Objective:To analyze the correlation between MRI indicators and clinical features of multifidus degeneration in patients with unilateral lumbar disc hemiation. Method:Eighty-six eligible patients with unilateral lumbar disc hemiation admitted to our hospital from Janu-ary 2018 to December 2021 with complete clinical data were retrospectively analyzed and divided into three groups according to the level and number of lumbar disc hemiation:27 patients in group A were treated with L4/5 disc hemiation only,30 patients in group B were treated with L5/S1 disc hemiation only,and 29 pa-tients with multi-level lumbar disc hemiation in group C.All patients underwent lumbar MRI scans,and the measurements included the ratio of the total cross-sectional area of the unaffected and affected sides of the multifidus muscle at L4/5 and L5/S1 levels,the degree of bilateral multifidus muscle atrophy,and the propor-tion of fatty infiltration.The lumbar visual analogue scale(VAS),Oswestry disability index(ODI)and other clinical features of patients with lumbar disc herniation were obtained from the medical records,and Spearman correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the ratio of the total cross-sectional area of the unaffect-ed and affected sides of the multifidus muscle at L4/5 and L5/S1 levels and the proportion of fatty infiltration. Result:There was no significant difference in age,gender and body mass index(BMI)between the groups(P＞0.05);the total cross-sectional area ratio of the unaffected and affected sides of the multifidus muscle in the three groups was positively correlated with the VAS score(P＜0.05)and not correlated with the ODI score(P＞0.05);the degree of bilateral multifidus muscle atrophy and the proportion of fatty infiltration were posi-tively correlated with the ODI score(P＜0.05)and not correlated with the VAS score(P＞0.05). Conclusion:In patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation,the degree of asymmetry in the left and right cross-sectional areas of the multifidus muscle was associated with lumbar pain,whereas the degree of bilateral multifidus muscle atrophy and the proportion of fatty infiltration were associated with ODI scores.

Objective:To explore the features of free uroflow(FF) curve patterns in female patients with detrusor underactivity(DU) and their clinical significance.Methods:Data of 275 adult female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS) underwent urodynamic studies(UDS) at urology center of our hospital from June 2014 to June 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The uroflow curve patterns of patients with DU were classified and analyzed in the context of parameters of FF, cystometry (CM), and pressure-flow study(PFS). The prevalence of each abnormal uroflow curve pattern in DU patients were calculated and compared with those in non-DU patients.Results:No bell-shaped curve was found in 141 patients with DU. The abnormal curve patterns can be divided into 5 types: Type Ⅰ (bell-shaped curve with saw tooth) in 20 cases (14.2%), Type Ⅱ (box-like curve) in 34 cases (24.1%), Type Ⅲ (triangle curve with decreasing slop) in 62 cases(43.9%), Type Ⅳ (triangle curve with increasing slop) in 4 cases (4.3%), Type Ⅴ (tide-wave curve)in 19 cases (13.5%). Maximum flow rate of free uroflow(Q max.FF) of type Ⅰ [(28.4±9.7) ml/s] was significantly greater than that of type Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅴ[(17.0±4.1), (15.8±5.4) and (12.9±6.4) ml/s, P<0.05]. Flow time of free uroflow(FT.FF) of type Ⅲ and Ⅴ [(43.7±17.2) and (50.1±28.9)s] were significantly longer than that of type Ⅰ and Ⅱ [(18.5±7.3)s and (27.2±9.7)s, P<0.05]. Post voided residual > 50ml was noted in 19 cases (30.6%) of type Ⅲ, 7 cases (36.8%) of type Ⅴ, 1 case (2.9%) of type Ⅱ and no one in type Ⅰ and Ⅳ. Abnormal manifestations in cystometry mainly included bladder hypersensitivity, detrusor overactivity, and stress urinary incontinence. Detrusor pressure at Q max (Pdet.Q max) of type Ⅴ [(7.4±5.0) cmH 2O] was significantly lower than that of type Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ [(11.8±6.7), (12.0±5.3), (12.1±5.0) cmH 2O, P<0.05]. Among 134 cases of non-DU, there were type Ⅰ curves in 88 cases (65.7%), type Ⅱ curves in 4 cases (2.9%), type Ⅲ curves in 15 cases (11.2%), type Ⅳ curves in 1 cases (0.7%), type Ⅴ curves in 7 cases (5.2%). And normal bell-shaped curves in 19 cases(14.2%). The prevalence of type Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅴ in DU patients was significantly higher than that in the non DU patients ( P<0.05). Conclusions:This study reveals that the characteristics of reduced detrusor contractility and duration, prolonged bladder emptying or incomplete emptying can be reflected in the patterns of free uroflow curve in female patients with DU. The abnormalities of these free uroflow curve patterns, especially type Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅴ will be helpful in preliminarily screening DU in females.

