Objective To design and fabricate an integrated optoelectrical fiber to enable the simultaneous transmission of high-power laser and electrical current, thereby developing a novel tool for urological surgery.Methods A miniature metal sleeve was installed at the front end of a medical high-energy optical fiber, and corresponding conductive circuits were configured. The fiber was connected to a fiber thulium laser and a bipolar plasma generator simultaneously. Experiments of simulated vaporization were conducted on ex vivo porcine kidney tissues using thulium laser (50 W), plasma (100 W), and thulium laser + plasma (50 W+100 W), respectively. Tissue removal efficiency was calculated using the weighing method:tissue clearance rate (g/min)=[mass before vaporization (g) - mass after vaporization (g)]/vaporization time (min). Lateral tissue thermal damage was assessed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. One-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test were used for statistical analysis.Results The integrated optoelectrical fiber was successfully constructed, which could simultaneously and continuously transmit thulium laser and plasma electrocision current. The tissue clearance rate of the thulium laser+plasma group was significantly higher than that of the thulium laser group and plasma group [(0.49±0.13) g/min vs. (0.14±0.02) g/min vs. (0.11±0.04) g/min, P＜0.001]. The average lateral thermal damage depth of the thulium laser + plasma group showed no statistically significant difference compared to the thulium laser group [(985.5±178.5) μm vs.(957.5±197.4) μm, P＞0.05], but both were significantly higher than that of the simple plasma group [(499.6±78.0) μm] (P＜0.001). Conclusion The thulium laser + plasma energy transmitted simultaneously by the integrated optoelectrical fiber can vaporize kidney tissue more efficiently without additional thermal damage.

Objective:To observe the effect of rehabilitative exercise on knee function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.Methods:Fifty-eight patients with a reconstructed ACL were divided at random into a control group of 28 and an experimental group of 30. In addition to conventional basic treatment, the control group received routine orthopedic rehabilitation training, while the experimental group underwent exercise-based rehabilitation training 6 days a week for 6 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the efficacy in both groups was evaluated using Lysholm knee scoring (LKSS), numerical pain scoring (NRS), maximum knee flexion angle, and a thigh muscle atrophy index.Results:Both groups had significantly higher LKSS scores, lower NRS scores, larger maximum knee flexion angles, and increased thigh muscle atrophy indices, on average, after their treatments. Compared with the control group, the experimental group tended to have significantly higher LKSS scores, larger maximum knee flexion angles, and lower thigh muscle atrophy indices after the treatment. There was, however, no significant difference between the groups in their average NRS scores.Conclusions:Exercise-based rehabilitation training significantly improves the knee function of patients after ACL reconstruction, and its efficacy is superior to conventional orthopedic rehabilitation training.

Gene regulation relies on the precise binding of transcription factors (TFs) at regulatory elements, but simultaneously detecting hundreds of TFs on chromatin is challenging. We developed cFOOT-seq, a cytosine deaminase-based TF footprinting assay, for high-resolution, quantitative genome-wide assessment of TF binding in both open and closed chromatin regions, even with small cell numbers. By utilizing the dsDNA deaminase SsdAtox, cFOOT-seq converts accessible cytosines to uracil while preserving genomic integrity, making it compatible with techniques like ATAC-seq for sensitive and cost-effective detection of TF occupancy at the single-molecule and single-cell level. Our approach enables the delineation of TF footprints, quantification of occupancy, and examination of chromatin influences on TF binding. Notably, cFOOT-seq, combined with FootTrack analysis, enables de novo prediction of TF binding sites and tracking of TF occupancy dynamics. We demonstrate its application in capturing cell type-specific TFs, analyzing TF dynamics during reprogramming, and revealing TF dependencies on chromatin remodelers. Overall, cFOOT-seq represents a robust approach for investigating the genome-wide dynamics of TF occupancy and elucidating the cis-regulatory architecture underlying gene regulation.
Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Humans ; Chromatin/genetics* ; Animals ; Binding Sites ; Mice ; DNA Footprinting/methods*

In this comprehensive review, we delve into the evolution of drug delivery systems in reproductive medicine with a focus on the emerging role of exosomes, a class of extracellular vesicles. Exosomes offer unique advantages in overcoming these challenges due to their inherent biocompatibility, stability, and ability to facilitate targeted delivery. This review provides a detailed examination of exosome biogenesis and their function in cellular communication, setting the stage for understanding their potential as drug delivery vehicles. We explore the mechanisms through which exosomes can be loaded with small molecule drugs and the benefits they offer over synthetic nanoparticles. The review highlights groundbreaking case studies that illustrate the successful application of exosome-mediated drug delivery in reproductive health, including enhancing fertility treatments, supporting gamete and embryo development, and facilitating maternal-fetal communication. This study aims to provide a precise understanding of how exosomal drug delivery can revolutionize treatments for reproductive health disorders, paving the way for future therapeutic applications. Lastly, we touch upon the promising therapeutic implications of exosomal delivery for proteins and genes, offering a window into future treatments for reproductive health disorders.

