AIM: To investigate variation patterns of corneal biomechanical parameters and binocular symmetry among children of different genders aged 8-16 years.METHODS:A retrospective study was conducted, and children who underwent optometric examinations at the ophthalmology department of our hospital were enrolled between January 2022 and December 2024. Measurements included the flat keratometry(K1), steep keratometry(K2), and mean curvature(Km)of the anterior corneal surface, horizontal visible iris diameter(HVID), central corneal thickness(CCT), corneal endothelial cell density(CECD), average cell size(ACS), coefficient of variation(CV), and hexagonality(HEX). Corneal parameters and binocular differences were compared between genders and across age groups.RESULTS:A total of 621 children(1 242 eyes)were enrolled in this study, including 284 males(568 eyes), 337 females(674 eyes), 528 children aged 8-12 years(1 056 eyes), and 93 children aged 13-16 years(186 eyes). In children aged 8-16 years, the K1, K2, Km and CV of both eyes, as well as the interocular CCT differences in boys were significantly lower than those in girls(all P<0.05), while the HVID and HEX of both eyes, as well as the CCT of the left eye in boys were significantly higher than those in girls(all P<0.05). Children aged 8-12 years had significantly higher K1, Km, CECD and HEX in both eyes, and significantly lower ACS in both eyes than those aged 13-16 years(all P<0.05). K1, K2, Km, CECD and HEX in both eyes were negatively correlated with age(P<0.05); ACS in both eyes was positively correlated with age(P<0.001); K1 and Km of the right eye were positively correlated with the CECD of the right eye(P<0.05), and K1 and CCT of the left eye were positively correlated with the CECD of the left eye(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Significant gender differences exist in corneal parameters among children aged 8 to 16 years, while binocular symmetry remained stable.

Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is a highly invasive zoonotic parasitic disease with poor prognosis. Surgical intervention serves as the pivotal approach to achieve radical cure and improve the prognosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients. In recent years, with the popularization of the concept of precision surgery and the development of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model, the surgical treatment strategies for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis have been continuously enriched, and the selection of surgical procedures has become increasingly diversified. Although key surgical techniques such as radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation have achieved remarkable progress in clinical application, many insurmountable challenges still remain. Therefore, by sorting out the latest evidence-based advances in the field of surgical treatment for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, this article focuses on discussing the application status and bottlenecks of radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.

Objective: To investigate the factors influencing the co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia, so as to provide a data foundation and theoretical basis for developing targeted intervention measures. Methods: In September and October 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 139 102 students from 539 schools across 12 leagues/cities and 103 banners/counties in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Participants who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis by a doctor at least once within one year and had a body mass index ≥ 28 kg/m 2 were considered to have comorbid conditions. Results: The coprevalence rate of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia was 6.4% (8 931 cases). Lasso-Logistic regression revealed that nonboarding status, higher maternal education, consuming high protein foods ≥1 time daily, occasionally or never eating breakfast, engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity for ≥60 minutes on fewer than half of holidays, and having been exposed to second hand smoke in person within the past seven days were associated with higher odds ratios for co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity( OR = 1.23 , 1.22-1.63, 1.20, 1.19, 1.38, 1.35); being female, higher grade level, residence in flag/county/district areas, non only child status, never having consumed a full glass of alcohol, non hypertensive status, and households without pets were associated with lower co-prevalence risks ( OR =0.65, 0.67-0.77, 0.81, 0.87, 0.73, 0.41, 0.68) (all P <0.05). The ROC curve indicated an area under the curve of 0.64 for the predictive model, demonstrating satisfactory discriminatory ability. The calibration curve showed consistency between predicted and actual occurrence probabilities. Conclusions The co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia is closely associated with demographic characteristics, dietary behaviours, and lifestyle habits. Future prevention and control strategies should prioritize these factors to implement targeted interventions.

