Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of ectopic thyroid gland in the parotid gland area, and to provide clinical ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic thyroid gland. Methods: A case of a normal thyroid gland with ectopic thyroid gland tissue in the parotid gland area in the neck was reported. The male patient was 20 years old. The chief complaint was the discovery of a painless mass gradually increasing under the left earlobe for one month. Clinical examination showed obvious bulging of the tissue under the left earlobe. A strip-shaped mass approximately 3.0 cm long could be palpated. It was soft in texture, with a clear boundary, and located under the skin. The skin was pale red and of normal temperature. The body position movement test was negative. Color Doppler ultrasound of the thyroid gland in the neck showed that the shape and size of the thyroid gland were normal. CT images of the head and neck showed a band-like soft tissue density shadow at the area of the parotid gland behind and below the left earlobe, with a clear boundary. The CT value was approximately 30 HU, and further enhancement yielded no additional findings. The admitting diagnosis was a mass in the left parotid gland area. The tumor was incised using a conventional surgical method for the parotid gland area. During the operation, it was found that the tumor was located under the skin, and the contents were bright-red granulomatous tissue without a capsule and adhesive to the skin tissue. The parotid gland capsule was not involved. After the tumor was completely scraped off, intermittent suturing was performed. The resected tumor was sent for pathological examination. A retrospective analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of this type of case was conducted in combination with a literature review. Results: The wound of the patient failed to heal in the first stage after the operation. By applying iodoform gauze for pressurized dressing changed weekly, the wound gradually healed about 2 months later. The postoperative pathological report showed an ectopic thyroid gland in the left parotid gland area. The results of the literature review indicate that ectopic thyroid glands can be partial or complete. In the former, normal thyroid gland tissue exists in the neck, and some thyroid gland tissue appears in other locations, mostly at the base of the tongue and mediastinum. In the latter, the thyroid gland in the neck is absent. Both can present with abnormal thyroid gland function and local compression symptoms, and the symptoms are more obvious in patients with a complete ectopic thyroid gland. Ectopic thyroid glands are mainly diagnosed and differentiated through physical examination and imaging examination. Ectopic thyroid glands occurring subcutaneously in the parotid gland area are extremely rare. Physicians should design personalized treatment plans based on clinical examinations and surgical indications. Conclusion A subcutaneous ectopic thyroid gland in the parotid gland area is rare. For ectopic thyroid gland surgery, a reasonable surgical plan should be designed considering the patient's aesthetic needs and prognosis. Puncture biopsy should be performed when necessary to formulate the surgical plan.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to use 3D prin-ting technology based on the principle of stereo lithography apparatus (SLA) to shape dental lithium disilicate ceramics and study the effects of different slurry proportions on the microstructure and properties of heat-treated samples. METHODS: The experimental group comprised lithium disilicate ceramics manufactured through SLA 3D printing, and the control group comprised lithium disilicate ceramics (IPS e.max CAD) fabricated through commercial milling. An array of different particle sizes of lithium disilicate ceramic powder materials (nano and micron) was selected for mixing with photocurable acrylate resin. The proportion of experimental raw materials was adjusted to prepare five groups of ceramic slurries for 3D printing (Groups S1-S5) on the basis of rheological properties, stability, and other factors. Printing, debonding, and sintering were conducted on the experimental group with the optimal ratio, followed by measurements of microstructure, crystallographic information, shrinkage, and mechanical properties. RESULTS: Five groups of lithium disilicate ceramic slurries were prepared, of which two groups with high solid content (75%) (Groups S2 and S3) were selected for 3D printing. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results showed that lithium disilicate was the main crystalline phase in Groups S2 and S3, and its microstructure was slender, uniform, and compact. The average grain sizes of Groups S2 and S3 were (559.79±84.58) nm and (388.26±61.49) nm, respectively (P<0.05). Energy spectroscopy revealed that the samples in the two groups contained a high proportion of Si and O elements. After heat treatment, the shrinkage rate of the two groups of ceramic samples was 18.00%-20.71%. Test results revealed no statistical difference in all mechanical properties between Groups S2 and S3 (P>0.05). The flexural strengths of Groups S2 and S3 were (231.79±21.71) MPa and (214.86±46.64) MPa, respectively, which were lower than that of the IPS e.max CAD group (P<0.05). The elasticity modulus of Groups S2 and S3 were (87.40±12.99) GPa and (92.87±19.76) GPa, respectively, which did not significantly differ from that of the IPS e.max CAD group (P>0.05). The Vickers hardness values of Groups S2 and S3 were (6.53±0.19) GPa and (6.25±0.12) GPa, respectively, which were higher than that of the IPS e.max CAD group (P<0.05). The fracture toughness values of Groups S2 and S3 were (1.57±0.28) MPa·m^0.5 and (1.38±0.17) MPa·m^0.5, respectively, which did not significantly differ from that of the IPS e.max CAD group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of lithium disilicate ceramic powders with different particle sizes can yield a slurry with high solid content (75%) and suitable viscosity and stability. The dental lithium disilicate ceramic material is successfully prepared by using 3D printing technology. The 3D-printed samples show a small shrinkage rate after heat treatment. Their microstructure conforms to the crystal phase of lithium disilicate ceramics, and their mechanical properties are close to those of milled lithium disilicate ceramics.
Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Dental Porcelain/chemistry* ; Ceramics/chemistry* ; Materials Testing ; Particle Size

Objective:To examine the impact of sleep quality on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment(MCI)and explore the potential mediating role of depression.Methods:Using a cross-sectional design, we conducted an on-site questionnaire survey among 310 elderly individuals with MCI in Haishu District, Ningbo City from April to June 2021.Out of the 310 questionnaires collected, 299 were deemed valid.The survey encompassed gathering basic demographic information of the participants, as well as administering the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale.Results:The cognitive functions of patients with MCI were found to be positively related to their education level( F=3.89, P<0.05).The correlation analysis indicated that sleep quality was positively correlated with depression( r=0.40, P<0.01)and negatively correlated with cognitive function( r=-0.22, P<0.01).Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed between depression and cognitive function( r=-0.20, P<0.01).The mediation analysis revealed that depression played a role in mediating the influence of sleep quality on cognitive function, with a mediation effect of -0.02(95% CI: -0.03--0.01). Conclusions:The cognitive function of elderly individuals with MCI can be significantly affected by sleep quality, with depression playing a mediating role.

BACKGROUND:Magnetically responsive hydrogels have great advantages in bone tissue engineering,which is more conducive to the minimally invasive and efficient promotion of osteogenesis. OBJECTIVE:To review the application advances of magnetically responsive hydrogels in bone tissue engineering. METHODS:PubMed,Web of Science,WanFang and CNKI databases were used to search relevant literature.The English search terms were"Magnetic Hydrogels,Magnetic Nanoparticles,Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles,Fe3O4,SPIONs,Magnetic Fields,Bone Regeneration,Bone Repair,Bone Tissue Engineering".The Chinese search terms were"Magnetic Hydrogel,Magnetic Nanoparticles,Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles,Magnetic Field,Iron Oxide Nanoparticles,Bone Regeneration,Bone Reconstruction,Bone Repair,Bone Tissue Engineering".After preliminary screening of all articles according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,60 articles were finally retained for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In recent years,due to the emergence of magnetic nanoparticles,more and more magnetic responsive scaffold materials have been developed.Among them,magnetic responsive hydrogels containing iron oxide nanoparticles and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have outstanding mechanical properties and good biocompatibility.It can quickly respond to the external magnetic field and provide the magnetic-mechanical signals needed for seed cells to form bone.(2)Magnetic-responsive hydrogel can be used as a carrier to accurately regulate the release time of growth factors.(3)Under the three-dimensional microenvironment culture platform based on magnetically responsive hydrogel,the magnetic force at the interface between the magnetic response hydrogel and cells can activate cell surface sensitive receptors,enhance cell activity,and promote the integration of new bone and host bone.(4)The injectable magnetically responsive hydrogel can be used in the field of magnetic hyperthermia and biological imaging of bone tumors.(5)At present,magnetically responsive hydrogels are expected to mimic the anisotropic layered structure observed in natural bone tissue.However,most of the studies on magnetically responsive hydrogels focus on in vitro studies,and the mechanism of interaction between magnetically responsive hydrogels and the local microenvironment in vivo is still insufficient.(6)Therefore,based on the successful application of magnetic nanoparticles in magnetic resonance imaging,it is expected to optimize the properties of magnetic nanoparticles in the future to construct magnetic responsive hydrogels with suitable degradation properties,mechanical properties,and vascular functionalization,which can monitor changes in vivo in real time.

