Objective This study compared organ doses and effective doses in typical adult patients during dental CBCT examinations using a head-and-neck anthropomorphic phantom and a whole-body phantom. It aimed to determine an appropriate method for evaluating effective dose in dental CBCT. Methods A domestically manufactured dental CBCT unit was used to scan an adult male anthropomorphic phantom under simulated clinical conditions. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed on organs and tissues of a whole-body anthropomorphic phantom. Organ equivalent doses were measured, and effective doses were calculated using two approaches: one based on all organ doses from the whole-body phantom, and the other based only on head-and-neck organ doses. Entrance surface air kerma (K_a,e) was also measured at the lens of the eye, thyroid, thymus, and gonads. Results The effective dose estimated with the whole-body phantom was 382.03 μSv. The effective dose estimated with the head-and-neck phantom was 354.03 μSv. The radiation dose to head-and-neck organs and tissues accounted for 92.7% of the total effective dose. The highest K_a,e values were found in the parotid glands, followed by the lens of the eye. Conclusion During dental CBCT scanning, the contribution of organ below the head and neck to the total effective dose is limited. To simplify dose assessment procedures, the effective dose for the patient can be evaluated using only a head-and-neck phantom.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the capacity for energy production under conditions of increased energy demand in schizophrenia (SCZ) subjects compared to healthy controls. Methods: Twelve healthy controls (33.00±6.07 years) and 12 subjects diagnosed with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder (36.00±8.33 years) matched for age and sex, were recruited for this study. Hypoxic stress was induced during MR scans to elevate the energy demand on the subjects’ bioenergetic systems. Participants breathed air with a lower oxygen concentration (FiO2=13%), maintaining their SpO2 levels (86%) during the initial phase of the scan. 31Phosphorus MR spectroscopy was employed to examine metabolite levels, including phosphocreatine (PCr), β-adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inorganic phosphate (Pi), as well as the ratios of PCr/Pi and PCr/β-ATP, in regions such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and posterior cortex (POC), as well as across the entire brain, during both hypoxia and hyperoxia scans. Results: Subjects with SCZ had significantly lower levels of Pi across the brain and particularly, in the PFC, POC, and ACC during the hypoxia scan. Moreover, levels of PCr/Pi, indicative of mitochondrial energy production, were found to be higher in the same brain regions in the SCZ group. No significant differences were found in hyperoxia scan phase. Conclusion These findings suggest a deficit in the bioenergetic systems of individuals with SCZ under conditions of heightened energy demand. Further studies are warranted.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the capacity for energy production under conditions of increased energy demand in schizophrenia (SCZ) subjects compared to healthy controls. Methods: Twelve healthy controls (33.00±6.07 years) and 12 subjects diagnosed with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder (36.00±8.33 years) matched for age and sex, were recruited for this study. Hypoxic stress was induced during MR scans to elevate the energy demand on the subjects’ bioenergetic systems. Participants breathed air with a lower oxygen concentration (FiO2=13%), maintaining their SpO2 levels (86%) during the initial phase of the scan. 31Phosphorus MR spectroscopy was employed to examine metabolite levels, including phosphocreatine (PCr), β-adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inorganic phosphate (Pi), as well as the ratios of PCr/Pi and PCr/β-ATP, in regions such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and posterior cortex (POC), as well as across the entire brain, during both hypoxia and hyperoxia scans. Results: Subjects with SCZ had significantly lower levels of Pi across the brain and particularly, in the PFC, POC, and ACC during the hypoxia scan. Moreover, levels of PCr/Pi, indicative of mitochondrial energy production, were found to be higher in the same brain regions in the SCZ group. No significant differences were found in hyperoxia scan phase. Conclusion These findings suggest a deficit in the bioenergetic systems of individuals with SCZ under conditions of heightened energy demand. Further studies are warranted.