Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, classified as a rare congenital muscular disease. Its clinical features include progressive skeletal muscle weakness, often involving respiratory and cardiac muscles, and frequently associated with spinal deformities. This paper reports the diagnosis, perioperative management, and follow-up of a case of DMD with multisystem involvement and severe scoliosis, aiming to provide a reference for clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases.

Background: Surgeons face challenges in selecting cost-effective and biologically active agents for rotator cuff healing, given the numerous commercial products available, such as polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and atelocollagen (ATC). However, the precise efficacy of PDRN and ATC in rotator cuff healing remains debatable, and there is currently a lack of studies directly comparing the effects of the 2 agents on repaired cuff tendons. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of PDRN and ATC on bone-to-tendon interface (BTI) healing using a chronic rotator cuff tear (RCT) model in rabbits. Methods: Forty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups. To create chronic RCT models, transected tendons were left untreated for 6 weeks, and then were repaired in a transosseous manner with PDRN and ATC injection into the repair site according to group allocation (group A: saline, group B: PDRN, group C: ATC; n = 16 per group). Genetic and immunofluorescence analyses were performed at 4 weeks after surgery. Furthermore, genetic, histologic, and biomechanical analyses were performed at 12 weeks after surgery. Results: At 4 weeks after surgery, ATC-injected shoulders showed the highest mRNA expression levels of collagen type I alpha 1 and aggrecan compared to the other 2 groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Meanwhile, there was more preliminary fibrocartilaginous matrix formation in the ATC-injected group. At 12 weeks after surgery, ATC-injected shoulders demonstrated better collagen fiber continuity and orientation, denser collagen fibers, a more mature bone-to-tendon junction, and greater fibrocartilage layer formation compared to the other 2 groups (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, ATC-injected shoulders also demonstrated a significantly higher load-to-failure value (40.4 ± 4.5 N/kg) than the remaining groups (group A, 26.7 ± 3.0 N/kg; group B, 32.8 ± 4.2 N/kg; p < 0.001). Conclusions ATC demonstrated superior efficacy in promoting BTI healing following surgical repair in a chronic RCT model of rabbits.

: Bacteroides, as one of the most abundant and diverse genera in the human gut, is regarded as a window into the study of gut microbiota-host interactions. Currently, CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing systems targeting Bacteroides have been widely applied, while the large size of Cas nucleases limits their potential application scenarios (such as in situ gut Bacteroides editing based on phage delivery). Therefore, this study aims to develop a compact and highly efficient genetic editing tool in Bacteroides., We developed a miniaturized CRISPR/Cas gene editing system for human gut Bacteroides. First, the editing capabilities of different miniaturized CRISPR/Cas systems, including AsCas12f, CasΦ2, and ISDge10, were evaluated in Bacteroides fragilis. Subsequently, the editing capability of AsCas12f was assessed across various Bacteroides species, and the size of this system was further optimized. The results demonstrated that the CRISPR/AsCas12f genome editing system exhibited the highest editing efficiency in B. fragilis. The CRISPR/AsCas12f system achieved efficient genome editing in B. fragilis, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, and Phocaeicola vulgatus. Furthermore, with a repair template of 500 bp homologous arms, the editing efficiency remained as high as 94.7%. In conclusion, CRISPR/AsCas12f can serve as a chassis tool enzyme for the development of Bacteroides-based miniature gene editors and derivative technologies, laying a foundation for the further development of gene editing technology for Bacteroides.
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics* ; Gene Editing/methods* ; Bacteroides/genetics* ; Humans ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Bacteroides fragilis/genetics*

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Most patients are diagnosed at a locally advanced or metastatic stage. Systemic therapy has become the key to improve survival. To bridge the differences in guidelines across Asian countries and address regional clinical practice needs, 14 leading experts in the Asia-Pacific region developed the “Asian Consensus on systemic therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma” on the Delphi method. The consensus centers on 14 core recommendations (R1-R14) and proposes stratified management strategies based on disease stage. For resectable PDAC, adjuvant modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) is the preferred option, while for the patients with poor performance status gemcitabine plus capecitabine, S-1 monotherapy, and other regimens can be selected. For borderline resectable PDAC, neoadjuvant therapy is recommended, with GnP or FOLFIRINOX as the preferred regimens. For locally advanced PDAC, combination or monochemotherapy is selected based on their performance status. For metastatic PDAC, first-line options include GnP, NALIRIFOX, or mFOLFIRINOX, with second-line therapy the cross-use of gemcitabine-based and 5-FU-based regimens are emphasized. This consensus provides for the first time a comprehensive and standardized management framework for systemic therapy of PDAC in Asia, aiming to enhance regional homogeneity in clinical practice and improve patient outcomes. This article interpreted the consensus content with the goal of guiding clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the association of digit ratio with single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)at three loci(rs17576,rs3918249,rs9509)of matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP-9)gene.Methods A total of 804 Ningxia Han youths(399 males and 405 females)were used as the study subjects.A digital camera was used to take frontal photographs of the hands,and image analysis software was used to mark the anatomical points and measure the lengths of each finger of both hands(2D,3D,4D,5D);Multiplexed PCR was used to detect the three polymorphic sites of the MMP-9 gene,SPSS 25.0 and R Studio software were used for data analysis and plotting.Results The 2D/3D(P＜0.05)and 2D/4D(left,P＜0.01,right,P＜0.05)of both hands,2D/5D(P＜0.01),3D/5D,4D/5D(P＜0.05)of the right hand,and 3D/4D(P＜0.05)of the left hand in female youths of Ningxia Han were significantly higher than those in males,Differences in genotypes and allele frequencies at all 3 loci of the MMP-9 gene were not statistically significant between genders(P＞0.05).Right hand 2D/4D was significantly associated with genotypes at the rs17576 and rs3918249 loci in male youths(P＜0.05).Conclusion MMP-9 gene SNPs(rs17576 and rs3918249)may be associated with the formation of 2D/4D of Ningxia Han male youths.

