AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.

AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.

Objective:By comparing the relevant image manifestations and diagnostic results of high resolution CT (HRCT) and digital radio graphy (DR), to deeply explore the clinical application value of HRCT in the diagnosis and staging of occupational pneumoconiosis.Methods:A total of 180 pneumoconiosis patients with different stages diagnosed in Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital from January 2022 to May 2023 were selected as the research objects by systematic sampling method, and their HRCT and DR examinations were performed. The display of lung imaging features of patients with pneumoconiosis by the two examination methods was analyzed, and the chi-square test and rank sum test were used to compare the differences in diagnostic staging results and the detection of pulmonary complications.Results:Among the patients with pneumoconiosis, there were 174 males and 6 females, with an age of (53.11±12.22) years old and a working age of (14.94±11.43) years. The number of lung areas with category 0 small opacity profusion in the HRCT images of patients was less than that in the DR images, and the number of lung areas with category 1 small opacity profusion was more than that in the DR images ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of lung areas with category 2 and category 3 small opacity profusion detected by the two images ( P>0.05). The distribution of diagnostic differences between HRCT and DR images for the staging of pneumoconiosis was statistically significant ( P<0.05), and the detection rates of HRCT for pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, atelectasis, lymph node tumefaction, and pleural thickening were all higher than those of DR ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:In the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis, HRCT has advantages over DR images in showing the fine structure of the lungs, determining the degree and extent of lesions. It is of great significance for discovering and differentiating complications of pneumoconiosis, and providing an important basis for clinical staging.

Objective:By comparing the relevant image manifestations and diagnostic results of high resolution CT (HRCT) and digital radio graphy (DR), to deeply explore the clinical application value of HRCT in the diagnosis and staging of occupational pneumoconiosis.Methods:A total of 180 pneumoconiosis patients with different stages diagnosed in Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital from January 2022 to May 2023 were selected as the research objects by systematic sampling method, and their HRCT and DR examinations were performed. The display of lung imaging features of patients with pneumoconiosis by the two examination methods was analyzed, and the chi-square test and rank sum test were used to compare the differences in diagnostic staging results and the detection of pulmonary complications.Results:Among the patients with pneumoconiosis, there were 174 males and 6 females, with an age of (53.11±12.22) years old and a working age of (14.94±11.43) years. The number of lung areas with category 0 small opacity profusion in the HRCT images of patients was less than that in the DR images, and the number of lung areas with category 1 small opacity profusion was more than that in the DR images ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of lung areas with category 2 and category 3 small opacity profusion detected by the two images ( P>0.05). The distribution of diagnostic differences between HRCT and DR images for the staging of pneumoconiosis was statistically significant ( P<0.05), and the detection rates of HRCT for pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, atelectasis, lymph node tumefaction, and pleural thickening were all higher than those of DR ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:In the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis, HRCT has advantages over DR images in showing the fine structure of the lungs, determining the degree and extent of lesions. It is of great significance for discovering and differentiating complications of pneumoconiosis, and providing an important basis for clinical staging.

Objective To investigate the levels and influencing factors for eye lens dose of interventional radiology workers, and to provide a basis for reasonable and scientific radiation protection. Methods Thermoluminescent eye lens dosimeters were used to monitor the left and right eye lens doses of interventional radiology workers in real time during different surgical positions and varying eye protection conditions. The annual eye lens doses for the operators were estimated based on their yearly workload. The differences in eye lens doses under different conditions were analyzed and the influencing factors were identified. Results For individual interventional operations, the range of personal dose equivalent H_p(3) of the left eye of interventional radiology workers was ( < MDL ~ 418.33) μSv, the median (Q₁, Q₃) was 9.29 ( < MDL, 40.79) μSv, and the mean was 40.79 ± 70.36 μSv. The estimated annual eye lens doses were 4.05 mSv and 17.80 mSv based on the median and mean values of the eye lens dose of a single operation multiplied by average annual frequency of operations per person, respectively. The left eye lens dose was higher than the right eye lens dose of the same operator (Z = −4.24, P < 0.05), and the dose of the right eye lens was strongly positively correlated with that of the left eye lens. The left eye lens dose of the first surgeon was higher than that of the second surgeon in the same operation (Z = −3.10, P < 0.05). The eye lens dose was influenced by operator position (χ² = 9.149, P = 0.002, OR = 8.343), eye protection (χ² = 4.619, P = 0.032, OR = 4.352), and air kerma area product (χ² = 8.032, P = 0.005, OR = 5.488). Conclusion According to the results of this study, a significant portion of interventional operators have eye lens doses that approach or exceed international occupational dose limits. It is recommended to pay attention to the operation frequency of the first operator and the air kerma area product of interventional operation, and strengthen radiation protection and dose monitoring for the eye lens of interventional radiology workers.

