BACKGROUND: The profile and clinical significance of the oral microbiome in patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (noHCM) and obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) remain unexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the difference of oral microbiome between noHCM and oHCM patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 18 noHCM patients and 26 oHCM patients from Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between 2020 and 2021. Clinical and periodontal evaluations were conducted, and subgingival plaque samples were collected. Metagenomic sequencing and subsequent microbial composition and functional analyses were performed. RESULTS: Compared to oHCM patients, those with noHCM had higher systolic blood pressure (138.1 ± 18.8 mmHg vs . 124.2 ± 13.8 mmHg, P = 0.007), a larger body circumference (neck circumference: 39.2 ± 4.0 cm vs . 35.1 ± 3.7 cm, P = 0.001; waist circumference: 99.7 ± 10.5 cm vs . 92.2 ± 10.8 cm, P = 0.027; hip circumference: 102.5 ± 5.6 cm vs . 97.5 ± 9.1 cm, P = 0.030), a greater left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (46.6 ± 4.9 mm vs . 43.1 ± 4.9 mm, P = 0.026), and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (64.1 ± 5.7 % vs . 68.5 ± 7.8%, P = 0.048). While overall biodiversity and general microbial composition were similar between the noHCM and oHCM groups, ten taxa displayed significant differences at the genus and species levels, with Porphyromonas gingivalis showing the highest abundance and greater enrichment in noHCM (relative abundance: 7.79535 vs . 4.87697, P = 0.043). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis identified ten distinct pathways, with pathways related to energy and amino acid metabolism being enriched in oHCM patients, and those associated with genetic information processing less abundant in the oHCM group. Metabolic potential analysis revealed ten significantly altered metabolites primarily associated with amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, porphyrin metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversion, and lysine degradation. CONCLUSIONS The higher abundance of Porphyromonas gingivalis , which is known to impact cardiovascular health, in noHCM patients may partially account for clinical differences between the groups. Pathway enrichment and metabolic potential analyses suggest microbial functional shifts between noHCM and oHCM patients, potentially reflecting inherent metabolic changes in HCM.
Humans ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/microbiology* ; Female ; Male ; Microbiota/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adult ; Mouth/microbiology* ; Aged