Mesenchymal stem cell derived (MSC) exosomes are extracellular vesicles with a diameter of about 50-200 nm. Exosomes contain a large number of biologically active substances including mRNAs, miRNAs, cytokines, chemokines, proteins, lipids, etc. MSC exosomes exert biological effects through paracrine and endocrine pathways in vivo. Uncontrolled inflammation and multiple organ dysfunction are the key roles in the progression of sepsis, moreover, heart, lungs, kidneys and brain are the general target organs to be damaged. MSC exosomes regulate the expression of cytokines, the production of inflammatory cell, the levels of inflammatory response and the recovery of damaged tissues or organ function. Therefore, studying the application of MSC exosomes is significant for the clinical treatment of sepsis. This article reviews the systemic inflammation regulation by MSC exosomes and its protective function on targeted organs such as heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, liver, etc. to provide evidences for the treatment of sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening multiple organ dysfunction disease with high mortality and has become leading causes of death affecting intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Both long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) are involved in the pathophysiological process of sepsis and can regulate the inflammatory response, both of which could be used as important diagnostic indicators and therapeutic targets of sepsis. The interaction among lncRNA, miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) plays an important role in sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction. This paper reviewed the regulatory relationship of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA, as well as the regulatory role of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in inflammatory immune response and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in sepsis, to provide new targets and strategies for the treatment of sepsis and organ dysfunction.

Objective:To investigate the role and mechanism of high mobility group box 1(HMGB1) in the injury of Caco-2 intestinal epithelial barrier induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods:The Caco-2 cellular monolayer barrier was established with Transwell chamber. After the Caco-2 monolayer model was established, the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values were measured. When the TEER value reached 500 Ω·cm 2, the cells were divided into 3 groups: control group, LPS treatment group, and LPS+ ethyl pyruvate (EP) treatment group. The concentration of LPS and EP were 100 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, separately. Then TEER values were measured at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, and FITC-dextran permeability was detected at 24 h. The cells were seeded on 6-well plates. After cell density reached 80%, treatments were given as the above. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to measure the changes in the protein and mRNA expressions of Occludin, HMGB1, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Results:Compared with the control group, the TEER values (Ω·cm 2) reduced at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h in the LPS treatment group [(514.22±12.59) vs (304.96±9.69), (521.65±13.35) vs (276.21±7.82), (523.99±8.18) vs (206.64±15.85), (491.21±6.72) vs (156.33±10.83), all P<0.05]. The FITC-dextran permeability increased significantly at 24 h [(2.58±0.07) vs (1.04±0.06), P<0.05]. The expression levels of Occludin protein and mRNA were decreased (all P<0.05), while the expression levels of HMGB1 and NF-κB protein and mRNA were significantly increased (all P<0.05). Compared with the LPS treatment group, the TEER values (Ω·cm 2) increased significantly at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h in the EP treatment group [(519.00±5.66) vs (304.96±9.69), (504.69±8.57) vs (276.21±7.82), (453.65±10.74) vs (206.64±15.85), (385.28±7.57) vs (156.33±10.83), all P<0.05]. The FITC-dextran permeability decreased at 24 h [(1.23±0.11) vs (2.58±0.07), P<0.05]. The expression level of Occludin protein and mRNA were increased ( P<0.05), while the expression levels of HMGB1 and NF-κB protein and mRNA were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). Conclusions:LPS can injure intestinal barrier directly in vitro and reduces the expression of tight junction proteins between cells. The mechanism may be related to the increased expression of HMGB1 and NF-κB protein.