BACKGROUND:Ammonia poisoning is considered to be the main hypothesis for the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy.Ammonia can lead to psychiatric and cognitive behavioral disorders,although the specific pathological molecular mechanisms remain unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of ammonia poisoning on cognitive behavior and hippocampal neuronal synapses in mice.METHODS:Thirty-two C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal control group and an ammonium chloride group,with 16 mice in each group.Normal saline was injected intraperitoneally in the control group,and ammonium chloride(10 mmol/kg)was injected intraperitoneally in the ammonium chloride group to construct a model of ammonia poisoning,once a day.After 7 days of ammonium chloride intervention,blood samples were collected from the hearts of six mice in each group for blood ammonia concentration detection.Behavioral experiments,including the open field test,novel object recognition test,and Y-maze test,were performed to assess mental and cognitive-behavioral changes in mice.Finally,hippocampal tissues were extracted for western blot analysis to detect the expression levels of synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein-95 in hippocampal neurons.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The blood ammonia concentration was significantly elevated in the ammonium chloride group compared with the control group(P＜0.05).Mice in the ammonium chloride group showed anxiety-like behavior and disinhibition phenomenon,and a significant decrease in recognition memory and working memory ability.Western blot results revealed that the expression of synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein-95 protein in hippocampal neurons in the ammonium chloride group was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).To conclude,ammonia poisoning can induce hippocampal neuronal synaptic damage,leading to psychiatric and cognitive behavioral abnormalities in mice.

Background/Aims: Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is a hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that drives tumor initiation and progression. However, clinical targeting of cholesterol metabolism has yielded limited benefits due to stringent feedback in tumor cells. Identifying a central mediator capable of restoring cholesterol homeostasis within the cell’s intrinsically fine-tuned regulatory framework is urgently needed. Methods: We integrated a proteomic dataset from patients with cholesterol-dysregulated HCC into a global cholesterol metabolic regulatory network to identify potential therapeutic targets for disrupted cholesterol homeostasis. The prognostic significance of the candidate targets was further validated in an independent cohort through immunohistochemistry. Functional and mechanistic studies were conducted in vitro using HCC cell lines and in vivo using mouse models. The pharmacological efficacy of the candidate agent was evaluated in both subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC mouse models. Results: ER lipid raft-associated 1 (ERLIN1), a pivotal regulator of cholesterol metabolism reprogramming, was identified as an independent favorable prognostic indicator in HCC. ERLIN1 constrains HCC progression both in vitro and in vivo by stabilizing the INSIG1–SCAP–SREBP2 axis and maintaining the metabolic balance of intracellular cholesterol. Under hypoxia, impaired factor-inhibiting hypoxia-1-dependent hydroxylation of ASB11 at asparagine residues 90 and 92 enhances ASB11-mediated ERLIN1 degradation. Pharmacological targeting of this axis using zoledronic acid (ZoA) attenuated HCC progression by weakening the ASB11–ERLIN1 interaction and restoring cholesterol homeostasis. Conclusions ERLIN1 represents a druggable metabolic vulnerability in cholesterol-dysregulated HCC. Targeting the ASB11–ERLIN1 axis with the clinically approved ZoA reestablishes cholesterol homeostasis and offers a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome the current limitations of cholesterol-targeted HCC therapies.

To report two cases of psychiatric symptoms associated with zonisamide, an antiepileptic drug, and raise clinical awareness of this potential adverse effect. Two male patients with epilepsy treated with zonisamide were retrospectively analyzed. Case 1 (25 years old) developed acute emotional and behavioral abnormalities (e.g., insomnia, aggression, incoherent speech) after switching from sodium valproate to zonisamide (200 mg/day). Case 2 (48 years old) had long-term zonisamide use (≥5 years) with persistent treatment-resistant psychotic symptoms (e.g., delusions, command hallucinations). Clinical courses, medication adjustments, and symptom responses were documented. In Case 1, psychiatric symptoms resolved after discontinuing zonisamide and switching to sodium valproate, with improved mood stability and reduced impulsivity. In Case 2, despite escalating antipsychotic medications (risperidone, clozapine), psychotic symptoms persisted, likely due to ongoing zonisamide use. Both cases highlighted zonisamide’s potential to exacerbate or induce psychiatric manifestations, possibly via mechanisms involving sodium/calcium channel inhibition and neurotransmitter dysregulation (e.g., dopamine, serotonin). Zonisamide can cause or worsen psychiatric symptoms, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Clinicians should monitor for mental health changes during zonisamide treatment and consider drug discontinuation or substitution with alternative antiepileptics (e.g., sodium valproate) if psychiatric adverse effects emerge. Awareness of this association is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and optimize epilepsy management.