Objective:To investigate the expression of interleukin (IL)-22 in lung adenocarcinoma and its effect and possible mechanism for lung adenocarcinoma metastasis.Methods:The cancer tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues (>2 cm from the tumor edge) surgically removed from 27 lung adenocarcinoma patients in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital from January to June 2023 were retrospectively collected. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression levels of IL-22 in T cells of all tissues, and the expression levels of IL-22 in T cells were compared between cancer and adjacent tissues, as well as between lung cancer tissues of patients with and without lymph node metastasis. The cancer tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues were retrospectively collected from 6 patients with lung adenocarcinoma during the same period, and the expression level of IL-22 receptor IL-22RA1 in the tissues was detected by Western blotting. IL-22RA1 transcriptome data from cancer tissues of lung adenocarcinoma patients in 3 datasets in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were collected. Using the R software survminer package to select the optimal critical value of IL-22RA1 that reflected the survival relationship, and patients were divided into high and low IL-22RA1 groups based on this. The survival package was used to draw the overall survival curve and log-rank test was performed for inter group comparison. Recombinant IL-22 was used to treat human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and mouse lung adenocarcinoma LLC cells, with cells not treated with IL-22 as controls; Transwell assay was used to detect the number of migrating cells in each group; Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of ERK, AKT and STAT signaling pathways-related proteins, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and epithelial cadherin (E-cad) in each group of cells. The expression levels of these proteins in A549 cells and LLC cells were also measured after the addition of STAT3 inhibitor C188-9, AKT inhibitor MK-2206 and ERK inhibitor SCH772984. A lung metastasis model of LLC cells was constructed using 10 C57BL/6 mice, the mice were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group using simple randomization method. IL-22 neutralizing antibody (50 μg/mouse) and non-neutralizing control antibody (50 μg/mouse) were injected once every other day. On the 10th day, the mice were euthanized and dissected to count lung metastatic nodules. The metastatic lung tissue was stained with HE and the metastatic foci were counted. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells to immune cells in single cells prepared from metastatic lung tissue. Results:The flow cytometry analysis showed that the proportion of IL-22 + CD4 + T cells in T cells (labeled with CD3 and CD45) in 27 clinically collected lung adenocarcinoma tissues [ M ( Q1, Q3)] was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues [0.28% (0.04%, 1.00%) vs. 0.01% (0.00%, 0.25%)]. The proportion of IL-22 + CD4 + T cells in lung adenocarcinoma tissues of patients with metastasis (9 cases) was higher than that of patients without metastasis (18 cases) [1.06% (0.49%, 4.72%) vs. 0.15% (0.00%, 0.35%)], and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.01). Western blotting analysis showed that the relative expression level of IL-22RA1 protein in lung adenocarcinoma tissues was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues (1.03±0.25 vs. 0.35±0.10), and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The overall survival of the IL-22RA1 low expression group in lung adenocarcinoma tissues was better than that of the IL-22RA1 high expression group in the TCGA database and GEO databases GSE42127, GSE29016 and GSE26939 datasets, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.001). Transwell assay showed that A549 cells [(744±40) cells, (770±64) cells vs. (403±42) cells] and LLC cells [(167±39) cells, (246±80) cells vs. (31±5) cells] treated with 100 and 200 ng/ml IL-22 for 24 hours had fewer migration numbers than the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.01). Western blotting analysis showed that during treatment with 100 ng/ml recombinant IL-22 for 15-1 440 minutes, the levels of p-STAT3, p-ERK and p-AKT proteins in A549 and LLC cells were higher than those in the control group, while there was no difference in the levels of E-cad and MMP-9 proteins between the two groups. After the combined treatment of recombinant IL-22 and STAT3, AKT or ERK inhibitor, the corresponding levels of p-STAT3, p-AKT and p-ERK proteins in A549 and LLC cells were similar to those in cells without inhibitor and recombinant IL-22 treatment, but significantly lower than those in cells treated with recombinant IL-22 alone. In the dissected lung tissues of mice lung metastasis models, the experimental group had fewer metastatic lung nodules than the control group (2.3±0.6 vs. 7.0±2.0), and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 3.88, P = 0.018). In the morphological observation of lung metastasis tissues, the experimental group had fewer metastatic lesions than the control group (1.8±0.8 vs. 5.4±1.1), and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 5.69, P < 0.001). Flow cytometry analysis showed that the proportion of CD8 + T cells in immune cells in the lung tissues of mice in the experimental group (labeled with CD45) was higher than that in the control group [(27±5)% vs. (15±5)%], and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 3.01, P = 0.040). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of CD4 + T cells in immune cells between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusions:The expression levels of IL-22 and its receptor IL-22RA1 in lung adenocarcinoma tissues are higher than those in adjacent normal tissues, and the high expression level of IL-22RA1 in cancer tissues may be associated with poor prognosis of patients; on the one hand, IL-22 may promote the migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells by activating the ERK, AKT and STAT3 signaling pathways, and on the other hand, it may promote lung adenocarcinoma metastasis by reducing CD8 + T cell infiltration in the immune microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma.

