Methods: The clinical data of 26 patients diagnosed with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation complicated by atlantodental bony obstruction were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent anterior retropharyngeal atlantodentoplasty, followed by posterior occipitocervical fusion. Details including surgical duration and blood loss volume were recorded. Radiographic data such as the anterior atlantodental interval, O–C2 angle, space available for the cord, clivus–canal angle, and cervical medullary angle, and clinical data including the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score were assessed. The fusion time of the grafted bone and the development of complications were examined. Results: In patients undergoing anterior retropharyngeal atlantodentoplasty, the surgical duration and blood loss volume were 120.1±16.4 minutes and 100.6±33.5 mL, respectively. The anterior atlantodental interval decreased significantly after the surgery (p <0.001). The O–C2 angle, space available for the cord, clivus–canal angle, and cervical medullary angle increased significantly after the surgery (p <0.001). The JOA score during the latest follow-up significantly increased compared with that before the surgery (p <0.001). The improvement rate of the JOA score was 80.8%±18.1%. The fusion time of the grafted bone was 3–8 months, with an average of 5.7±1.5 months. In total, 11 patients presented with postoperative dysphagia and three with irritating cough. However, none of them exhibited other major complications. Conclusions Anterior retropharyngeal atlantodentoplasty can anatomically reduce the atlantoaxial joint with a satisfactory clinical outcome in patients with irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation with atlantodental bony obstruction.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Objective: To investigate the impact of extracurricular physical activity on heart rate variability (HRV) among primary and secondary school students in Chengdu City, so ao to provide references for scientific exercise prescription. Methods: Using a convenient sampling method, 1 323 primary and secondary students were enrolled from central Chengdu who underwent physical fitness assessments at Sichuan Provincial Institute of Sports Science from September 2020 to January 2022. According to the standards of the National Physical Fitness Monitoring Center, boys and girls were divided into groups with and without extracurricular physical exercise habits. HRV was monitored using the SA-3000P device. Key HRV parameters were evaluated separately by gender, including standard deviation of normal to normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD), total power (TP), low frequency power (LF) and high frequency power (HF). Statistical analyses were employed by t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi square test. Results: lgSDNN, lgrMSSD, TP, LF and HF in the group without extracurricular physical exercise habit [boys:(1.67±0.13)ms, (1.59±0.20)ms, (7.34±0.73)ms 2, (6.11±0.74)ms 2, (6.05±0.87)ms 2; girls:(1.67± 0.13)ms , (1.59±0.19)ms, (7.35±0.60)ms 2, (6.06±0.69)ms 2, (6.12±0.87)ms 2] were lower than those in the group with extracurricular physical exercise habit [boys:(1.75±0.13)ms, (1.72±0.18)ms, (7.69±0.62)ms 2, (6.41±0.76)ms 2, (6.44±0.79)ms 2；girls:(1.73±0.13)ms, (1.68±0.20)ms, (7.60±0.65)ms 2, (6.26±0.86)ms 2, (6.36±0.90)ms 2] ( t =-8.24, -8.75, -6.54, -5.35 , -6.33；-5.10，-4.90，-4.47，-2.71，-2.93, all P ＜0.01). Only the group of boys without extracurricular physical exercise habits showed a decrease in lgLF/HF [0.04(-0.19,0.27)] compared to the group with extracurricular physical exercise habits [ -0.03 (-0.25,0.20)] ( Z=-2.01, P <0.05). When the score classes of autonomic nerve activity, stress index and fatigue index were compared between boys and girls groups without and with extracurricular physical exercise habits, the proportion of boys normal and above scores increased from 79.3%, 84.1%, 71.8% to 91.4%, 95.7%, 87.3%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=47.42, 63.66, 38.28); the proportion of girls normal score and above increased from 79.8%, 85.7%, 75.0% to 85.4%, 92.1%, 79.4%, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=48.31, 22.18, 22.22) (all P <0.01). Conclusion The primary and secondary school students who have the habit of extracurricular physical exercise have enhanced compliance in indicators related to HRV, showing more complex heart rate variability.

" Lijie and yellowish sweating" originates from the chapter on stroke and arthralgia diseases in Synopsis of Golden Chamber. Later generations typically interpret it as yellow fluid oozing from painful joints, a characteristic manifestation of arthralgia. In Western medicine, Lijie corresponds to diseases such as gouty arthritis, with its primary clinical manifestations being redness, swelling, heat, and painful joints, most often without yellow fluid discharge. Therefore, the interpretation of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" contradicts the clinical manifestations often observed in this disease. Thus, this article reinterprets the meaning of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" from the pathogenesis of " sweat exposure to water, as if water harms the heart" , combined with the viewpoints of other medical practitioners. Determining the meaning of " yellowish sweating" is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of arthralgia and clarifying the relationship between arthralgia and yellowish sweating. ZHANG Zhongjing mentioned arthralgia and " yellowish sweating" together, not to differentiate between the two diseases but to emphasize the common pathogenesis of the two, namely, the cold and dampness injuring the heart, blood, and vessels. This paper proposes a new explanation of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" , which suggests that " yellowish sweating" is not confined to the joints but can be found all over the body. The pathogenesis of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" lies in the insufficiency of the liver and kidney and exogenous water dampness, leading to disharmony between nutrient qi and defensive qi and between yin and yang. Primary treatment should harmonize yingfen and weifen, as well as tonify and replenish the liver and kidney. The clinical selection of medicines can be considered Guizhi Decotion, a type of formula. The pathogenesis of " Lijie and yellowish sweating" is complex, and clinical treatment should be comprehensively considered to achieve the best therapeutic effect.