Objective To investigate the effect of Yinchenhao decoction on renal oxidative stress injury in rats with obstructive jaundice and its association with the regulation of the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear translocation. Methods A total of 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group (S group), model group (O group), low-dose Yinchenhao decoction group (LY group), and high-dose Yinchenhao decoction group (HY group), with 8 rats in each group. For the rats in the S group, the upper common bile duct was isolated without ligation, and for those in the other groups, double ligation of the middle and upper 1/3 of the common bile duct was performed to establish a model of obstructive jaundice. After 7 days, the rats in the LY group and the HY group were given Yinchenhao decoction by gavage at a dose of 6.3 and 18.9 mL/kg, respectively, while those in the S and O groups were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage every day for 7 consecutive days, and the rats were treated on day 14. ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of total bilirubin (TBil), direct bilirubin (DBil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr); spectrophotometry was used to measure the activity of the oxidative stress factors superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in renal tissue; quantitative real- time PCR and Western blotting were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) in renal tissue; immunohistochemistry was used to measure observe the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein in renal tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t -test was used for further pairwise comparison within groups. Results Compared with the S group, the O group had significant increases in the levels of TBil, DBil, ALT、GGT, BUN, and Cr, a significant reduction in the activity of SOD, and a significant increase in the level of MDA (all P < 0.05). Compared with the O group, the LY group and the HY group had significant reductions in liver and renal function parameters, a significant increase in the activity of SOD, and a significant reduction in the level of MDA (all P < 0.05). Compared with the S group, the O group had significant reductions in the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2 and NQO1 in renal tissue (all P < 0.05), and compared with the O group, the LY group and the HY group had significant increases in the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2 and NQO1 (all P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the protein expression level of Keap1 between groups ( P > 0.05). Compared with the S group, the O group had a significant reduction in the positive rate of Nrf2 in cell nucleus in renal tissue ( P < 0.05), and compared with the O group, the LY group and the HY group had a significant increase in the positive rate of Nrf2 in cell nucleus ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Yinchenhao decoction can effectively alleviate renal injury caused by obstructive jaundice, possibly by upregulating the protein expression of Nrf2 in renal tissue and regulating the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein, so as to mediate the protein expression of downstream NQO1, regulate oxidative stress response caused by obstructive jaundice, and thereby alleviate renal injury in rats.

Objective:To construct a prediction model of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy and explore its application value.Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 285 patients with periampullary diseases who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in the the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2015 to September 2018 were collected. There were 183 males and 102 females, aged (56±14)years, with a range from 12 to 84 years. According to the random numbers showed in the computer, patients were randomly divided into training dataset consisting of 214 patients and validation dataset consisting of 71 patients, with a ratio of 3∶1. The training dataset was used to construct prediction model, and the validation dataset was used to evaluate performance of prediction model. Observation indicators: (1) incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula; (2) construction of prediction model of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy; (3) validation of prediction model of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed by the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M (range), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney rank sum test. Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were conducted using the Logistic regression model. The accuracy of prediction model was analyzed by drawing receiver operating characteristic curve and calculating area under curve (AUC). Results:(1) Incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula: of 214 patients in the training dataset, 45 patients had postoperative pancreatic fistula, including 39 of grade B and 6 of grade C, respectively. (2) Construction of prediction model of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Results of univariate analysis showed that body mass index(BMI), diameter of the main pancreatic duct on computed tomography (CT) scan, diameter of the main pancreatic duct by intraoperative exploration, pancreas texture, and level of amylase in ascites at the postoperative first day were related factors for pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy ( χ2=32.450, 15.789, 19.577, 4.559, Z=-7.962, P<0.05). Results of multivariate analysis showed that BMI>25 kg/m 2, diameter of the main pancreatic duct by intraoperative exploration <3 mm and level of amylase in ascites at the postoperative first day >2 651U/L were independent