This consensus was developed by the Orthodontic Society of the Chinese Stomatological Association to provide a systematic, scientific, and practical guideline for informed consent in orthodontic care. Orthodontic treatment is typically lengthy, highly individualized, and involves multiple factors such as growth and development, occlusal function, and facial esthetics. Rapid technological advances and diverse risk profiles make the traditional reliance on orthodontist experience or institutional templates insufficient to ensure patients′ full understanding and autonomous decision-making. To address this, the expert panel conducted extensive reviews of domestic and international guidelines, analyzed representative dispute cases, and performed multicenter patient-clinician surveys. Using a multi-round Delphi method, the group established a standardized informed consent framework covering the initial consultation, treatment, and retention phases. The consensus emphasizes that informed consent is not only a fundamental legal and ethical requirement but also a key step in building trust, improving patient compliance, and enhancing treatment satisfaction. Orthodontists should clearly and comprehensively explain treatment plans, potential risks, uncertainties, and associated costs, while respecting the autonomy of patients or guardians, and maintain continuous communication and dynamic evaluation throughout the treatment process. The release of this consensus provides unified and authoritative guidance for clinical orthodontics, helping to standardize informed consent, enhance its transparency, safeguard patient rights, reduce medical risks, and promote high-quality, sustainable development of orthodontic practice.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib combined with ruxolitinib cream in the treatment of progressive nonsegmental vitiligo.Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively collected from patients with progressive nonsegmental vitiligo in Boao Super Hospital. All the patients were treated with oral baricitinib daily (2 mg/day for patients weighing ≤ 50 kg; 4 mg/day for those > 50 kg) in combination with topical application of ruxolitinib cream twice daily for 24 consecutive weeks. Disease severity was assessed using the facial vitiligo area scoring index (F-VASI) and total body VASI (T-VASI) at baseline, week 12, and week 24. Adverse reactions were monitored throughout the treatment course.Results:Six patients with progressive nonsegmental vitiligo were collected, including 3 males and 3 females, aged 26 - 42 years, with the disease duration ranging from 0.5 to 25 years. At week 12, 3 patients achieved a 50% ~ < 75% improvement in facial vitiligo lesions (F-VASI 50), 1 patient achieved F-VASI 75 (75% ~ < 90% improvement), and 1 patient achieved T-VASI 50; at week 24, 4 patients achieved F-VASI 50, 1 patient achieved F-VASI 75, 1 patient achieved F-VASI 90 (≥ 90% improvement), and 3 patients achieved T-VASI 50. During the treatment, upper respiratory infection occurred in 1 patient, acne in 1 patient, pruritus in 2 patients, elevation of total cholesterol levels in 2 patients, and increase of high-density lipoprotein levels in 2 patients. No severe adverse events were observed during the treatment.Conclusion:The combination therapy with baricitinib and ruxolitinib cream may have potential efficacy and safety in the treatment of progressive nonsegmental vitiligo.

This consensus was developed by the Orthodontic Society of the Chinese Stomatological Association to provide a systematic, scientific, and practical guideline for informed consent in orthodontic care. Orthodontic treatment is typically lengthy, highly individualized, and involves multiple factors such as growth and development, occlusal function, and facial esthetics. Rapid technological advances and diverse risk profiles make the traditional reliance on orthodontist experience or institutional templates insufficient to ensure patients′ full understanding and autonomous decision-making. To address this, the expert panel conducted extensive reviews of domestic and international guidelines, analyzed representative dispute cases, and performed multicenter patient-clinician surveys. Using a multi-round Delphi method, the group established a standardized informed consent framework covering the initial consultation, treatment, and retention phases. The consensus emphasizes that informed consent is not only a fundamental legal and ethical requirement but also a key step in building trust, improving patient compliance, and enhancing treatment satisfaction. Orthodontists should clearly and comprehensively explain treatment plans, potential risks, uncertainties, and associated costs, while respecting the autonomy of patients or guardians, and maintain continuous communication and dynamic evaluation throughout the treatment process. The release of this consensus provides unified and authoritative guidance for clinical orthodontics, helping to standardize informed consent, enhance its transparency, safeguard patient rights, reduce medical risks, and promote high-quality, sustainable development of orthodontic practice.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib combined with ruxolitinib cream in the treatment of progressive nonsegmental vitiligo.Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively collected from patients with progressive nonsegmental vitiligo in Boao Super Hospital. All the patients were treated with oral baricitinib daily (2 mg/day for patients weighing ≤ 50 kg; 4 mg/day for those > 50 kg) in combination with topical application of ruxolitinib cream twice daily for 24 consecutive weeks. Disease severity was assessed using the facial vitiligo area scoring index (F-VASI) and total body VASI (T-VASI) at baseline, week 12, and week 24. Adverse reactions were monitored throughout the treatment course.Results:Six patients with progressive nonsegmental vitiligo were collected, including 3 males and 3 females, aged 26 - 42 years, with the disease duration ranging from 0.5 to 25 years. At week 12, 3 patients achieved a 50% ~ < 75% improvement in facial vitiligo lesions (F-VASI 50), 1 patient achieved F-VASI 75 (75% ~ < 90% improvement), and 1 patient achieved T-VASI 50; at week 24, 4 patients achieved F-VASI 50, 1 patient achieved F-VASI 75, 1 patient achieved F-VASI 90 (≥ 90% improvement), and 3 patients achieved T-VASI 50. During the treatment, upper respiratory infection occurred in 1 patient, acne in 1 patient, pruritus in 2 patients, elevation of total cholesterol levels in 2 patients, and increase of high-density lipoprotein levels in 2 patients. No severe adverse events were observed during the treatment.Conclusion:The combination therapy with baricitinib and ruxolitinib cream may have potential efficacy and safety in the treatment of progressive nonsegmental vitiligo.