Recent studies have identified a missense mutation in the β1-receptor (ADRB1-A187V) that exerts a pronounced impact on human sleep, with a noted decrease in protein abundance in vivo. The administration of β-blockers is frequently associated with sleep disturbances in clinical settings. In this study, we assessed the influence of various β-blockers on sleep within mouse models. Our findings indicated that β-blockers could induce varying degrees of arousal, sleep disruption, and a decrease in REMS (rapid eye movement sleep). We examined the dose-dependent effects of metoprolol and nebivolol on both sleep and cardiac functionality in both wild-type and Adrb1-A187V mutant mice. Our data suggested that, in contrast to cardiac effects, higher doses of metoprolol are required to have noted impact on sleep. No genotype effect was observed with metoprolol in terms of sleep or cardiac function. In contrast, the mutant mice demonstrated increased sensitivity to nebivolol, which exacerbated sleep fragmentation and impeded the onset of REMS. This study is expected to provide some reference for minimizing the occurrence of sleep disorders and reducing the adverse reactions of drugs to the greatest extent.

Objective To explore the interaction between long non-coding RNA growth arrest-specific 5(GAS5)and miR-135b-5p/adenomatous polyposis coli(APC)axis,and to elucidate its biological function in the proliferation,metastasis and invasion of glioma.Methods The relationship of GAS5 expression level with survival rate of glioma patients was analyzed based on CGGA database.qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of GAS5 in glioma tissues and cell lines.Human glioma T98 and A172 cell lines were subjected for overexpression and knockdown of GAS5,miR-135b-5p and APC by transfection.Western blotting and qRT-PCR were applied to measure the expression of related genes in glioma tissues or cell lines.CCK-8,Transwell and wound healing assays was conducted to determine the effect of GAS5 on the viability and motility of glioma cells.Moreover,dual luciferase reporter analysis were utilized to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of GAS5 and miR-135b-5p/APC.Results Analysis on CGGA database showed that the survival rate of glioma patients with low GAS5 expression was significantly decreased(P＜0.001).Western blotting and qRT-PCR indicated that GAS5 was down-regulated in the glioma cell lines and tissues than human normal astrocytes and para-cancer tissues(P＜0.01).The results of CCK-8,Transwell and wound healing assays revealed that overexpression of GAS5 significantly inhibited the viability,invasion and migration abilities in T98 cells when compared with the cells of the vector group(P＜0.01).Dual luciferase reporter analysis displayed that there were binding sites between GAS5 and miR-135b-5p,and the expression of the two was negatively correlated(P=0.019).Further studies suggested that the effect of GAS5 on biological function in glioma cells was through targeting miR-135b-5p,and overexpression of APC reversed the promoting effect of miR-135b-5p on glioma cells(P＜0.01).Western blotting displayed that enhancing miR-135b-5p expression inhibited the expression of APC(P＜0.001),and GAS5 upregulated the expression of APC by targeting miR-135b-5p(P＜0.01).Conclusion GAS5 inhibits the progression of glioma via miR-135b-5p/APC axis,which revealing the molecular regulatory mechanism of GAS5/miR-135b-5p/APC.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of rutaecarpine on Helicobacter pylori(Hp)-induced chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG).Methods An Hp-induced CAG rat model was established.Successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,low-dose rutaecarpine group,medium-dose rutaecarpine group,and high-dose rutaecarpine group,with 12 rats in each group.An additional 12 rats served as the normal control group.Body mass changes were recorded before and after treatment.Gastric mucosal histopathology was analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Levels of inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10)in gastric mucosal supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),cluster of differentiation 86(CD86),arginase 1(Arg-1),and mannose receptor(CD206)in gastric mucosal tissues were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Protein expression levels of nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)pathway-related proteins were determined by Western Blot.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group exhibited disorganized gastric mucosal epithelium,reduced glandular structures in the lamina propria,significant inflammatory cell infiltration,and elevated gastric mucosal histopathology scores.TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-10 levels in gastric mucosal supernatants,iNOS and CD86 mRNA expression,and phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor α(p-IκBα)and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 subunit(p-p65)protein levels were significantly increased,while Arg-1 and CD206 mRNA expression were significantly decreased,the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,medium-and high-dose rutaecarpine treatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration,restored cellular arrangement,increased glandular structures in the lamina propria,and significantly lowered gastric mucosal histopathology scores,TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-10 levels,iNOS and CD86 mRNA expression,and p-p65 and p-IκBα protein expression were significantly reduced,whereas Arg-1 and CD206 mRNA expression were significantly increased,the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05),with dose-dependent effects.Conclusion Rutaecarpine ameliorates Hp-induced CAG by modulating macrophage polarization and attenuating inflammatory responses,likely through downregulation of p-p65 and p-IκBα expression and subsequent inhibition of NF-κB pathway activation.