Objective To observe the effects of Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction on miR-155 and NF-κB-HIF-1α signaling pathway in mice with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome(CARAS);To explore its potential mechanisms in the treatment of chronic inflammation of respiratory tract in CARAS.Methods Totally 60 female BALB/c mice were divided into blank group,model group,miR-155 inhibitor NC group,miR-155 inhibitor group,dexamethasone group and Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction group using a random number table method,with 10 mice in each group.Except for the blank group,all other groups were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin combined with aluminum hydroxide gel on days 0 and 7.From days 14 to 30,5%ovalbumin was administered intranasally every other day,followed by continuous nebulization with 5%ovalbumin from days 31 to 37.The miR-155 inhibitor NC group and the miR-155 inhibitor group received intranasal administration of miR-155 inhibitor NC and miR-155 inhibitor solution,respectively,3 hours before nebulization.The blank group was given an equivalent volume of normal saline via intraperitoneal injection,intranasal administration and nebulization.The administration groups were gavaged with the corresponding drug solution 1 hour after nebulization,while the other groups received an equivalent volume of normal saline via gavage.HE staining was used to observe morphology of nasal mucosa and lung tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,and γ-interferon(IFN-γ)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-155,T-bet,GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α mRNA in nasal mucosa and lung tissue,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of T-bet,GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α proteins in lung tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group mice showed shedding of nasal mucosal cilia,tissue congestion and edema,significant glandular hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration,bronchial lumen stenosis,smooth muscle thickening and a large amount of inflammatory substance exudation,the contents of IL-4 and IL-5 increased,while IFN-γ content decreased(P<0.01),the mRNA expression of miR-155,GATA-3,NF-κB p65,HIF-1α in nasal mucosa and lung tissue were increased(P<0.01),while T-bet mRNA expression was decreased(P<0.01),the protein expression of GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α in lung tissue increased(P<0.01),while T-bet protein expression decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the miR-155 inhibitor group,dexamethasone group and Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction group showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and pathological changes in nasal mucosa and lung tissue of mice,the contents of IL-4 and IL-5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were reduced,while the content of IFN-γ was increased(P<0.01),the expressions of miR-155,GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α mRNA in nasal mucosa and lung tissue were reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expression of T-bet mRNA increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expressions of GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α protein in lung tissue were reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of T-bet protein in dexamethasone group and Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction group mice increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction can effectively inhibit the expression of miR-155,suppress the abnormal activation of NF-κB-HIF-1α signaling pathway,correct the imbalance of Th1/Th2 immunity,and play a therapeutic role in alleviating airway inflammation in CARAS.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Yisui Shengxue Decoction on the regulation of Notch signaling pathway on bone marrow hematopoiesis in mice with aplastic anemia(AA).Methods:A total of 60 CByB6F1 mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group,positive control cyclosporine(CsA)group,low-dose(YSSX-L)group and high-dose(YSSX-H)group of Chinese herbal compound Yisui Shengxue Decoction,with 12 mice in each group.Except for the blank group,the mice in each group were given 5 Gy X-ray irradiation combined with tail vein infusion of lymphocytes to establish the immune-mediated AA mouse model.The low and high dose groups were given 8.6 and 17.2 g/(kg?d)of Yisui Shengxue Decoction by gavage,the model group and the blank group were given equal volume of saline by gavage,and the positive control group was given 25 mg/(kg?d)of cyclosporine by ga-vage for 14 days.The mice were tested for white blood cell count(WBC),red blood cell count(RBC),hemoglobin(Hb),platelet count(PLT)and bone marrow nucleated cell count in peripheral blood,bone marrow pathological changes and the levels of IFN-γ,IL-4 and IL-5 in peripheral serum,and T-lymphocyte transcription factors T-bet,GATA3,RORγt,FOXP3 mRNA and protein in spleen tissues,as well as the expression levels of Notch signaling pathway-related genes and protein in spleen tissues.Results:Compared with the blank group,the peripheral blood WBC,RBC,Hb,PLT,bone marrow nucleated cell count,expressions of serum IL-4,IL-5 and spleen tissue GATA3,FOXP3 mRNA and protein were significantly lower in the model group(P<0.01),and the expressions of serum IFN-γ,spleen tissue T-bet,RORγt mRNA and protein,and Notch1,Jagged1,DLL4 mRNA and protein were significantly in-creased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,peripheral blood WBC,RBC,Hb,PLT,bone marrow nucleated cell count,ex-pressions of serum IL-4,IL-5 and spleen tissue GATA3,FOXP3 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in each intervention group(P<0.05),and the expression of serum IFN-γ and spleen tissue T-bet,RORγt mRNA and protein as well as Notch1,Jagged1,DLL4 mRNA and protein were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion:Yisui Shengxue Decoction can improve bone marrow he-matopoietic function and regulate immune disorders in AA mice,and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of Notch signaling pathway.