risk factors for pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy ( odds ratio=0.148, 4.286, 0.086, 95% confidence interval: 0.058-0.376, 1.736-10.580, 0.032-0.231, P<0.05). Based on results of multivariate analysis, a prediction model of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy was built: the predicted value of pancreatic fistula=Exp[0.452-1.914(BMI)+ 1.455(diameter of the main pancreatic duct by intraoperative exploration)-2.451(level of amylase in ascites at the postoperative first day)]/1+ Exp[0.452-1.914(BMI)+ 1.455(diameter of the main pancreatic duct by intraoperative exploration)-2.451(level of amylase in ascites at the postoperative first day)]. The model had the AUC of 0.888 (95% confidence interval : 0.832-0.943, P<0.05). (3) Validation of prediction model of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: in the validation dataset, the prediction model of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy had the AUC of 0.868 (95% confidence interval: 0.780-0.957, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the AUC between the training dataset and validation dataset ( Z=0.514, P>0.05). Conclusions:BMI>25 kg/m 2, diameter of the main pancreatic duct by intraoperative exploration <3 mm and level of amylase in ascites at the postoperative first day >2 651 U/L are independent risk factors for pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Construction of a prediction model of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduo-denectomy can effectively predict the risks of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Objective To investigate serum IgG subclass concentrations in the adult population of Hunan region,and the effects of age,gender and lifestyle on them.Methods Serum IgG1,IgG2,IgG3,IgG4 and IgG concentrations from 170 adults making a health examination were detected by the immunonephelometric assay.Results The concentrations (mean or median [P25,P75]) of serum IgG1,IgG2,IgG3,IgG4 and IgG were (7.53 ± 0.14) g/L,3.99 (3.13,5.02) g/L,0.49 (0.30,0.70) g/L,0.53 (0.26,0.93) g/L and 12.2 (10.5,14.1) g/L,respectively.The serum IgG1/IgG,IgG2/IgG,IgG3/IgG and IgG4/IgG were (61.3 ±0.69)％,33.38％ (27.8％,38.8％),3.97％ (2.5％,5.3％) and 4.44％ (2.1％,7.3％),respectively.The serum IgG3 concentrations and IgG3/IgG ratios in female adults were significantly higher than that in male adults (P =0.005 and 0.014).However,there were no significant difference in serum IgG1,IgG2 and IgG4 concentrations and IgG1/IgG,IgG2/IgG and IgG4/IgG ratios between male and female adults.The serum IgG3 concentrations in the 31-40 years old adults were significantly higher than that in the 41-50 years old (P =0.03),while there were no significant difference in serum IgG1,IgG2 and IgG4 concentrations between different age groups.The serum IgG1 concentrations in the adults with heavy smoking were significantly lower than that without smoking (P =0.023),while the serum IgG4/IgG ratios were the opposite (P =0.018).The serum IgG1 and IgG3 concentrations and IgG3/IgG ratios in the adults with midrange or heavy drinking were significantly lower than that without ethanol consumption (P =0.05,0.004 and 0.015,respectively).The serum IgG3 concentrations and IgG3/IgG ratios in the adults with low-risk metabolism syndrome were significantly higher than that with the high-risk (P =0.034 and 0.038).Conclusion Gender and age have the significant effect on serum IgG3 concentration.Heavy smoking may reduce serum IgG1 concentration and increase IgG4/IgG ratio.The decrease of serum IgG1,IgG3 and IgG3/IgG may be related to ethanol consumption.

OBJECTIVE:To observe the effectiveness and safety of different doses of rosuvastatin in the treatment of acute ce-rebral infarction. METHODS:Totally 120 patients with acute cerebral infarction were selected from Weifang Yidu Central Hospital during Jan. 2014-Dec. 2015,and then divided into observation group and control group according to admission order,with 60 cas-es in each group. Both groups received routine treatment as Shuxuening injection 10 mL,iv,1-2 times a day(or 20 mL added into 5% Glucose injection 250-500 mL,ivgtt,qd)+Aspirin enteric-coated tablets 0.1 g,po,qd. Control group and observation group were additionally given Rosuvastatin calcium tablets 10 mg and 20 mg,po,qd(after supper). Both groups were treated for 30 d. The levels of serum inflammatory factors(hs-CRP,TNF-α,IL-6),blood lipid indexes(TC,TG,LDL-C),neurological function and activity of daily life score were observed in 2 groups before and after treatment. The clinical efficacy and occurrence of ADR were recorded. RESULTS:Before treatment,there was no statistical significance in the levels of hs-CRP,TNF-α,IL-6,TC,TG and LDL-C,NIHSS scores and Barthel index (BI) scores between 2 groups (P>0.05). After treatment,the levels of hs-CRP, TNF-α,IL-6,TC,TG and LDL-C,NIHSS scores in 2 groups were decreased significantly,while BI scores were decreased signifi-cantly,observation group were significantly better than those of control group,with statistical significance (P<0.05). Total re-sponse rate of observation group (93.33%) was significantly higher than that of control group (86.67%),with statistical signifi-cance (P<0.05). The incidence of ADR in observation group (23.33%) was significantly higher than control group (6.67%), with statistical significance(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Rosuvastatin can significantly reduce the inflammatory reaction and blood lipid level of patients with acute cerebral infarction,inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and improve prognosis. The large dose of rosuvastatin have better efficacy for acute cerebral infarction and can significantly improve the symptom of neurologi-cal deficits and daily living ability of patients.

