeding and high safety, this minimally invasive technique can be widely popularized in clinical practice.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Objective To examine the toxicity and sublethal effects of calcium cyanamide against susceptible isolates of Aedes albopictus, so as to provide insights into rational use of calcium cyanamide for integrated management of Ae. albopictus. Methods The sublethal concentrations [30% lethal concentration (LC₃₀) and median lethal concentration (LC₅₀)] of calcium cyana mide against susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus were determined using the larval immersion test. With 100 mL of dechlorinated water as the control group, after the larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus were immersed in calcium cyanamide for 24 hours, the pupation rate, pupation duration, emergence rate, number of eggs laid, percentage of eggs hatched, and lifespan of Ae. albopictus were calculated and compared post-treatment with calcium cyanamide at different sublethal concentrations. The midgut tissues of larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus treated with 100 mg/L calcium cyanamide were sampled for pathological sectioning to observe midgut tissue damages. To evaluate the residual activity, 100 larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus were treated with 200 mg/L and 500 mg/L calcium cyanamide, and the mortality of larvae was calculated every 24 hour, with dead larvae replaced until no larval death. Results The regression equation for the toxicity of calcium cyanamide against larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus was y = -9.441 + 4.657x, with an LC₅₀ of 106.42 mg/L [95% confidence interval (CI): (94.64, 118.36) mg/L] and an LC₃₀ of 82.17 mg/L [95% CI: (94.64, 118.36) mg/L], respectively. After larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus were treated with sublethal concentrations (LC₃₀ and LC₅₀) of calcium cyanamide for 24 hours, there were reduced pupation and emergence rates of larvae (all P values < 0.000 1), prolonged pupal stage (both P values < 0.000 1), reduced numbers of eggs laid by survival female Ae. albopictus (both P values < 0.000 1), reduced percentages of eggs hatched by Ae. albopictus eggs (both P values < 0.000 1), and reduced median survival period of survival female Ae. albopictus (χ² = 9.36 and 20.33, both P values < 0.01) in the LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ groups relative to the control group. There was a numerical decline in the median survival period of survival female Ae. albopictus in the LC₃₀ groups relative to the control group (χ² = 2.42, P > 0.05), and there was a significant decline in the median survival period of survival female Ae. albopictus in the LC₅₀ group relative to the control group (χ² = 11.42, P < 0.01). Histopathological examinations showed severe damages to the midgut tissues of larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus, and residual activity assay revealed that the mortality of larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus was both 0 on day 32 post-treatment with calcium cyanamide at a concentration of 200 mg/L and on day 70 post-treatment with calcium cyanamide at a concentration of 500 mg/L, showing complete loss of the larvicidal activity of calcium cyanamide. Conclusions Calcium cyanamide is highly toxic against susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus, and calcium cyanamide at sublethal concentrations (LC₃₀ and LC₅₀) may inhibit growth, development, and reproductive capability of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus, and shorten the lifespan of adult mosquitoes.