Objective:To investigate the role and mechanism of the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in intestinal mucosal barrier injury in rat with sepsis induced by endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods:The rats were given intraperitoneal injection of LPS to reproduce a model of sepsis. The effect of HMGB1 inhibitor EP solution (40 mg/kg) on sepsis was observed, and phosphate buffer (PBS) control group was set up. Seventy-two hours after modeling, abdominal aortic blood was obtained, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the plasma levels of D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase (DAO) of mucosal barrier permeability. The pathological changes of the intestinal mucosal were observed with light microscope and the Chiu score was recorded. The intestinal mucosal ultrastructural changes were observed with electron microscopy. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expressions of Occludin, inflammatory factor HMGB1 and its downstream signal molecule nuclear transcription factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in the rat small intestine.Results:The results of histopathology and ultrastructure of the small intestine showed that in the LPS group, the intestinal mucosa tissue swelled obviously, part of the glands were incomplete, the infiltration of neutrophils increased, themicrovillus cells were absent, arranged indisorder, and the number of tight connections significantly reduced compared with the PBS control group. The levels of D-lactic acid and DAO indicating mucosal barrier permeability, the levels of inflammatory factor HMGB1 and its downstream signaling molecule NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expressions in the LPS group were significantly higher than those in the PBS control group, and the mRNA and protein expression of Occludin in the small intestine was significantly lower than that in the PBS control group, suggesting that the intestinal mucosal barrier function in septic rats was damaged, permeability increased, and the structure was damaged. After the administration of the HMGB1 inhibitor EP, the intestinal mucosal barrier damage was significantly improved. The performance was as follows: the Chiu score of the small intestine tissue and the plasma D-lactic acid and DAO levels in the EP intervene group were significantly lower than those in the LPS group [Chiu score: 1.60±0.48 vs. 3.40±0.48, D-lactic acid (mmol/L): 3.30±0.22 vs. 5.30±0.16, DAO (U/L): 23.66±0.97 vs. 30.47±1.11, all P < 0.05]. Occludin mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher than those in the LPS group [Occludin mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.82±0.05 vs. 0.37±0.08, Occludin protein (Occludin/β-actin): 1.04±0.09 vs. 0.75±0.11, both P < 0.05], while the mRNA and protein expression levels of HMGB1 and NF-κB p65 were significantly lower than those in the LPS group [HMGB1 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 1.63±0.10 vs. 3.57±0.10, HMGB1 protein (HMGB1/β-actin): 1.40±0.07 vs. 1.87±0.07; NF-κB p65 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 1.47±0.09 vs. 2.62±0.13, NF-κB p65 protein (NF-κB p65/β-actin): 1.24±0.14 vs. 1.60±0.13, all P < 0.05]. Conclusions:Intestinal mucosal barrier function of septic rats was damaged, permeability increased, and structure was damaged. The mechanism may be that the expression of inflammatory factor HMGB1 was up-regulated and promoted the activation of its downstream signaling molecule NF-κB, thereby mediated the inflammatory cascade reaction and caused damage to the intestinal mucosa.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of sacral neuromodulation(SNM)therapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction(LUTD)in elderly patients.Methods:Clinical data of 91 elderly patients with LUTD from multiple medical institutions who received SNM during the period from January 2012 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were divided into four groups: the interstitial cystitis(IC)group(n=28), the neurogenic bladder(NB)group(n=36), the overactive bladder syndrome(OAB)group(n=13)and the idiopathic dysuria(ID)group(n=14). Different sets of evaluation parameters were used for different diseases.Patients’ baseline data and data in stage I(test phase)and stage Ⅱ(permanent SNM)were recorded, statistically analyzed and compared.Results:Ninety-one people underwent SNM treatment.Of them, 53 patients received permanent implants(stage Ⅱ), and the total conversion rate of stage I to stage Ⅱ was 58.2%(53/91). Patients receiving permanent implants(stage Ⅱ)had a preoperative period ranging from 3 months to 30 years, and were followed up for 2 to 58 months after treatment, with an average follow-up of 19.6 months.The improvement rates in stage I for urinary urgency, daily urination frequency, daily nocturnal urination frequency, maximum urine volume, daily average urine volume, daily urine leakage frequency, and quality of life score were 35.4%, 31.6%, 33.7%, 32.6%, 49.2%, 43.2% and 13.2%, respectively.The improvement rates in stage Ⅱ for urinary urgency, daily urination frequency, daily nocturnal urination frequency, maximum urine volume, daily average urine volume, daily urine leakage frequency, and quality of life score were 43.2%, 40.0%, 37.8%, 50.5%, 70.5%, 70.4% and 43.2%, respectively.Three adverse events occurred, including 1 case of recurrent symptoms, 1 case of moderate infection, and 1 case of electrical lead dislocation.Conclusions:Sacral nerve stimulation has definitive and consistent curative effects on LUTD in elderly people.The follow-up time should be extended to further study the safety of sacral nerve stimulation.

