Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by abnormal visual experience during the critical period of visual development.During this critical period, the visual cortex exhibits high plasticity, enabling it to remodel neural circuits in response to visual input.However, this plasticity significantly declines with age, resulting in limited therapeutic efficacy in adult amblyopia patients.A core challenge in amblyopia treatment is reactivating plasticity in the adult visual cortex.Recent studies have identified perineuronal net (PNN) as key regulators of visual cortical plasticity.PNN are specialized extracellular matrix structures that envelop neurons and modulate synaptic plasticity through their unique molecular composition.Multiple studies suggest that manipulating the integrity or composition of PNN can alter cortical plasticity in adults.However, the precise molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways by which PNN regulate plasticity remain incompletely understood.This review summarizes recent advances in understanding how PNN modulate visual cortical plasticity, including potential molecular mechanisms and related signaling pathways, with the aim of providing theoretical insights for the development of novel amblyopia treatment strategies in adults.

Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by abnormal visual experience during the critical period of visual development.During this critical period, the visual cortex exhibits high plasticity, enabling it to remodel neural circuits in response to visual input.However, this plasticity significantly declines with age, resulting in limited therapeutic efficacy in adult amblyopia patients.A core challenge in amblyopia treatment is reactivating plasticity in the adult visual cortex.Recent studies have identified perineuronal net (PNN) as key regulators of visual cortical plasticity.PNN are specialized extracellular matrix structures that envelop neurons and modulate synaptic plasticity through their unique molecular composition.Multiple studies suggest that manipulating the integrity or composition of PNN can alter cortical plasticity in adults.However, the precise molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways by which PNN regulate plasticity remain incompletely understood.This review summarizes recent advances in understanding how PNN modulate visual cortical plasticity, including potential molecular mechanisms and related signaling pathways, with the aim of providing theoretical insights for the development of novel amblyopia treatment strategies in adults.

Objective:To quickly identify the causes of morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes that are detected during health checkups for recruitment of flying cadets, and to explore its role in medical selection.Methods:Students with hemoglobin (Hb)≥110 g/L and morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes detected during the 2023 medical selection of flying cadets by Guangzhou Selection Center were selected. Their medical history was collected, and iron metabolism, Hb electrophoresis and hemoglobin H (HbH) inclusion bodies were examined to screen for thalassemia and iron deficiency. The diagnosis of thalassemia was confirmed by thalassemia gene testing. Those with iron deficiency received iron supplementation therapy and the recovery of Hb was observed.Results:Ninety-one students were diagnosed with Hb≥110 g/L and morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes, accounting for 4.35% of the total. Among these cases, 85 with abnormal Hb electrophoresis and/or positive HbH inclusion body detection were confirmed as thalassemia minor via thalassemia genetic testing, and 3 cases with normal iron metabolism, Hb electrophoresis, and negative HbH inclusion body detection. A total of 88 cases of thalassemia minor were diagnosed, accounting for 96.70% of the total. Among them, 2 cases were complicated with iron deficiency while 3 were diagnosed with iron deficiency erythropoiesis. Out of the 91 students with Hb≥110 g/L and morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes, 9 were recruited, including 7 cases with thalassemia minor (Hb≥130 g/L), 1 case with thalassemia minor combined with iron deficiency erythropoiesis (Hb≥130 g/L after iron supplementation), and 1 case with iron deficiency erythropoiesis (Hb≥130 g/L after iron supplementation). Among the 9 recruits, 8 were followed up for over one year and the results of their military physical fitness tests all reached or exceeded the standards, but the remaining one dropped out and lost contact.Conclusions:Among physical examinees during medical selection of flying cadets in South China, thalassemia is the leading cause of morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes. Results of iron metabolism, Hb electrophoresis, and HbH inclusion body detection can help identify thalassemia and iron deficiency quickly. Cases of morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes caused by iron deficiency can be considered eligible for selection after Hb levels return to normal following iron supplementation therapy. Students who are diagnosed with thalassemia with Hb<130 g/L can be determined as ineligible. Such rapid identification can facilitate the medical selection of the above 2 types of students.