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the capacity for energy production under conditions of increased energy demand in schizophrenia (SCZ) subjects compared to healthy controls. Methods: Twelve healthy controls (33.00±6.07 years) and 12 subjects diagnosed with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder (36.00±8.33 years) matched for age and sex, were recruited for this study. Hypoxic stress was induced during MR scans to elevate the energy demand on the subjects’ bioenergetic systems. Participants breathed air with a lower oxygen concentration (FiO2=13%), maintaining their SpO2 levels (86%) during the initial phase of the scan. 31Phosphorus MR spectroscopy was employed to examine metabolite levels, including phosphocreatine (PCr), β-adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inorganic phosphate (Pi), as well as the ratios of PCr/Pi and PCr/β-ATP, in regions such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and posterior cortex (POC), as well as across the entire brain, during both hypoxia and hyperoxia scans. Results: Subjects with SCZ had significantly lower levels of Pi across the brain and particularly, in the PFC, POC, and ACC during the hypoxia scan. Moreover, levels of PCr/Pi, indicative of mitochondrial energy production, were found to be higher in the same brain regions in the SCZ group. No significant differences were found in hyperoxia scan phase. Conclusion These findings suggest a deficit in the bioenergetic systems of individuals with SCZ under conditions of heightened energy demand. Further studies are warranted.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the capacity for energy production under conditions of increased energy demand in schizophrenia (SCZ) subjects compared to healthy controls. Methods: Twelve healthy controls (33.00±6.07 years) and 12 subjects diagnosed with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder (36.00±8.33 years) matched for age and sex, were recruited for this study. Hypoxic stress was induced during MR scans to elevate the energy demand on the subjects’ bioenergetic systems. Participants breathed air with a lower oxygen concentration (FiO2=13%), maintaining their SpO2 levels (86%) during the initial phase of the scan. 31Phosphorus MR spectroscopy was employed to examine metabolite levels, including phosphocreatine (PCr), β-adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inorganic phosphate (Pi), as well as the ratios of PCr/Pi and PCr/β-ATP, in regions such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and posterior cortex (POC), as well as across the entire brain, during both hypoxia and hyperoxia scans. Results: Subjects with SCZ had significantly lower levels of Pi across the brain and particularly, in the PFC, POC, and ACC during the hypoxia scan. Moreover, levels of PCr/Pi, indicative of mitochondrial energy production, were found to be higher in the same brain regions in the SCZ group. No significant differences were found in hyperoxia scan phase. Conclusion These findings suggest a deficit in the bioenergetic systems of individuals with SCZ under conditions of heightened energy demand. Further studies are warranted.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of dexmedetomidine(Dex)in alleviating sevoflurane(Sev)-induced cognitive dysfunction in neonatal rats via the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activators of transcription 3(JAK2/STAT3)signaling pathway.Methods A total of 50 neonatal Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,Dex group,AG490 group,and Colivelin group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for control group,the rats in the other four groups were used to construct a model of cognitive dysfunction in neonatal rats by inhaling Sev.Before modeling,Dex group was intraperitoneally injected with 20 μg/kg Dex;AG490 group was intraperitoneally injected with 20 μg/kg Dex and 1 mg/kg AG490;Colivelin group was intraperitoneally injected with 20 μg/kg Dex,1 mg/kg AG490,and 1 mg/kg Colivelin;control group and model group were intraperitoneally injected with an equal doses of physiological saline.The novel object recognition test and step-down test were used to detect the cognitive,learning,and memory functions of neonatal rats.TUNEL method was used to detect the cell apoptosis rate in the hippocampus.Rhodamine 123 staining was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential in the hippocampus.ELISA method was used to detect the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in the hippocampus.DHE probe method was used to detect the intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)content.qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2),phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3),Synapsin-I,brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax).Western Blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of p-JAK2,p-STAT3,JAK2,and STAT3 in the hippocampus.Results Compared with control group,model group showed cognitive and memory impairment,significantly increased apoptosis rate,increased levels of ROS and MDA,decreased SOD level,decreased mRNA expression levels of p-JAK2,p-STAT3,Synapsin-I,BDNF,and Bcl-2,increased Bax mRNA expression level,decreased ratios of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3,and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in the hippocampus(P<0.05).Compared with model group,Dex,AG490,and Colivelin