Objective:To investigate the causes and management strategies of anesthetic complications during percutaneous spinal endoscopic surgery under local anesthesia.Methods:A total of 16 800 patients (8 625 males and 8 175 females) who underwent percutaneous spinal endoscopic surgery under local anesthesia (including intravenous basic anesthesia) in Tianjin Hospital, Shandong Public Health Clinical Center and Hebei General Hospital from February 2012 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The average age was 45.3±21.6 years (range, 12-84 years). There were 220 cases of posterior cervical keyhole endoscopic surgery, 50 cases of thoracic transforaminal endoscopic surgery, 70 cases of thoracic posterior interlaminar endoscopic surgery, 11 670 cases of lumbar transforaminal endoscopic surgery, and 4 790 cases of lumbar posterior interlaminar endoscopic surgery. The occurrence time, clinical manifestations, management of intraoperative anesthesia complications were recorded, as well as surgical segments, puncture sites, complication symptoms, signs, outcome and prognosis.Results:All patients received percutaneous water-mediated uniaxial spinal endoscopic surgery under local anesthesia. There were 9 patients experienced anesthesia complications, including 6 cases of epidural diffusion of anesthetics and 3 cases of anesthetics mistakenly entering the subarachnoid space. There were 4 males and 5 females, aged 48.4±18.2 years (range, 28-84 years). There were 1 case of T 12L 1 disc herniation, 1 case of C 5-6 disc herniation, 3 cases of L 4-5 disc herniation and 4 cases of L 5S 1 disc herniation. Surgical segments and procedures: 1 case of C 5-6 posterior Keyhole endoscopic surgery, 1 case of T 12L 1 transforaminal endoscopic surgery, 2 cases of L 4-5 transforaminal endoscopic surgery, 1 case of L 4-5 interlaminar endoscopic surgery, and 4 cases of L 5S 1 interlaminar endoscopic surgery. Anesthesia complications all appeared 5-10 min after injection of local anesthetics, with symptoms of decreased oxygen saturation, decreased blood pressure, altered consciousness, and sensory and motor dysfunction of limbs. 6 patients with epidural diffusion of anesthetics recovered completely after symptomatic treatment in 5 cases, and 1 case was left with foot drop. Three patients with anesthetics mistakenly entering the subarachnoid space were immediately converted to the supine position, of which one recovered by mask oxygenation; 1 patient improved after emergency tracheal intubation, rehydration, and application of vasoconstrictive medications; and 1 patient developed multiple complications such as multiorgan failure, rhabdomyolysis, and sepsis after tracheal intubation, and recovered at 3 months after surgery with symptomatic treatment. Conclusions:Epidural diffusion and entering into subarachnoid space of anesthetics are serious complications of local anesthesia in percutaneous spinal endoscopic surgery. In addition to sensory and motor dysfunction of the limbs, the functions of the respiratory and circulatory systems can also be affected. It is necessary to be alert to the occurrence of anesthesia-related complications during operation and early identification and treatment.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Objective:To establish a prognostic model based on endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes for evaluating the prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma.Methods:This study utilized Non-negative Matrix Factorization to identify molecular subgroups based on endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes and employed Weighted Correlation Network Analysis to determine co-expressed genes associ-ated with these subgroups.A risk prognostic model was constructed using univariate Cox regression analysis and Lasso regression analysis.Preliminary experimental validations were conducted to elucidate the biological functions of model genes in renal cell carcinoma.Results:Two molecular subgroups with distinct survival prognoses were identified,and an intersection of related genes was used to construct a nov-el endoplasmic reticulum stress-related prognostic model.Patients in the high-risk group exhibited significantly poorer overall survival in both the training and validation cohorts.In vivo experiments demonstrated that PCK1,a model gene,could inhibit the proliferation,migra-tion,and invasion of renal cell carcinoma cells.Conclusions:The risk scoring model developed in this study effectively predicts the survival probability of renal cell carcinoma patients and can serve as an independent prognostic indicator.This model offers a new direction for per-sonalized treatment strategies in renal cell carcinoma patients.

With the rapid development of competitive sports, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is on the rise. Such injuries may shorten athletes′ career and lead to other long-term adverse consequences. Although athletes generally recover well after ACL reconstruction, many still struggle to return to their pre-injury performance levels. Advances in the understanding of ACL anatomy and injury mechanisms, along with the evolution of surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods, have provided more individualized and tailored options for athletes following ACL injuries. However, there is currently no consensus in China regarding surgical and rehabilitation strategies for competitive athletes aiming to return to sports after ACL injuries. To this end, the Sports Medicine Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association and the Editorial Board of the Chinese Journal of Trauma jointly formulated the Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury ( version 2025), and presented 14 recommendations covering surgical indications, preoperative rehabilitation, surgical timing, surgical strategies and postoperative rehabilitation strategies, aiming to improve the surgical treatment and rehabilitation system for ACL injuries in competitive athletes and facilitate their return to high-level sports performance after injury.