Objective To investigate the effect of up-regulation of miR-132 on expressions of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1)/endothelium-specific tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (Tie2) in focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury of rats.Methods Forty adult healthy SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group,cerebral ischemia group,miR-132 mimic group and negative control group (n=10).The models of middle cerebral artery occlusion in the later three groups were established by using modified Longa suture method.Rats in the miR-132 mimic group and negative control group were injected miR-132 mimic 15 μg and negative control 15 μg via paracele.Rats in each group were sacrificed 24 h after ischemia,and the brain tissues were collected;the total infarct volumes were calculated by TTC staining.The mRNA expressions ofmiR-132,Ang-1 and Tie2 in ischemic cerebral cortex tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.The protein expressions of Ang-1,Tie2,CD31 and vessel endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ischemic cerebral cortex tissues were detected by Western blotting.Results The total infarct volume in the miR-132 mimic group was (27.92±3.05) mm3,which was significantly smaller than that in the cerebral ischemia group and negative control group ([51.34±2.86] mm3 and [50.46±2.57] mm3,P＜0.05).The relative mRNA expression levels of miR-132,A ng-1,Tie2,and the protein expression levels of Ang-1,Tie2,CD31,VEGF in the ischemic cerebral cortex tissues of the miR-132 mimic group were significantly higher than those in the negative control group,cerebral ischemia group and sham-operated group (P＜0.05);and those in the negative control group and cerebral ischemia group were significantly higher than those in the sham-operated group (P＜0.05).Conclusion Up-regulation ofmiR-132 expression could improve the ischemic states of ischemic stroke in rats,which might be related to Ang-1/Tie2 increased expressions to promote angiogenesis in ischemic brain tissues.

Objective To evaluate the clinical application value of reflectance confocal microscopy(RCM) in the diagnosis of several common diseases manifesting as papules in children, including lichen nitidus, verruca planae, lichen striatus, milium, molluscum contagiosum and lichen pilaris. Methods A total of 579 children clinically characterized by papules were recruited into this study. RCM was used to observe lesions and perilesional normal skin. The RCM features of 6 diseases manifesting as papules were analyzed and compared. Results Based on RCM images, 236 patients were diagnosed with lichen nitidus, 70 with verruca planae, 123 with lichen striatus, 40 with milium, 53 with molluscum contagiosum and 57 with lichen pilaris. All the 6 diseases had typical RCM features. Concretely speaking, RCM images of lichen nitidus lesions showed infiltration of dense inflammatory cells and melanophages in enlarged dermal papillae. In RCM images of verruca planae lesions, cells in the granular and spinous layers were arranged in concentric circles, giving a rose cluster?like appearance. RCM images of lichen striatus lesions revealed focal swelling of stratum spinosum, absent or local liquifaction degeneration of basal cells, and clustering of a moderate number of inflammatory cells in the superficial dermis. In RCM images of milium lesions, well?circumscribed round or oval structures containing highly but nonuniformly refractive materials could be seen in the dermis. RCM images of molluscum contagiosum lesions showed intact cystoid structures containing highly refractive molluscum bodies. Lowly to moderately refractive cutin ? like materials were observed along with the dilation of hair follicle infundibula in RCM images of lichen pilaris lesions. In RCM images, the 6 diseases were distinguished mainly based on structural features(patterns and refractivity)of skin lesions shown by continuous vertical scanning. Conclusion RCM is of great value to the diagnosis of diseases manifesting as papules in children.