ObjectiveTo explore the risk factors and alterations in functional connectivity of brain networks in end-stage renal disease （ESRD） patients complicated by frailty. MethodsA total of 84 patients with ESRD were enrolled and divided into the frailty group （31 cases） and non-frailty group （53 cases） according to the Chinese version of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator （TFI）. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） data， neuropsychological test results and clinical data were collected for all subjects. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore risk factors for frailty in ESRD patients， and image preprocessing and independent component analysis were performed to compare differences in brain network functional connectivity between the two groups. ResultsLogistic regression analysis showed that high blood urea nitrogen level， depression， malnutrition， and sleep disturbance were risk factors for frailty in patients with ESRD （P<0.05）， while a higher level of education served as a protective factor （P<0.05）. Compared with the non-frailty group， the frailty group exhibited significantly weakened functional connectivity between the sensorimotor network and the visual network （P<0.05）. ConclusionHigh levels of blood urea nitrogen， depression， malnutrition， and sleep disorders can increase the risk of frailty in patients with end-stage renal disease （ESRD）， while a higher educational level may reduce this risk. Patients with ESRD complicated by frailty exhibit a significant decrease in functional connectivity between the sensorimotor network （SMN） and visual network （VN）， which provides novel imaging evidence for exploring the central neural mechanisms underlying the development of frailty in ESRD patients.

Renal hilar tumors pose significant surgical challenges due to their proximity to major renal vessels and the collecting system. In robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, although both anterior and posterior lip tumors are considered renal hilar tumors, their operative difficulty and complication profiles differ markedly owing to distinct anatomical relationships and vascular adjacency. Anterior lip tumors, often involving tributaries of the renal vein, carry a relatively higher risk of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. In contrast, posterior lip tumors, closer to the renal artery, are more likely to prolong warm ischemia time, thereby increasing the risk of postoperative renal impairment. Regarding urine leakage, although anterior lip tumors are theoretically closer to the collecting system and may pose a slightly elevated risk, precision reconstruction strategies—such as lip reconstruction based on sinus space anatomy—can effectively mitigate this risk. However, the specific difference in urine leakage risk between anterior and posterior lip tumors warrants further investigation. Both anterior and posterior lip tumors of the kidney can achieve low positive surgical margin rates in experienced centers. Complication risks are affected by multiple factors, including tumor anatomical complexity, warm ischemia time, and surgeon experience. Notably, R.E.N.A.L. score＞8 is associated with significantly increased complication risks. Preoperative meticulous imaging evaluation, selection of an appropriate surgical approach based on tumor location, controlled warm ischemia time, and application of delicate suturing and reconstruction techniques are essential strategies to reduce complications.