Objective To observe the effects of Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction on miR-155 and NF-κB-HIF-1α signaling pathway in mice with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome(CARAS);To explore its potential mechanisms in the treatment of chronic inflammation of respiratory tract in CARAS.Methods Totally 60 female BALB/c mice were divided into blank group,model group,miR-155 inhibitor NC group,miR-155 inhibitor group,dexamethasone group and Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction group using a random number table method,with 10 mice in each group.Except for the blank group,all other groups were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin combined with aluminum hydroxide gel on days 0 and 7.From days 14 to 30,5%ovalbumin was administered intranasally every other day,followed by continuous nebulization with 5%ovalbumin from days 31 to 37.The miR-155 inhibitor NC group and the miR-155 inhibitor group received intranasal administration of miR-155 inhibitor NC and miR-155 inhibitor solution,respectively,3 hours before nebulization.The blank group was given an equivalent volume of normal saline via intraperitoneal injection,intranasal administration and nebulization.The administration groups were gavaged with the corresponding drug solution 1 hour after nebulization,while the other groups received an equivalent volume of normal saline via gavage.HE staining was used to observe morphology of nasal mucosa and lung tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,and γ-interferon(IFN-γ)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-155,T-bet,GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α mRNA in nasal mucosa and lung tissue,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of T-bet,GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α proteins in lung tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group mice showed shedding of nasal mucosal cilia,tissue congestion and edema,significant glandular hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration,bronchial lumen stenosis,smooth muscle thickening and a large amount of inflammatory substance exudation,the contents of IL-4 and IL-5 increased,while IFN-γ content decreased(P<0.01),the mRNA expression of miR-155,GATA-3,NF-κB p65,HIF-1α in nasal mucosa and lung tissue were increased(P<0.01),while T-bet mRNA expression was decreased(P<0.01),the protein expression of GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α in lung tissue increased(P<0.01),while T-bet protein expression decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the miR-155 inhibitor group,dexamethasone group and Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction group showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and pathological changes in nasal mucosa and lung tissue of mice,the contents of IL-4 and IL-5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were reduced,while the content of IFN-γ was increased(P<0.01),the expressions of miR-155,GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α mRNA in nasal mucosa and lung tissue were reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expression of T-bet mRNA increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expressions of GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α protein in lung tissue were reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of T-bet protein in dexamethasone group and Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction group mice increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction can effectively inhibit the expression of miR-155,suppress the abnormal activation of NF-κB-HIF-1α signaling pathway,correct the imbalance of Th1/Th2 immunity,and play a therapeutic role in alleviating airway inflammation in CARAS.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Yisui Shengxue Decoction on the regulation of Notch signaling pathway on bone marrow hematopoiesis in mice with aplastic anemia(AA).Methods:A total of 60 CByB6F1 mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group,positive control cyclosporine(CsA)group,low-dose(YSSX-L)group and high-dose(YSSX-H)group of Chinese herbal compound Yisui Shengxue Decoction,with 12 mice in each group.Except for the blank group,the mice in each group were given 5 Gy X-ray irradiation combined with tail vein infusion of lymphocytes to establish the immune-mediated AA mouse model.The low and high dose groups were given 8.6 and 17.2 g/(kg?d)of Yisui Shengxue Decoction by gavage,the model group and the blank group were given equal volume of saline by gavage,and the positive control group was given 25 mg/(kg?d)of cyclosporine by ga-vage for 14 days.The mice were tested for white blood cell count(WBC),red blood cell count(RBC),hemoglobin(Hb),platelet count(PLT)and bone marrow nucleated cell count in peripheral blood,bone marrow pathological changes and the levels of IFN-γ,IL-4 and IL-5 in peripheral serum,and T-lymphocyte transcription