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of interventional embolism in the treatment of hemoptysis from non-bronchial arterial system.Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 23 cases of non-bronchial artery system derived hemoptysis from February 2017 to November 2024.The hemorrhagic blood vessels were only the non-bronchial artery system in 6 cases,and from the non-bronchial artery system and bronchial arteries in 17 cases.Sources of non-bronchial artery systems included 14 intercostal arteries,5 thyrocervical trunk,5 subscapular arteries,4 internal thoracic arteries,3 external thoracic arteries,5 diaphragmatic arteries,1 renal artery,and 1 left gastric artery.All the patients were treated with interventional embolism.Recurrence rate was followed up and postoperative complications were recorded.Results The immediate hemostasis rate after surgery was 95.7%(22/23).In one case,hemoptysis was relapsed within 24 h after the operation due to omission of diaphragmatic artery,and hemoptysis did not recurred after the secondary embolization.After surgery,there was 1 case of abdominal discomfort,2 cases of fever,and 2 cases of chest pain.The symptoms disappeared after conservative treatment.After the operation,the follow-up was 4-36 months(median,30 months).A total of 20 patients did not re-develop hemoptysis,while 3 had relapsed hemoptysis at 4 months,4 months,and 36 months after operation,respectively,with a recurrence rate of 13.0%(3/23).No serious complications occurred.Conclusion Interventional embolism is effective in the treatment of non-bronchial hemoptysis,which is safe and feasible.

AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion on patients with endometriosis due to Congealing Cold with Blood Stasis.METHODS Eighty-six patients were randomly assigned into control group(43 cases)for 3-menstrual cycle intervention of warm acupuncture and moxibustion,and observation group(43 cases)for 3-menstrual cycle intervention of both Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction and warm acupuncture and moxibustion.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,dysmenorrhea degree indices(VAS score,PGE2,PGF2α),hemodynamic indices(RI,PI),sexhormones(E2,FSH,LH),inflammatory factors(IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,dysmenorrhea degree indices,hemodynamic indices,sexhormones and inflammatory factors(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with endometriosis due to Congealing Cold with Blood Stasis,Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion can safely and effectively regulate sexhormone levels,endometrial hemodynamics,inhibit inflammatory responses,and alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical effect of arthroscopic double row fixation and single row fixation in treating Ideberg typeⅠA scapular glenoid fracture. METHODS: From June 2018 to December 2022, 26 patients with Ideberg typeⅠA scapular glenoid fracture treated with shoulder arthroscopy were divided into single-row anchor group and double-row anchor group according to the fixation method of fracture block. There were 12 patients in single-row anchor group, including 7 males and 5 females, aged from 25 to 53 years old with an average of (38.42±9.61) years old;the time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 7 days with an average of (4.75±1.82) days. There were 14 patients in double-row anchor group, including 10 males and 4 females, aged from 21to 53 years old with an average of (37.36±10.19) years old;the time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 8 days with an average of (4.21±2.01) days. The changes of shoulder joint flexion, abduction, lateral lateral rotation, Constant-Murley shoulder function score and Rowe scores were compared between two groups before operation and 1 year after operation. The percentage of bone mass in pelvis area before operation and the percentage of bone defect in pelvis area at the latest follow-up were compared between two groups. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 to 15 months with an average of (13.08±1.17) months in single-row anchor group and 12 to 15 months with an average of (13.29±1.07) months in double-row anchor group, with no statistical significance between two groups (P>0.05). The results of anterior flexion, abduction and lateral lateral rotation in single-row anchor group were(86.67±6.62) °, (79.50±5.68) °, (38.17±1.70) ° before operation, and (162.50±4.52)°, (169.17±3.35)°, (50.67±10.20)° at 1 year after operation; while in double-row anchor group were (84.14±5.48) °, (81.71±5.20) °, (39.29±3.63) ° before operation and (162.29 ± 5.53) °, (167.14±3.61) °, (56.93±9.56) ° at 1 year after operation;the difference between two groups before operation and 1 year after operation was statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). Constant-Murley scores and Rowe scores in single-row anchor group were (55.42±3.75), (43.75±18.49) before operation and (94.83±2.21), (95.42±4.50) at 1 year after operation, respectively;while in double-row anchor group were (54.50±7.88), (41.79±18.25) before operation and (94.36±4.73), (95.00±4.80) at 1 year after operation;there was no significant difference in Constant-Murley score and Rowe score between two groups before operation and 1 year after operation (P>0.05). There was significant difference in the percentage of bone mass in pelvis area between two groups before operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the percentage of bone defect in the shoulder area between single-row anchor group(4.42±1.51)% and double-row anchor group (2.71±1.44)% at 1 year after operation (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Both single and double row fixation techniques for the treatment of Ideberg typeⅠA scapular glenoid fracture could receive satisfactory functional recovery. However, double-row fixation has more advantages in reducing bone resorption of fracture mass.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Adult ; Scapula/surgery* ; Case-Control Studies ; Fractures, Bone/physiopathology* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Shoulder Joint/physiopathology* ; Range of Motion, Articular