Objective:To quickly identify the causes of morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes that are detected during health checkups for recruitment of flying cadets, and to explore its role in medical selection.Methods:Students with hemoglobin (Hb)≥110 g/L and morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes detected during the 2023 medical selection of flying cadets by Guangzhou Selection Center were selected. Their medical history was collected, and iron metabolism, Hb electrophoresis and hemoglobin H (HbH) inclusion bodies were examined to screen for thalassemia and iron deficiency. The diagnosis of thalassemia was confirmed by thalassemia gene testing. Those with iron deficiency received iron supplementation therapy and the recovery of Hb was observed.Results:Ninety-one students were diagnosed with Hb≥110 g/L and morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes, accounting for 4.35% of the total. Among these cases, 85 with abnormal Hb electrophoresis and/or positive HbH inclusion body detection were confirmed as thalassemia minor via thalassemia genetic testing, and 3 cases with normal iron metabolism, Hb electrophoresis, and negative HbH inclusion body detection. A total of 88 cases of thalassemia minor were diagnosed, accounting for 96.70% of the total. Among them, 2 cases were complicated with iron deficiency while 3 were diagnosed with iron deficiency erythropoiesis. Out of the 91 students with Hb≥110 g/L and morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes, 9 were recruited, including 7 cases with thalassemia minor (Hb≥130 g/L), 1 case with thalassemia minor combined with iron deficiency erythropoiesis (Hb≥130 g/L after iron supplementation), and 1 case with iron deficiency erythropoiesis (Hb≥130 g/L after iron supplementation). Among the 9 recruits, 8 were followed up for over one year and the results of their military physical fitness tests all reached or exceeded the standards, but the remaining one dropped out and lost contact.Conclusions:Among physical examinees during medical selection of flying cadets in South China, thalassemia is the leading cause of morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes. Results of iron metabolism, Hb electrophoresis, and HbH inclusion body detection can help identify thalassemia and iron deficiency quickly. Cases of morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes caused by iron deficiency can be considered eligible for selection after Hb levels return to normal following iron supplementation therapy. Students who are diagnosed with thalassemia with Hb<130 g/L can be determined as ineligible. Such rapid identification can facilitate the medical selection of the above 2 types of students.

Objective:To enhance comprehension of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver(UESL)in children by analyzing ultra-sound,CT,and MRI imaging features.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 cases of UESL in children,confirmed through surgery and pathology,at the Children's Hospital,Affiliated Capital Institute of Pediatrics from December 2009 to December 2021.We ana-lyzed the ultrasound,CT,and MRI imaging features of all patients and summarized their characteristics.Results:All 11 cases presented with solitary hepatic masses ranging from 11.5 to 19.8 cm in diameter.Imaging manifestations of UESL correlated with component proportion and distribution within the masses.Lesions displayed clear boundaries in all cases.CT scans revealed mixed low density in 11 cases,with ir-regular floc soft tissue density shadows observed at the edge of cystic density areas or around partitions in a few cases.Ultrasound images of all six cases showed solid space-occupying masses,with varying sizes of anechoic regions within the solid mass.MRI T1WI showed mixed low intensity signal in three cases and strip/large high intensity signal areas in the lesion.T2WI revealed mixed high intensity signal and strip low intensity signal areas in 3 lesions.In the arterial phase,lesions displayed slightly to moderately heterogeneous strip/patch enhancement,primarily marginal enhancement in nine cases and thickened,tortuous arterial shadows in eight cases.In the delayed phase,lesions showed continuous uneven enhancement,with enhancement at the edge and peripheral-to-central filling observed in eight cases.Additionally,the enhancement range continuously increased in eight cases,with the false capsule sign identified in eight cases in the delayed stage.Conclu-sions:Imaging features of UESL in children exhibit distinct characteristics.Understanding these features,in conjunction with clinical findings,may aid in early diagnosis.