groups showed significantly improved cognitive and memory impairment,significantly decreased apoptosis rate,decreased levels of ROS and MDA,increased SOD level,increased mRNA expression levels of p-JAK2,p-STAT3,Synapsin-I,BDNF,and Bcl-2,decreased Bax mRNA level,increased ratios of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3,and increased mitochondrial membrane potential in the hippocampus(P<0.05).Compared with Dex group,AG490 and Colivelin groups exhibited cognitive and memory impairment,significantly increased apoptosis rate,increased levels of ROS and MDA,decreased SOD level,decreased mRNA expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3,Synapsin-I,BDNF,and Bcl-2,increased Bax mRNA expression level,decreased ratios of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3,and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in the hippocampus(P<0.05).Compared with AG490 group,Colivelin group showed significantly improved cognitive and memory impairment,significantly decreased apoptosis rate,decreased levels of ROS and MDA,increased SOD level,decreased mRNA expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3,Synapsin-I,BDNF,and Bcl-2,increased Bax mRNA expression level,decreased ratios of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3,and increased mitochondrial membrane potential in the hippocampus,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion Dex can inhibit the oxidative stress in the hippocampus of brain tissue in Sev-induced neonatal rats and improve their cognitive,learning,and memory impairment,which may be related to the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Mutations in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 gene (CDKL5) cause a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, yet the impact of truncating mutations remains unclear. Here, we introduce the Cdkl5^492stop mouse model, mimicking C-terminal truncating mutations in patients. 492stop/Y mice exhibit altered dendritic spine morphology and spontaneous seizure-like behaviors, alongside other behavioral deficits. After creating cell lines with various Cdkl5 truncating mutations, we found that these mutations are regulated by the nonsense-mediated RNA decay pathway. Most truncating mutations result in CDKL5 protein loss, leading to multiple disease phenotypes, and offering new insights into the pathogenesis of CDKL5 disorder.
Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice ; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/deficiency* ; Mutation/genetics* ; Epileptic Syndromes/genetics* ; Humans ; Dendritic Spines/pathology* ; Spasms, Infantile/genetics* ; Male ; Seizures/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective To investigate the changes of serum microRNA (miR)-138-5p and microRNA(miR)-574-5p expression levels and their clinical significance in newborns acute respiratory distress syndrome (nARDS). Methods A total of 112 infants with nARDS from September 2018 to August 2023 in the Neonatal Department of Xiaogan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology were collected as the observation group. They were divided into good prognosis group (n=98) and the poor prognosis group (n=14). A total of 104 healthy full-term newborns born at the same time were selected as the control group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR-138-5p and miR-574-5p in serum. ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of serum miR-574-5p and miR-138-5p levels for poor prognosis of infants with nARDS. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis of factors affecting the poor prognosis of infants with nARDS. Results Compared with the control group,the expression level of serum miR-574-5p in the observation group increased (1.72±0.23 vs 1.04±0.17),with the expression level of miR-138-5p decreased (0.55±0.08 vs 1.02±0.16),with statistically significant differences (t=24.557,25.597,all P<0.05). Compared with the good prognosis group,the serum miR-138-5p expression level in the poor prognosis group decreased (0.41±0.06 vs 0.57±0.08),with the miR-574-5p expression level increased (2.07±0.25 vs 1.67±0.19),with statistically significant differences (t=7.188,7.069,all P<0.05). The age,intrauterine distress,and proportion of abnormal amniotic fluid in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group (t=5.359,4.257,6.577,all P<0.05). MiR-574-5p was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis with nARDS,and miR-138-5p was a protective factor (all P<0.05).The AUC (95％ CI) of serum miR-138-5p and miR-574-5p alone and combined diagnosis of nADRS were 0.793 (0.706～0.864),0.898 (0.826～0.947) and 0.931 (0.867～0.970),respectively. The combined prediction of miR-138-5p and miR-574-5p were better than that of miR-138-5p alone and miR-574-5p alone (Z=2.151,1.982,all P<0.05). Conclusion The expression levels of miR-138-5p in serum of infant with nARDS were lower and the expression levels of miR-574-5p were higher,both of which have certain diagnostic value for poor prognosis of infant with nARDS .