Protrusive facial deformities, characterized by the forward displacement of the teeth and/or jaws beyond the normal range, affect a considerable portion of the population. The manifestations and morphological mechanisms of protrusive facial deformities are complex and diverse, requiring orthodontists to possess a high level of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the relevant orthodontic field. To further optimize the correction of protrusive facial deformities, this consensus proposes that the morphological mechanisms and diagnosis of protrusive facial deformities should be analyzed and judged from multiple dimensions and factors to accurately formulate treatment plans. It emphasizes the use of orthodontic strategies, including jaw growth modification, tooth extraction or non-extraction for anterior teeth retraction, and maxillofacial vertical control. These strategies aim to reduce anterior teeth and lip protrusion, increase chin prominence, harmonize nasolabial and chin-lip relationships, and improve the facial profile of patients with protrusive facial deformities. For severe skeletal protrusive facial deformities, orthodontic-orthognathic combined treatment may be suggested. This consensus summarizes the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of numerous renowned oral experts nationwide, offering reference strategies for the correction of protrusive facial deformities.
Humans ; Orthodontics, Corrective/methods* ; Consensus ; Malocclusion/therapy* ; Patient Care Planning ; Cephalometry

Enamel demineralization, the formation of white spot lesions, is a common issue in clinical orthodontic treatment. The appearance of white spot lesions not only affects the texture and health of dental hard tissues but also impacts the health and aesthetics of teeth after orthodontic treatment. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of white spot lesions that occur throughout the orthodontic treatment process involve multiple dental specialties. This expert consensus will focus on providing guiding opinions on the management and prevention of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment, advocating for proactive prevention, early detection, timely treatment, scientific follow-up, and multidisciplinary management of white spot lesions throughout the orthodontic process, thereby maintaining the dental health of patients during orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Caries/etiology* ; Dental Enamel/pathology* ; Tooth Demineralization/etiology* ; Tooth Remineralization

Clear aligner treatment is a novel technique in current orthodontic practice. Distinct from traditional fixed orthodontic appliances, clear aligners have different material features and biomechanical characteristics and treatment efficiencies, presenting new clinical challenges. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic description of the key clinical aspects of clear aligner treatment is essential to enhance treatment efficacy and facilitate the advancement and wide adoption of this new technique. This expert consensus discusses case selection and grading of treatment difficulty, principle of clear aligner therapy, clinical procedures and potential complications, which are crucial to the clinical success of clear aligner treatment.
Humans ; Consensus ; Orthodontic Appliance Design ; Orthodontic Appliances, Removable ; Tooth Movement Techniques/methods* ; Malocclusion/therapy* ; Orthodontics, Corrective/instrumentation*

The prevalence of Class III malocclusion varies among different countries and regions. The populations from Southeast Asian countries (Chinese and Malaysian) showed the highest prevalence rate of 15.8%, which can seriously affect oral function, facial appearance, and mental health. As anterior crossbite tends to worsen with growth, early orthodontic treatment can harness growth potential to normalize maxillofacial development or reduce skeletal malformation severity, thereby reducing the difficulty and shortening the treatment cycle of later-stage treatment. This is beneficial for the physical and mental growth of children. Therefore, early orthodontic treatment for Class III malocclusion is particularly important. Determining the optimal timing for early orthodontic treatment requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, dental age, and skeletal age, and can lead to better results with less effort. Currently, standardized treatment guidelines for early orthodontic treatment of Class III malocclusion are lacking. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the etiology, clinical manifestations, classification, and early orthodontic techniques for Class III malocclusion, along with systematic discussions on selecting early treatment plans. The purpose of this expert consensus is to standardize clinical practices and improve the treatment outcomes of Class III malocclusion through early orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III/classification* ; Orthodontics, Corrective/methods* ; Consensus ; Child