Objective:To explore the MR enterography (MRE) features of intestinal Behcet disease (BD) and Crohn disease (CD) in pediatric patients.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. The BD patients and CD patients were retrospectively enrolled from Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2019 to October 2022. There were 17 children with intestinal BD, including 6 males and 11 females, aged 5-12 (8.4±2.6) years, and 23 children with CD, including 15 males and 8 females, aged 7-15 (10.2±2.7) years. The MRE images were observed, and the evaluation contents included the diseased intestine (terminal ileum, ileum+ascending colon, ileum+ascending colon+transverse colon, whole colon), the form of intestinal wall thickening (uniform/eccentric thickening), MRI signal (fat suppression T 2WI, DWI), the enhancement mode (uniform/layered enhancement), intestinal stenosis, intestinal dilatation, mesentery comb sign, mesentery fatty fibrosis, lymph node enlargement, and the extraintestinal complication (anal fistula, fluid collection). The comparison of MRE signs between groups was performed using the χ2 test or Fisher exact test. Results:All children were completed MRE examination with good intestinal filling, and no adverse reactions. The significant differences were found in the scope of the diseased bowel, the form of intestinal wall thickening, DWI signal, intestinal dilatation, lymph node enlargement, anal fistula and fluid collection between the intestinal BD and CD patients ( P<0.05), while no significant differences were found in the fat suppression T 2WI signal, enhancement mode of the lesion, intestinal stenosis, mesentery comb sign, and mesentery fatty fibrosis ( P>0.05). Conclusion:MRE is safe and effective, and there are certain significantly different MRE features between children with intestinal BD and CD.

Objective To investigate the effect of circ_0114427 on apoptosis and inflammation of alveolar epithelial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its mechanism. Methods Human alveolar epithelial cells were cultured in vitro and transfected with si-circ_0114427, microRNA (miR)-330-5p mimics or co-transfected with si-circ_0114427 and anti-miR-330-5p, and the cellswere then treated with 10 mg/L LPS for 24 hours. The expression levels of circ_0114427 and miR-330-5p in the cells were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein levels of Cleaved-caspase3 and Cleaved-caspase9 were evaluated using western blot. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. The interaction between circ_0114427 and miR-330-5p was validated using a dual luciferase reporter assay. Results After LPS treatment of alveolar epithelial cells, the expression of circ_0114427 was upregulated, while miR-330-5p expression was downregulated in in the cells (P < 0.05). Knockdown of circ_0114427 or upregulation of miR-330-5p could inhibit LPS-induced apoptosis, Cleaved-caspase3, Cleaved-caspase9, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in alveolar epithelial cells (P < 0.05). Circ_0114427 directly interacted with and negatively regulated miR-330-5p. Downregulation of miR-330-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of circ_0114427 knockdown on LPS-induced cell apoptosis and inflammation. Conclusion Knockdown of circ_0114427 can inhibit LPS-induced apoptosis and inflammation in alveolar epithelial cells, possibly through upregulation of miR-330-5p.

Purpose To explore the application value of computed tomography enterography(CTE)in differentiating active staging of pediatric Crohn disease.Materials and Methods The clinical data of 83 pediatric Crohn disease children performed by CTE examination and conducted with pediatric Crohn disease activity index(PCDAI)from January 2019 to October 2022 were selected.According to their different PCDAI scores,the patients were divided into four groups,which were remission stage(11 cases),mild activity period(47 cases),moderate activity period(14 cases)and severe activity period(11 cases),and the parameters of CTE were analyzed.Then the results associated with CTE and the stages of pediatric Crohn disease activity were analyzed.Results The CTE images of different clinical PCDAI activity stages were manifested in the scope of the diseased intestine(χ2=49.934),the enhancement mode of diseased intestinal wall(χ2=56.561),the degree of intestinal cavity stenosis(χ2=31.932),the degree of intestinal wall thickened(χ2=46.535),lymph node enlargement(χ2=17.330);in which there was a significantly difference(P<0.05),respectively.With the aggravation of PCDAI activity stages,the extent of diseased intestinal canal(more than 50 mm,31 cases,37.3%),the layered reinforcement of diseased intestinal wall(27 cases,32.5%),the luminal stenosis(less than 5 mm,19 cases,22.9%),the thickening of intestinal wall(more than 5.0 mm,54 cases,65.1%)were more common.The proportion of occurrence in the enlargement of lymph nodes(more than 7 mm,16 cases,19.3%)was high,with significant statistical significance(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between pediatric Crohn disease clinical activity stage(all P<0.01)and the extent of the lesion intestinal canal(r=0.500),the enhancement mode of the lesion intestinal wall(r=0.574),the luminal stenosis(r=0.316),the thickening of intestinal wall(r=0.533).Conclusion With the extent of diseased intestinal canal,the degree of the luminal stenosis,the enhancement mode of diseased intestinal wall and intestinal wall thickened increase,and the clinical stage gradually increase.The above four parameters use as characteristic indicators to reflect the activity stage of pediatric Crohn disease.