PURPOSE: To investigate the regulatory role of nerve injury-induced protein 1 (NINJ1) in the anti-inflammatory function of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) co-stimulated by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). METHODS: hUC-MSCs were expanded in vitro using standard protocols, with stem cell characteristics confirmed by flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation assays. The immunomodulatory properties and cellular activity of cytokine-co-pretreated hUC-MSCs were systematically evaluated via quantitative reverse transcription RT-qPCR, lymphocyte proliferation suppression assays, and Cell Counting Kit-8 viability tests. Transcriptome sequencing, Western blotting and small interfering RNA interference were integrated to analyze the regulatory mechanisms of NINJ1 expression. Functional roles of NINJ1 in pretreated hUC-MSCs were elucidated through gene silencing combined with lactate dehydrogenase release assays, Annexin V/Propidium Iodide apoptosis analysis, macrophage co-culture models, and cytokine Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Therapeutic efficacy was validated in a cecal ligation and puncture-induced septic mouse model: 80 mice were randomly allocated into 4 experimental groups (n=20/group): sham group (laparotomy without cecal ligation); phosphate-buffered saline-treated group (cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) + 0.1 mL phosphate-buffered saline); hUC-MSCs (small interfering RNA (siRNA)-interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha co-stimulation (IT))-treated group (CLP + hUC-MSCs transfected with scrambled siRNA); and hUC-MSCs (siNINJ1-IT)-treated group (CLP + hUC-MSCs with NINJ1-targeting siRNA). RESULTS: hUC-MSCs demonstrated compliance with International Society for Cellular Therapy criteria, confirming their stem cell identity. IFN-γ/TNF-α co-pretreatment enhanced the immunosuppressive capacity of hUC-MSCs, accompanied by the reduction of cellular viability, while concurrently upregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β. This co-stimulation significantly elevated NINJ1 expression in hUC-MSCs, whereas genetic silencing of NINJ1 effectively suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine production and attenuated damage-associated molecular patterns release through inhibition of programmed plasma membrane rupture. Furthermore, the NINJ1 interference potentiated the ability of cytokine-pretreated hUC-MSCs to suppress LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophages. In cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis model, NINJ1-silenced hUC-MSCs exhibited enhanced therapeutic efficacy, manifested by reduced systemic inflammation and multi-organ damage. CONCLUSION Our findings shed new light on the immunomodulatory functions of cytokine-primed MSCs, offering groundbreaking insights for developing MSC-based therapies against inflammatory diseases via interfering the expression of NINJ1.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects* ; Animals ; Interferon-gamma/pharmacology* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Mice ; Umbilical Cord/cytology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Apoptosis ; Male

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible associations between physical function assessment scales, such as Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), with all-cause mortality in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. METHODS: A total of 108 ADHF patients were analyzed from October 2020 to October 2022, and followed up to May 2023. The association between baseline clinical characteristics and all-cause mortality was analyzed by univariate Cox regression analysis, while for SPPB and BBS, univariate Cox regression analysis was followed by receiver operating characteristic curves, in which the area under the curve represented their predictive accuracy for all-cause mortality. Incremental predictive values for both physical function assessments were measured by calculating net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement scores. Optimal cut-off value for BBS was then identified using restricted cubic spline plots, and survival differences below and above that cut-off were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test. The clinical utility of BBS was measured using decision curve analysis. RESULTS: For baseline characteristics, age, female, blood urea nitrogen, as well as statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, were predictive for all-cause mortality for ADHF patients. With respect to SPPB and BBS, higher scores were associated with lower all-cause mortality rates for both assessments; similar area under the curves were measured for both (0.774 for SPPB and 0.776 for BBS). Furthermore, BBS ≤ 36.5 was associated with significantly higher mortality, which was still applicable even adjusting for confounding factors; BBS was also found to have great clinical utility under decision curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS BBS or SPPB could be used as tools to assess physical function in ageing ADHF patients, as well as prognosticate on all-cause mortality. Moreover, prioritizing the improvement of balance capabilities of ADHF patients in cardiac rehabilitation regimens could aid in lowering mortality risk.