Objective:To investigate the difference in intracranial infection rate between long-tunneled external ventricular drainage(LTEVD)and conventional external ventricular drainage(EVD),as well as the risk factors for intracranial infection.Methods:A retro-spective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 45 patients who were admitted to Department of Neurology Center,The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University,from January 2020 to December 2022 and underwent EVD,among whom 13 patients underwent LTEVD(LTEVD group)and 32 patients underwent conventional EVD(EVD group).Related data were recorded for both groups,including general information,postoperative catheter-related complications,and postoperative management,to investi-gate the effect on reducing the rate of intracranial infection.According to the presence or absence of intracranial infection after surgery,the patients were divided into the infection group with 10 patients and non-infection group with 35 patients,and related clini-cal data were analyzed to investigate the risk factors for intracranial infection.Results:The LTEVD group had a significantly lower secondary infection rate of catheterization days than the EVD group[2.40‰(1/417)vs.27.19‰(9/331),P=0.009].The duration of catheterization was 14-85 days[27.00(22.50,36.50)days]in the LTEVD group and 8-22 days[9.00(8.00,11.50)days]in the EVD group,suggesting that the LTEVD group had a significantly longer duration of catheterization than the EVD group(P=0.000).The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the times of cerebrospinal fluid sampling was an independent risk factor for post-operative intracranial infection in patients undergoing EVD,and the use of LTEVD was a protective factor against intracranial infection after EVD.Conclusion:Compared with conventional EVD,LTEVD can safely prolong the duration of catheterization and reduce the rate of postoperative intracranial infection in patients undergoing EVD.The use of LTEVD procedure and the reduction in the times of cerebrospinal fluid sampling can reduce the risk of postoperative in-tracranial infection.

Objective:Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most severe complications following hip and knee arthroplasty and is a leading cause of revision surgery. Pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility are key factors in the successful treatment of PJI. This study retrospectively analyzes the pathogen characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility of PJI patients treated at our center, aiming to establish an empirical antibiotic regimen for PJI in the region, providing a reference for empirical antibiotic therapy in the clinical management of PJI.Methods:This study retrospectively reviewed PJI patients treated at our center from January 2018 to October 2024. In each case, preoperative arthrocentesis fluid, and synovium tissue from at least three sites during surgery were collected for aerobic and anaerobic blood culture. The positive culture rate, distribution of pathogens based on Gram staining, methicillin resistance, mixed infections, and multidrug resistance were analyzed. Effective coverage parameters were constructed based on antimicrobial sensitivity and coverage rates, and appropriate empirical antimicrobial regimens were proposed.Results:A total of 233 PJI patients were included in the analysis. There were 99 males and 134 females with an average age of 67.0±10.1 years (ranging from 32 to 93 years). The study included 130 hip and 103 knee arthroplasty patients. Among the patients, 202 (86.7%) had positive cultures, with a total of 301 pathogen strains isolated: 268 Gram-positive bacteria (89.4%), 25 Gram-negative bacteria (8.3%), and 7 fungal strains (2.3%). The most common Gram-positive bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci (196 strains, 65.1%), epidermal staphylococci (77 strains, 25.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (39 strains, 13.0%), and Streptococcus spp. (19 strains, 6.3%). The most common Gram-negative bacteria were Enterobacteriaceae (14 strains, 4.7%). In hip joint infections, the most prevalent pathogens were epidermal Staphylococci (48 strains, 28.1%) and Staphylococcus aureus (27 strains, 15.8%), while in knee joint infections, epidermal Staphylococci (29 strains, 22.3%) were most common. Regarding antibiotic resistance, 48.5% of staphylococcal strains were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus, and 51.5% were multidrug-resistant strains. Staphylococci were 100% susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline, but exhibited high resistance to β-lactams and quinolone antibiotics. Analysis of empirical antibiotic regimens revealed that vancomycin combined with meropenem, linezolid combined with meropenem, vancomycin combined with imipenem, vancomycin combined with piperacillin/tazobactam, and vancomycin combined with ceftriaxone had effective coverage rates of 97.0%, 97.0%, 96.0%, 94.9%, and 90.9%, respectively.Conclusion:The main pathogens in PJI in this region are Gram-positive bacteria, with high rates of methicillin resistance and multidrug resistance. Based on antimicrobial susceptibility data, we recommend vancomycin combined with meropenem as the empirical treatment regimen for culture-negative PJI in this region, with linezolid combined with meropenem as an alternative.