factors T-bet,GATA3,RORγt,FOXP3 mRNA and protein in spleen tissues,as well as the expression levels of Notch signaling pathway-related genes and protein in spleen tissues.Results:Compared with the blank group,the peripheral blood WBC,RBC,Hb,PLT,bone marrow nucleated cell count,expressions of serum IL-4,IL-5 and spleen tissue GATA3,FOXP3 mRNA and protein were significantly lower in the model group(P<0.01),and the expressions of serum IFN-γ,spleen tissue T-bet,RORγt mRNA and protein,and Notch1,Jagged1,DLL4 mRNA and protein were significantly in-creased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,peripheral blood WBC,RBC,Hb,PLT,bone marrow nucleated cell count,ex-pressions of serum IL-4,IL-5 and spleen tissue GATA3,FOXP3 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in each intervention group(P<0.05),and the expression of serum IFN-γ and spleen tissue T-bet,RORγt mRNA and protein as well as Notch1,Jagged1,DLL4 mRNA and protein were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion:Yisui Shengxue Decoction can improve bone marrow he-matopoietic function and regulate immune disorders in AA mice,and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of Notch signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND:As a dominant breed pig in southwest China,the southern Yunnan small-ear pig has been widely used as an experimental animal in the basic research of other disciplines,but there are still no reports on its application in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. OBJECTIVE:To establish a large animal model of the southern Yunnan small-ear pig with anterior cruciate ligament with autologous Achilles tendon was established. METHODS:Twenty adult female Yunnan small-ear pigs were equally randomized into two groups.In the autologous Achilles tendon group,the right knee anterior cruciate ligament was reconstructed with autologous Achilles tendon as a graft,while in the sham-operated group,a similar operation was performed on the right knee without any treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament.General conditions of each pig were observed and recorded before and 12 months after surgery.Ligaments and grafts were taken for gross observation and MAS scoring.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe morphological characteristics of ligaments.The staining and arrangement of type I and type Ⅲ collagen were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the type,size,diameter,ratio,and distribution of collagen fibers in ligaments. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:All animals had normal diet and activity,good wound healing,no obvious inflammatory reaction,no local purulent infection,and no significant changes in mental and urinary conditions compared with those before surgery.The reconstructed cruciate ligament of the knee was intact,with no stiffness and normal range of motion.Both the anterior drawer and Lachman tests were negative.Gross observation of the graft:12 months after surgery,the grafts was in good position,with good integrity,obvious tension,ligament color close to the original anterior cruciate ligament,and complete surface synovial coverage.Most of the intraarticular ligaments in the autologous Achilles tendon group were defined as MAS I type and a few were defined as MAS Ⅱ type.In the sham-operated group,the intraarticular ligament was defined as MAS I type.Hematoxylin-eosin staining indicated that,12 months after surgery,collagen fibers in the autologous Achilles tendon group began to appear bundled,isotropic,and uniformly arranged,with more obvious isotropic corrugations,and the nuclei were mainly linear or spindle-shaped,which were similar to those in normal anterior cruciate ligament tissue of the sham-operated group.Immunohistochemistry results indicated that,12 months after surgery,there was a higher expression of type I collagen and significantly less expression of type Ⅲ collagen in the reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament in the autologous Achilles tendon group.The degree of type I and type Ⅲ staining was similar in the two groups.Under the transmission electron microscope,the diameter,arrangement and density of collagen fibers in the reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament of the autologous Achilles tendon group were similar to those of the original anterior cruciate ligament at 12 months after surgery,indicating that the ligament remodeling process had been basically completed in the autologous Achilles tendon group at 12 months after surgery.Through a comprehensive evaluation of animal general conditions,ligament general view,MAS score,hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,and transmission electron microscopy observation,we successfully established a large animal model of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autogenous Achilles tendon in southern Yunnan small-ear pigs,with good morphological,histological and ultrastructural results.