This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of the effective-compounds of Jinshui Huanxian formula (ECC-JHF) in improving pulmonary fibrosis. Animal experiments were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Animal Experiment Center of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: IACUC-202306012). The mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced using bleomycin (BLM). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to detect the histopathological changes of lung tissues. Masson staining was used to assess the degree of fibrosis in lung tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed to measure the expression of collagen type I (COL I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lung tissues. Flow cytometry (FCM) was employed to detect the proportion of M1 and M2 macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice. IF and qPCR were also used to detect the expression of lipase family member N (LIPN) in lung tissues. Free fatty acid assay kit was used to detect the level of free fatty acids in lung tissue. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with interleukin-4 (IL-4) to induce M2 polarization. FCM was used to measure the proportion of CD206⁺ M2 macrophages. IF was utilized to detect LIPN expression and lipid droplet decomposition. The results showed that in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice, ECC-JHF significantly attenuated BLM-induced alveolar inflammation and collagen deposition, inhibited fibroblast activation in lung tissues, and decreased the proportion of M2 macrophages in BALF. It also significantly suppressed LIPN expression and free fatty acid level in lung tissues. In the IL-4 induced BMDMs M2 polarization model, ECC-JHF significantly inhibited the proportion of CD206⁺ M2 macrophages, down-regulated the expression of LIPN, and blocked lipid droplet catabolism. These results suggest that ECC-JHF may alleviate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting lipid droplet decomposition and M2 macrophage polarization.

As the number of patients with compromised immune function increases and fungal resistance develops, so does the risk of contracting deadly fungi in humans. Both fungi and humans are eukaryotes, so identifying unique targets for antifungal drug development is difficult. In addition, the existing antifungal drugs are limited by toxicity, drug interaction and drug resistance in practical application, which leads to the increasing incidence and fatal rate of fungal infections. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new antifungal drugs. The semi-synthetic technology using microbial fermentation products from natural sources as lead compounds has become the most used method in structural modification of antifungal drugs due to its advantages of few reaction steps and easy operation. This paper will introduce the current status of natural antifungal drugs in clinical use, as well as the latest progress in the research and development of new semi-synthetic antifungal drugs, and summarize their mechanism of action, structural modifications, advantages and disadvantages, so as to provide reference for the subsequent development of new antifungal drugs.

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), recognized as emerging environmental pollutants, are widely distributed in natural environments. Due to their small particle size and significant migratory capacity, MNPs can infiltrate diverse environmental matrices, then invade and accumulate in the organism via the skin, respiration, and digestion. Recently, concerns have grown over the detrimental effects and potential toxicity of MNPs on reproductive health. This review summarized published epidemiological and toxicological studies related to MNPs exposure and their effects on reproductive health. Firstly, this review critically examined the current landscape of epidemiological evidence and found that MNPs (e.g., polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, etc.) are present in various biological specimens from both males and females, and their presence may be associated with an increased risk of reproductive disorders. Secondly, extensive toxicological studies revealed that MNPs exposure induces reproductive health damage through mechanisms such as disrupting the microstructure of reproductive organs and altering molecular-level expressions. Oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis are identified as potential links between MNPs exposure and reproductive damage. Finally, this review addressed the prevalent shortcomings in existing studies and proposed future directions to tackle the challenges posed by MNPs-induced reproductive harm. These insights aim to inform strategies for safeguarding public reproductive health and ecological security, providing a scientific foundation for mitigating risks associated with MNPs pollution.

Objective To investigate the intervention effects of a progressive upper limb exercise rehabilitation program based on the multi-process action control theory on upper limb function,rehabilitation compliance,and quality of life in patients with permanent pacemaker implantation(PPI).Methods A total of 130 patients scheduled for PPI from March to August 2024 were selected using a convenience sampling method.Among them,65 patients admitted from June to August were assigned to the experimental group,and 65 patients admitted from March to May formed the control group.The experimental group received the progressive upper limb exercise program in addition to routine care,while the control group received routine care only.The intervention lasted for 3 months.The differences were compared between the 2 groups in terms of primary outcome measures,including the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI)and grip strength.The secondary outcome measures were the Quality of Life Instrument for Chinese Patients with Pacemaker(QLICPP),hospital stay and incidence of complications.Results A total of 122 patients(62 in the experimental group and 60 in the control group)completed this study.Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant interaction effects between time and group for the total SPADI score and its pain and disability dimensions,as well as for the physical function,psychological function,and total score of QLICPP(P＜0.001).Simple effects analysis indicated that the experimental group had better grip strength than the control group at l month postoperatively,and lower SPADI scores and total score than the control group at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.At 1 month postoperatively,the total QLICPP score and each dimension of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the incidence of complications and length of hospital stay(P＞0.05).Conclusion The progressive upper limb exercise rehabilitation program developed in this study effectively addressed the issue of low rehabilitation compliance in PPI patients,improved their upper limb function and quality of life,and it was safe.It provides a feasible and effective new pathway for the rehabilitation of PPI patients.

Laparoscopic technology has become an important choice for ventral hernia repair due to its advantages of minimal trauma and rapid recovery. Traditional non-absorbable synthetic meshes are the most commonly used type of mesh in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Although they provide reliable mechanical support, their long-term presence in the human body may cause mesh erosion and wrinkling, leading to complications such as intestinal fistula, abdominal adhesions, postoperative foreign body sensation, chronic pain, and infection, which are receiving increasing attention. Absorbable meshes, with their excellent biocompatibility and ability to induce tissue remodelling, can reduce the incidence of the above complications and are revolutionising laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. The authors introduce the types and characteristics of existing absorbable mesh, focusing on their clinical efficacy in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, existing challenges and countermeasures, as well as individualized surgical decision-making in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.