Objective To investigate the clinical prognostic value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) undergoing partial nephrectomy.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of RCC patients who underwent partial nephrectomy at our hospital during 2020 and 2024.The optimal cutoff value of PNI was determined based on the maximum Youden index from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.The clinicopathological characteristics, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) between patients with different PNI levels were compared.Cox regression analysis was used to explore the independent prognostic factors for RCC patients. Results Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cutoff value corresponding to the maximum Youden index was calculated to be 46.675, at which point the sensitivity was 65.3% and the specificity was 62.2%.Of the 815 patients included in the study, 293 (36.0%) patients had a PNI＜46.675.Cox regression analysis confirmed that preoperative PNI, tumor diameter, ISUP classification, and ECOG score were independent risk factors for postoperative OS in patients with RCC who underwent PN (P＜0.05).In addition, preoperative PNI, tumor diameter, ISUP classification and ECOG score were independent risk factors for postoperative PFS (P＜0.05).After covariates in the multivariable Cox regression model were adjusted, patients in the low PNI group demonstrated significantly shorter overall survival (HR=2.392, P＜0.001) and significantly poorer progression-free survival (HR=2.076, P＜0.001) compared to those in the high PNI group.Conclusion Preoperative PNI has significant clinical value in evaluating the prognosis of RCC patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.An elevated preoperative PNI is associated with a better prognosis.

BackgroundThe prevalence， disability rate and mortality rate of cerebral small vessel disease （CSVD） are relatively high among the elderly population， imposing a heavy burden on families and society. Among the various clinical manifestations of CSVD， cognitive impairment is the most common， and it is also the most closely related neuro-psychiatric syndrome to clinical practice in psychiatry. Previous studies on CSVD-related cognitive impairment （CSVD-CI） have mostly focused on the field of imaging， while studies on non-invasive electrophysiological and cerebral hemodynamic assessments are relatively scarce. ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of event-related potential （ERP） and functional near-infrared spectroscopy （fNIRS） in patients with CSVD-CI， and to explore their correlations with the severity of white matter lesions， in order to provide references for the objective assessment and early identification of CSVD-CI. MethodsA total of 40 patients with CSVD who met the diagnostic criteria of the Chinese Guideline for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease （2020） and had cognitive impairment， as well as were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from December 2024 to December 2025， were enrolled as the case group. Meanwhile， 40 healthy volunteers matched for gender， age and education level were recruited as the control group. Both groups underwent assessment using the Mini-Mental State Examination （MMSE）， ERP-P300 detection， and fNIRS examination. The ERP-P300 indicators， functional connectivity strength of the whole brain and cognitive-related regions of interest （ROI） in fNIRS of the two groups were compared. The severity of the patients' white matter lesions was classified as follows： the Fazekas grade I group （mild white matter lesions） and the Fazekas grades II to III group （moderate to severe white matter lesions）. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to investigate the correlation between the Fazekas grading of brain white matter lesions and the latency of ERP-P300， as well as the strength of functional connectivity measured by fNIRS. ResultsThe MMSE score of the CSVD-CI group was lower than that of the control group （Z=-6.250， P<0.01）， and ERP-P300 lantency was significantly longer than that of the control group （t=12.291， P<0.01）. The MMSE score of the sub-group with Fazekas grade I was higher than that of the sub-groups with grades II to III （Z=-2.420， P<0.05）， and showed a shorter P300 latency than that of the sub-groups with grades II to III （Z=-4.210， P<0.01）. All the differences were statistically significant. The resting-state whole-brain functional connectivity strength in the CSVD-CI group was lower than that in the control group， and the difference was statistically significant （t=10.243， P<0.05）. Compared with the control group， the differences in the functional connectivity strength within the left premotor cortex （PMC）， right PMC， left frontopolar cortex （FPC）， right FPC， left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex （DLPFC）， right DLPFC， left orbitofrontal cortex （OFC）， and right OFC regions in the CSVD-CI group were all statistically significant （P_{FDR correction}<0.01）. The differences in the functional connectivity strength between multiple prefrontal-related brain regions between the CSVD-CI group and the control group were all statistically significant （P_{FDR correction}<0.01）. The severity of white matter lesions in CSVD-CI patients was positively correlated with the P300 latency （r_s=0.891， P<0.05）， and negatively correlated with the fNIRS functional connectivity strength （r_s=-0.359， P<0.05）. ConclusionPatients with CSVD-CI exhibit prolonged P300 latency， as well as decreased functional connectivity strength in multiple brain regions including the whole brain and the prefrontal lobe during the resting state. Moreover， these indicators are correlated with the severity of white matter lesions.