Objective: To explore the genotypes and phenotypes of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) in Xinjiang Uygur children. Methods: The history of nine Uygur children with OI who were hospitalized in First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. They were classified into 4 types according to the classical Sillence classification. The genes associated with OI were detected, and the pathogenic variation was assessed by InterVar and Alamut software according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommendations. The phenotypes of children with different genotypes were further analyzed. Results: Nine cases aged 3 years and 6 monthes to 15 years were all clinically diagnosed as OI, the clinical manifes tations were repeated fractures, skeletal deformities,short stature, blue sclera, abnormol hearing, hypoplasia of dentin, and relaxation of Joint ligaments, among whom 6 was type Ⅲ OI, 3 were type Ⅳ OI. Nine mutations in 3 genes (COL1A1, COL1A2, and SERPINF1) were detected, and 5 of them were first reported and were all pathogenic variations. Conclusions The cinical phenotypes of osteogenesis imperfecta in Xinjiang Uygur are complex and varied, but all of them have fractures and skeletal deformities. Genotype is different from that reported at China and abroad, and the SERPINF1 gene may have a higher incidence in Uyghur population. The genetic heterogeneity and unique gene variation pedigree of Uyghur osteogenesis imperfecta defects further provide a basis for the correlation between genotype and phenotype of osteogenesis defects.

Objective: To compare the predictive value of 10 prehospital assessment scales for large vessel occlusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: From January 2016 to December 2018, patients with acute ischemic stroke within 24 h of onset admitted to the Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University were enrolled retrospectively. The scores of various scales were calculated based on clinical data, including the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Los Angeles Motor Scale (LAMS), and 3-item stroke scale (3I- SS), Prehospital Acute Stroke Severity Scale (PASS), Ambulance Clinical Triage For Acute Stroke Treatment (ACT-FAST), and Stroke Vision, Aphasia, and Neglect Assessment Scales (VAN), etc. The predictive threshold of the NIHSS score was determined, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of various prehospital scales to predict large vessel occlusion. Results: A total of 705 patients with acute ischemic stroke within 24 h of onset were enrolled, including 252 (35.7%) with large vessel occlusion. The best predictive cutoff value for judging large vessel occlusion by the NIHSS score was 9, sensitivity was 81.7%, specificity was 79.7%, positive likelihood ratio was 4.851, and negative likelihood ratio was 0.260. LAMS score ≥4 (sensitivity 88.1%, specificity 81.0%, positive likelihood ratio 4.640, and negative likelihood ratio 0.247), VAN positive (sensitivity 83.7%, specificity 82.3%, positive likelihood ratio 4.741, and negative likelihood ratio 0.198) and NIHSS score ≥9 were more accurate in identifying large vessel occlusion. The AUC values of the 8 quantitative scores were all > 0.7, and the AUC of LAMS was the largest (0.852, 95% confidence interval 0.825-0.878). Conclusions In patients with acute ischemic stroke within 24 h of onset, the NIHSS score ≥9 can be used as the best cutoff value for predicting large vessel occlusion events. LAMS, VAN, and NIHSS scales are more accurate in predicting large vessel occlusion. The predictive power of the 8 quantitative scales is higher, and the AUC of LAMS is the largest, which can be used for clinical prediction of large vessel occlusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Objective To approach the spine MRI features and its possibility of etiology for refractory lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS) in female patients.Methods We conducted prospectively a cross sectional description study of female patients with refractory LUTS during January 16 through March 27 in 2017 based on a urologist's outpatient work.The including criteria were adult female patients with refractory LUTS which defined as having LUTS more than three months and having poor response to behavior therapy and medication treatment.The excluding criteria were patients having evidence of infection,tumor,stone in urinary tract,any central nerve system diseases,or any other diseases may potentially producing LUTS.Data collected included patients demographic information,main complains,present disease features,disease history,physical examination,urine routine,urodynamic study and spine MRI.The characteristics of clinical manifestation,urodynamic study and spine MRI were analyzed.Results During the time span of study,totally 70 cases had been diagnosed as having refractory LUTS and had qualified data of clinical recordings,urodynamic study and spine MRI.Among these 70 cases,63 (90.9％) had storage phase symptoms,11 (15.7％) had voiding phase symptoms,8 (11.4％) had postmicturition symptoms,12 (17.1％) also had disorders in defecating,45 (64.3％) had pain in lower abdomen or pelvic region.69 cases (98.6％) had urodynamic disorders,33 (47.1％) had oversensitivity of bladder,12 (17.1％) had smaller bladder volume,16(22.9％) had detrusor overactivity,15 (21.4％) had bladder outlet obstruction,39(55.7％) had detrusor underactivity.69 cases(98.6％)had spine MRI abnormalities,54(77.1％) had sacral nerve lesions,49 (70.0％) had cervical lesions,48 (68.6％) had lumbar lesions,4 had thorathic lesions.Conclusions The present study revealed extraordinary high prevalence of abnormality in urodynamic parameters and spine MRI in female patients with refractory LUTS,which implies possibility that the refractory LUTS are caused by lesions in spinal nerve system.