Noise-induced hearing loss is a worldwide public health issue that is characterized by temporary or permanent changes in hearing sensitivity. This condition is closely linked to inflammatory responses, and interventions targeting the inflammatory gene tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) are known to mitigate cochlear noise damage. TNFα-induced proteins (TNFAIPs) are a family of translucent acidic proteins, and TNFAIP6 has a notable association with inflammatory responses. To date, there have been few reports on TNFAIP6 levels in the inner ear. To elucidate the precise mechanism, we generated transgenic mouse models with conditional knockout of Tnfaip6 (Tnfaip6 cKO). Evaluation of hair cell morphology and function revealed no significant differences in hair cell numbers or ribbon synapses between Tnfaip6 cKO and wild-type mice. Moreover, there were no notable variations in hair cell numbers or hearing function in noisy environments. Our results indicate that Tnfaip6 does not have a substantial impact on the auditory system.
Animals ; Mice, Knockout ; Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/pathology* ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem/physiology*

BACKGROUND: The derivation of salivary gland (SG) progenitors from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) presents significant potential for developmental biology and regenerative medicine. However, the existing protocols for inducing SG include limited factors, making it challenging to mimic the in vivo microenvironment of embryonic SGs. METHODS: We reported a cocktail factor approach to promote the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC)-derived oral epithelium (OE) into SG progenitors through a three-dimensional co-culture method. Upon confirming that the embryonic SG can promote the differentiation of mESC-derived OE, we performed RNA sequence analysis to identify factors involved in the differentiation of SG progenitors. RESULTS: Our findings highlight several efficient pathways related to SG development, with frequent appearances of four factors: IFN-c, TGF-b2, EGF, and IGF-1. The combined treatment using these cocktail factors increased the expression of key SG progenitor markers, including Sox9, Sox10, Krt5, and Krt14. However, absence of any one of these cocktail factors did not facilitate differentiation. Notably, aggregates treated with the cocktail factor formed SG epitheliallike structures and pre-bud-like structures on the surface. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study offers a novel approach to developing a differentiation protocol that closely mimics the in vivo microenvironment of embryonic SGs. This provides a foundation for generating PSC-derived organoids with near-physiological cell behaviors and structures.

Objective To explore the improvements of high-fat intake on lung injury induced by Paragonimus proliferus infection in rats, and to preliminarily explore the mechanisms underlying the role of cytochrome P450 4A1 (CYP 4A1) in the improve ments. Methods SD rats were randomly assigned into three groups, including the normal control group (n = 10), the infection and normal diet group (n = 12) and the infection and high-fat diet group (n = 12). Rats in the normal control group were fed with normal diet and without any other treatments, and animals in the infection and normal diet group were subcutaneously injected with 8 excysted metacercariae of P. proliferus via the abdominal wall, followed by feeding with normal diet, while rats in the infection and high-fat diet group were subcutaneously injected with 8 excysted metacercariae of P. proliferus via the abdominal wall, followed by feeding with high-fat diet. All rats were sacrificed 28 weeks post-infection, and serum samples and lung specimens were collected. Following hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of rat lung specimens, the rat lung injury was observed under an optical microscope, and alveolitis was evaluated using semi-quantitative scoring. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the cytochrome P450 4A1 (CYP 4A1) expression was quantified in rat lung specimens at transcriptional and translational levels using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting assays. Results Alveolar wall thickening, edema and inflammatory cell infiltration were alleviated 28 weeks post-infection with P. proliferus in rats in the infection and high-fat diet group relative to the infection and normal diet group, and no alveolar consolidation was seen in the infection and high-fat diet group. The semi-quantitative score of alveolitis was significantly higher in the infection and normal diet group [(2.200 ± 0.289) points] than in the normal control group [(0.300 ± 0.083) points] and the infection and high-fat diet group [(1.300 ± 0.475) points] (both P values < 0.05), and higher serum IL-1β [(151.586 ± 20.492)] pg/mL and TNF-α levels [(180.207 ± 23.379) pg/mL] were detected in the infection and normal diet group than in the normal control group [IL-1β: (103.226 ± 3.366) pg/mL; TNF-α: (144.807 ± 1.348) pg/mL] and the infection and high-fat diet group [IL-1β: (110.131 ± 12.946) pg/mL; TNF-α: (131.764 ± 27.831) pg/mL] (all P values < 0.05). In addition, lower CYP 4A1 mRNA (3.00 ± 0.81) and protein expression (0.40 ± 0.02) was quantified in lung specimens in the infection and normal diet group than in the normal control group [(5.03 ± 2.05) and (0.84 ± 0.14)] and the infection and high-fat diet group [(11.19 ± 3.51) and (0.68 ± 0.18)] (all P values < 0.05). Conclusion High-fat intake may alleviate lung injuries caused by P. proliferus infection in rats through up-regulating CYP 4A1 expression in lung tissues at both translational and transcriptional levels.