Background Exposure to arsenic can damage trophoblast cells and thus induce abortion, but the mechanism is not known. Objective To investigate the role of miR-145 and PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway in arsenic-induced abortion and trophoblast cell damage in rats. Methods In the animal experiment, twenty SD pregnant rats were randomly divided into a normal control group (saline gavage) and an arsenic-induced abortion group (10.65 mg·kg⁻¹ sodium arsenite solution was administered by gavage, and the gavage volume was 10 mL·kg⁻¹), with 10 rats in each group. After the miscarriage occurred in the arsenic-induced abortion group (5-6 d after exposure), placental tissues were collected from the two groups. The mRNA expression levels of microRNA-145 (miR-145), phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR), and the protein expression levels of PTEN, AKT, mTOR, p-AKT, and p-mTOR were detected by Western blotting. For the in vitro study with immortalized human trophoblast cell line (HTR-8/SVneo cells), a control group, an arsenic exposure group, an miR-145 overexpression group, and an arsenic exposure+miR-145 overexpression group were prepared and cultured for 72 h with 37 °C and 5% CO₂, at cell density of 5×10⁵ cells per well, and the arsenic exposure concentration was 20 μmol·L⁻¹. The MTT method was applied to detect cell viability, crystal violet staining to detect the number of monoclonal formation, flow cytometry to detect the level of apoptosis, Image J Angiogenesis Analyzer 1.8.0 plug-in to evaluate total blood vessel length and total blood vessel number; the detection indexes and methods of genes and proteins were the same as "animal experiment". Results (1) In the animal experiment, compared with the normal control group, the expression level of miR-145 mRNA in the placenta tissues of the arsenic-induced abortion group was increased (P<0.05), and the expression levels of PTEN, AKT, mTOR mRNA and proteins, and p-AKT and p-mTOR proteins were decreased (P<0.05). (2) For the in vitro study, compared with the control group, the cell viability rate, number of monoclonal formation, total vessel length, and total vessel number were decreased, and the apoptosis rate was increased in the arsenic exposure group, the miR-145 overexpression group, and the arsenic exposure+miR-145 overexpression group (P<0.05). Compared with the arsenic exposure group and the miR-145 overexpression group, the cell viability rate, number of monoclonal formation, total vessel length, and vessel number were decreased, and the apoptosis rate was increased in the arsenic exposure+miR-145 overexpression group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of miR-145 mRNA in the arsenic exposure group, the miR-145 overexpression group, and the arsenic exposure+miR-145 overexpression group increased (P<0.05), the expression levels of PTEN, AKT, mTOR mRNA and protein and the expression levels of p-AKT and p-mTOR protein were decreased (P<0.05); compared with the arsenic exposure group and the miR-145 overexpression group, the level of miR-145 mRNA in the arsenic exposure+miR-145 overexpression group was increased (P<0.05), and the levels of PTEN, AKT, mTOR mRNA and protein as well as p-AKT and p-mTOR protein were decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion miR-145 might be related to abortion due to arsenic exposure. miR-145 could inhibit the proliferation and angiogenesis of trophoblast HTR-8/SVNEO cells, and promotes their apoptosis; the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway.

The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) and programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors were landmarks in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the regulation mechanisms of PD-L1 expression were not fully clear in NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations. Multiple signaling pathways may be involved in the tumorigenesis regulation. This paper summarized and reviewed the potential EGFR mutations impacting on PD-L1 expression with aims to the development of strategies on immunochemical therapy for NSCLC.
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Adenocarcinoma of Lung ; genetics ; pathology ; B7-H1 Antigen ; metabolism ; ErbB Receptors ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Mutation ; Signal Transduction ; genetics