Objective By observing and measuring the relevant data of the buccal branch of the facial nerve,the parotid duct and the facial artery,the positional relationship among the three was analyzed to avoid accidental injury to the buccal branch of the facial nerve and the parotid duct when ligaturing the facial artery during the operation.Methods Forty adult head and neck specimens were dissected to observe the relationship between the buccal branch of the facial nerve and the parotid duct,the course and positional relationship of the facial artery,and the relationship between the buccal branch of the facial nerve and the peripheral vascular network.The relevant diameters were measured with a vernier caliper.Results The buccal branch of the facial nerve was divided into the superior buccal branch and the inferior buccal branch,and there was no direct anastomosis or connecting fiber between the buccal branch of the facial nerve and the parotid duct.The superior buccal branch was relatively thick,and it has a relatively constant position,which was parallel to the parotid duct.The position of the inferior buccal branch was not constant and it ran on or slightly above the plane of angulus oris.The superior buccal branch was located(10.76±5.54)mm from the parotid duct,while the inferior buccal branch was positioned(6.84±4.06)mm away from the parotid duct.The course of the main trunk of the facial artery was relatively fixed.Moreover,if the branch of the facial artery was missing,other branches of the facial artery would extend to replace the missing branch artery.The main trunk of the facial artery had a diameter of(2.34±0.83)mm,and its branches formed anastomoses with the buccal branch of the maxillary artery,creating a vascular network in the parotid and buccal regions.There was a vascular network around the buccal branch of the facial nerve,which was mostly small branches of the facial artery and the superficial temporal artery.Conclusion The buccal branch of the facial nerve exhibits a consistent anatomic relationship with the parotid duct and the facial artery.During the ligation of the facial artery,the parotid duct can serve as a landmark to accurately locate the buccal branch of the facial nerve,thereby significantly reducing the risk of inadvertent injury to the buccal branch of the facial nerve and the parotid duct.

Objective To design a positive and negative pressure sequential irrigation suction device and explore its efficacy when applied to unblocking nasoenteric tubes.Methods The device consisted of a positive-pressure irrigation component,a negative-pressure suction component,a three-way adapter and a precise unblocker.The positive-pressure irrigation compo-nent was composed of a positive-pressure irrigation unit,a positive pressure regulator,a pressure sensor,a pressure bag and etc;the negative-pressure suction component was made up of a negative-pressure suction unit,a negative pressure regulator,a negative-pressure gauge,a negative-pressure bottle and etc.The pressure bag was hollow cylinder-shaped,and made of ordinary polyvinyl chloride for its inner layer and acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer for its outer layer.Sixty patients with nasoenteric tube blockage were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 30 cases in each group.Irrigation suction was carried out with a 10 mL syringe for the control group and with the device for the observation group,and then unblocking was performed with lukewarm water between 38 and 40 degrees.The two groups were compared in terms of the unblocking efficacy,time required for unblocking and the days and cost of nutritional support.SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results The observation group gained advantages over the control group in terms of the total effective rate(93.3％vs 73.4％),unblocking efficacy,time required for unblocking((7.63±4.97)min vs(10.73±4.57)min),days of nutritional support((10.07±3.07)d vs(13.03±4.05)d)and cost of nutritional support((3 180±260)yuan vs(4 550±660)yuan).Conclusion The device developed effectively enhances the efficacy for unblocking nasoenteric tubes,shortens the time required and decreases the days and cost of nutritional support,and thus is worthy promoting practi-cally.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(1):114-117]