Pregnancy ; Female ; Humans ; Placenta ; Nuclear Transfer Techniques ; Embryo, Mammalian ; Cell Nucleus

Objective:To establish scientific and objective indicators of basic professional competencies for undergraduate students of Public Management (Health Management specialty).Methods:Based on the 18 classic competency elements of Hay Group, the basic indicators of professional competencies for undergraduate students of Public Management (Health Management specialty) was established primarily through behavior event method and Delphi method. Data entry was made by EpiData3.1, and SPSS 26.0 and Excel 2010 were used for data analysis and descriptive statistical analysis.Results:The response rates of the two rounds of consultation were 100.0% and 95.5%, and the overall authority coefficient of experts was 0.80. Finally, the basic indicators of professional competencies of undergraduate students of Public Management (Health Management specialty) were developed, which constituted 4 primary indicators and 27 secondary indicators.Conclusion:The indicators of basic professional competencies of undergraduate students of Public Management (Health Management specialty) are scientific and practical, which will guide the cultivation, selection, training, and assessment for health management professionals.

Objective : This study aims to explore the general rules of profile⁃based forehead protrusion value and appearance in Anhui province, and the results will provide guidance for clinical orthodontic works on matching lateral forehead protrusion and the lower third of the face in the future. Methods : A total of 262 patients were included in this cross⁃sectional study. The materials for the study were the lateral cephalometric radiographs and standard 90⁃degree profile photographs taken from the subjects at the same time. The Frankfurt horizontal( FH) plane was used to calibrate the head position parallel to the ground. The samples were grouped according to genders, ages and dentoskeletal classifications. The measurement points of forehead protrusion in profile included hairline point and soft tissue nasion point. The point where the parallel line connecting two points was tangent to the forehead contour was defined as the most convex point. The value of forehead protrusion in profile was expressed by the distance between two parallel lines. The forehead morphology was studied by tracing the forehead on lateral photographs. P-values < 0. 05 were considered statistically significant. Results : The lateral forehead protrusion of female was larger than that of male, and the difference between male and female decreased gradually from children (P < 0. 001), adolescents (P < 0. 001) to adults. The shape of the forehead differed between the two sexes. Female forehead is round, protruding part in the middle, the overall appearance like an arc; Male forehead was more straight, the most convex point was generally located near the eyebrow arch. Conclusion Gender is an important factor influencing profile forehead protrusion and appearance. The difference between male and female forehead protrusion decreases with age. But the shape remains different.

Background::Urticaria is a common skin disease characterized by episodes of wheals, and it has a negative effect on patients’ quality of life. Large-scale population-based epidemiological studies of urticaria are scarce in China. The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence, clinical forms, and risk factors of urticaria in the Chinese population.Methods::This survey was conducted in 35 cities from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities of China. Two to three communities in each city were selected in this investigation. Participants completed questionnaires and received dermatological examinations. We analyzed the prevalence, clinical forms, and risk factors of urticaria.Results::In total, 44,875 questionnaires were distributed and 41,041 valid questionnaires were collected (17,563 male and 23,478 female participants). The lifetime prevalence of urticaria was 7.30%, with 8.26% in female and 6.34% in male individuals ( P < 0.05). The point prevalence of urticaria was 0.75%, with 0.79% in female and 0.71% in male individuals ( P < 0.05). Concomitant angioedema was found in 6.16% of patients. Adults had a higher prevalence of urticaria than adolescents and children. Living in urban areas, exposure to pollutants, an anxious or depressed psychological status, a personal and family history of allergy, thyroid diseases, and Helicobacter pylori infection were associated with a higher prevalence of urticaria. Smoking was correlated with a reduced risk of urticaria. Conclusion::This study demonstrated that the lifetime prevalence of urticaria was 7.30% and the point prevalence was 0.75% in the Chinese population; women had a higher prevalence of urticaria than men. Various factors were correlated with urticaria.

Background::Data on the glycemic profile of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the perinatal period are sparse. This study described the intrapartum and early postpartum glucose profiles among pregnant women with GDM, and analyzed factors potentially affecting glycemic parameters during the period.Methods::This was a prospective observational study conducted from March 2020 to November 2021. Pregnant women with GDM receiving lifestyle interventions alone during pregnancy and matched women with non-diabetic pregnancies (NDPs) were enrolled from among patients admitted to the obstetrics department for childbirth. Glucose monitoring was performed via a flash glucose monitoring (FGM) system on admission, and glucose readings during labor and early postpartum were analyzed. The clinical characteristics and FGM-based parameters of participants in the two groups were compared.Results::A total of 124 participants (mean age: 29.5 ± 3.5 years, 92 [74.2%] primipara) were included in the final analysis. A total of 17,571 glucose readings were retrieved. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the GDM ( n = 60) and NDP ( n = 64) groups. The average glucose level was 92.2 mg/dL, and the level was higher in the GDM group (95.5 ± 12.1 mg/dL vs. 89.1 ± 13.4 mg/dL, P = 0.008) during the intrapartum and early postpartum periods. The data were split into the intrapartum period (from the start of labor to delivery of the placenta) and the early postpartum period (within 24 h after placental delivery) for analysis. During intrapartum, women with GDM exhibited glycemic profiles and fluctuations similar to those in the NDP group. However, women with GDM had higher postpartum glucose levels (97.7 ± 13.4 mg/dL vs. 90.8 ± 15.3 mg/dL, P = 0.009), a longer time spent >140 mg/dL (8.7 ± 9.3% vs. 5.9 ± 10.3%, P = 0.011), and greater glycemic fluctuations than those with NDP. Postpartum hyperglycemia in GDM might be associated with high parity and postprandial glucose abnormalities in GDM screening tests. Conclusion::Compared to those with normoglycemia, pregnant women with GDM receiving lifestyle interventions alone had similar intrapartum glucose profiles but higher early postpartum glucose levels and greater glucose variability, providing evidence for modification of the current perinatal glucose monitoring strategy for GDM.Trial Registration::ChiCTR.org.cn, ChiCTR2000030972

Objective To summarize the radiological features of follicular dendritic cell tumor of spleen (FDCS).Methods The clinical, radiological and pathological data of 8 patients from November 2011 to November 2017 in 5 hospitals with FDCS confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent CT examinations including plan and enhanced CT. Three patients underwent additional MRI and two patients underwent PET‐CT examinations simultaneously. The imaging features such as location, number, shape, boundary, size, internal structure, density (or signal, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake), enhancement model and the relationship with surrounding structures were observed and compared with pathological results. Results Of the 8 patients with FDCS, 7 were located in the spleen and 1 was located in the spleen of the ectopic spleen of the pancreas. Seven patients with splenic FDCS underwent splenectomy and 1 patient with pancreatic ectopic spleen FDCS underwent resection of the pancreas. Multiple lesions were detected in 1 case, while single in the others. Tumor was round or oval. The tumors were well‐circumscribed and presented as expansive growth. On unenhanced CT, the tumors showed a slightly lower density, and hemorrhage and necrosis could be detected in 6 lesions. Calcification was seen in 1 case, significant necrosis, and cystic change was presented in the pancreatic ectopic spleen FDCS. The solid part presented isointensity or slightly hypointensity on T1WI, and hyperointensity on T2WI. Cystic necrosis areas were hypointensitive on T1WI, and hyperointensitive on T2WI. Spoke‐like areas with hypointensity on T1WI and hyperointensity on T2WI were detected in the center of the solid part with the distribution among the substantial degenerative and necrotic regions. PET‐CT showed that the 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose was uptaked obviously. The enhancement CT showed that at the arterial phase, the tumors were markedly enhanced and continuously enhanced at portal vein phase and balance phase. Multiple liver metastases were detected in 1 case with huge FDCS. One patient was followed up for 6 years, and gastric lymphoma was detected. The others were followed up for 6 to 53 months, there remained no transfer or recurrence.Conclusions The features of FDCS of spleen mainly manifest as solid or cystic mass with clear solitary sphenoma accompanied by scarring, calcification and hemorrhage. The enhancement mode is persistent enhancement. MRI and PET‐CT help to further reflect the tumor pathological basis and biological characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of low back pain in workers in automobile manufacturing plants. METHODS: A judgment sampling method was used to select 394 workers with working length ≥1 year in an automobile manufacturing plant as study subjects. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the prevalence of low back pain in these workers using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of low back pain in these study subjects was 28. 9%( 114/394). The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the relative risk ranked from high to low is as follow: uncomfortable working posture [Odds ratio( OR) =7. 31,95% confidence interval( 95% CI) = 2. 92-18. 28],feeling tired after work( OR = 5. 34,95% CI = 1. 22-23. 32],the commu time more than 30 minutes( OR = 2. 76,95% CI = 1. 38-5. 52),insufficient operating space( OR = 2. 22,95% CI = 1. 28-3. 83),hand or arm frequently used at work( OR = 2. 08,95% CI = 1. 14-3. 78) and age( OR = 2. 00,95% CI = 1. 19-3. 35),that were all risk factors of low back pain( P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: The frequent use of hand or arm at work,insufficient operating space,uncomfortable working posture,feeling tired after work,and long commute time are the main influencing factors affecting the low back pain of automobile manufacturing workers.