OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMQ) for alleviating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. METHODS: Eighteen male C57BL/6J mice were equally randomized into control group, DSS group and DMQ treatment group. In DSS and DMQ groups, the mice were treated with DSS in drinking water to induce UC, and received intraperitoneal injections of sterile PBS or DMQ (20 mg/kg) during modeling. The changes in body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, spleen weight, and colon histological scores of the mice were examined, and the percentages of Th17 and IFN-γ⁺ CD8⁺ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen were analyzed using flow cytometry. The expressions of tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1), proteins associated with inflammasome activation (caspase-1 and p20), IL-1β and TNF-α in the colon tissues were detected using Western blotting or ELISA. In the cell experiment, mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were treated with DMQ, followed by stmulation with nigericin to activate the classical NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. In cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated with either LPS alone or LPS plus nigericin, the effects of DMQ on inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and cytokine release were evaluated via Western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry. RESULTS: In DSS-treated mice, DMQ treatment significantly alleviated DSS-induced body weight loss, colon shortening, spleen enlargement, and colon inflammation. The DMQ-treated mice showed significantly reduced percentages of Th17 cells and IFN-γ⁺ CD8⁺ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen, with increased occludin and ZO-1 expressions and decreased caspase-1 expression in the colon tissue. DMQ obviously inhibited classical NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse BMDMs and both the classical and alternative pathways of NLRP3 activation in human PBMCs, causing also suppression of caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS DMQ ameliorates DSS-induced UC in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Animals ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Colitis, Ulcerative/metabolism* ; Dextran Sulfate/adverse effects* ; Male ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; Mice ; Benzoquinones/therapeutic use* ; Th17 Cells ; Caspase 1/metabolism*

Objective To investigate the mechanism of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone(DMQ),an active ingredients in fermented wheat germ extract,for inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviating septic shock in mice.Methods Cultured murine bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMDM)stimulated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)were treated with DMQ,followed by treatment with Nigericin,ATP,and MSU for activating the canonical NLRP3 inflammasome;the non-canonical NLRP3 inflammasome was activated by intracellular transfection of LPS,and AIM2 inflammasome was activated using Poly A:T.In human monocytic THP-1 cells,the effect of Nigericin on inflammasome activation products was examined using Western blotting and ELISA.Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to explore the mechanism of DMQ-induced blocking of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.In a male C57BL/6J mouse model of LPS-induced septic shock treated with 20 and 40 mg/kg DMQ,the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the serum and peritoneal lavage fluid were determined using ELISA,and the survival time of the mice within 36 h was observed.Results Treatment with DMQ effectively inhibited LPS-induced activation of canonical NLRP3 inflammasome in mouse BMDM and human THP-1 cells and also inhibited non-canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse BMDM,but produced no significant effect on AIM2 inflammasome activation.DMQ significantly blocked the binding between ASC and NLRP3.In the mouse models of septic shock,DMQ treatment significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β in the serum and peritoneal fluid and obviously prolonged survival time of the mice.Conclusion DMQ can effectively block ASC-NLRP3 interaction to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviate LPS-induced septic shock in mice.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone(DMQ),an active ingredients in fermented wheat germ extract,for inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviating septic shock in mice.Methods Cultured murine bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMDM)stimulated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)were treated with DMQ,followed by treatment with Nigericin,ATP,and MSU for activating the canonical NLRP3 inflammasome;the non-canonical NLRP3 inflammasome was activated by intracellular transfection of LPS,and AIM2 inflammasome was activated using Poly A:T.In human monocytic THP-1 cells,the effect of Nigericin on inflammasome activation products was examined using Western blotting and ELISA.Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to explore the mechanism of DMQ-induced blocking of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.In a male C57BL/6J mouse model of LPS-induced septic shock treated with 20 and 40 mg/kg DMQ,the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the serum and peritoneal lavage fluid were determined using ELISA,and the survival time of the mice within 36 h was observed.Results Treatment with DMQ effectively inhibited LPS-induced activation of canonical NLRP3 inflammasome in mouse BMDM and human THP-1 cells and also inhibited non-canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse BMDM,but produced no significant effect on AIM2 inflammasome activation.DMQ significantly blocked the binding between ASC and NLRP3.In the mouse models of septic shock,DMQ treatment significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β in the serum and peritoneal fluid and obviously prolonged survival time of the mice.Conclusion DMQ can effectively block ASC-NLRP3 interaction to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviate LPS-induced septic shock in mice.

Objective:To explore the early effects and safety of using a hybrid fixation strategy with 3D-printed porous tantalum metal augments to reconstruct substantial bone defects in complex primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data from August 2019 to September 2023, encompassing 20 patients (21 knees) with significant bone loss who underwent hybrid fixation with 3D-printed porous tantalum augments. The procedures were conducted at two medical centers: the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University (11 cases) and Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (9 cases). The study cohort comprised 6 males (6 knees) and 14 females (15 knees), with a mean age of 61.05±11.23 years (range, 42-80 years). The distribution of cases was 7 on the left side and 14 on the right side. All cases were categorized as type 3 according to the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) classification system. The cohort included 19 unilateral and 1 bilateral case, with 5 involving complex primary replacements (3 with Charcot arthropathy, 1 with syphilitic arthropathy, and 1 with severe valgus deformity) and 16 revision surgeries (13 for aseptic loosening and 3 for infection). Preoperative assessments included routine CT scans and digital three-dimensional reconstructions to identify large metaphyseal defects exceeding 50% of the metaphyseal area or those thicker than 10 mm. For such defects, 3D-printed standardized porous tantalum augments were implemented. In cases of extensive cavitary bone defects or severe metaphyseal defects where the medial and lateral defects collectively exceeded 80% of the metaphyseal region or where the residual bone stock was insufficient for screw fixation of standardized augments, 3D-printed personalized custom-made porous tantalum augments were employed for hybrid fixation and repair. Comparative analyses were conducted on pre- and postoperative imaging data (prosthesis positioning and complications), knee range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and Knee Society score (KSS).Results:Of the cases, 17 were repaired using standardized 3D-printed porous tantalum augments, while 4 underwent repairs with customized augments for hybrid fixation. Follow-up averaged 26.5±15.0 months (range, 12-62 months). There was a significant increase in knee ROM, improving from 72.8°±31.9° preoperatively to 113.2°±6.8° at 12 months postoperatively ( P<0.05). VAS scores decreased from 6.6±1.4 preoperatively to 2.5±1.0 at 12 months postoperatively ( P<0.05). Similarly, KSS improved from 52.8±6.4 preoperatively to 80.7±7.9 at 12 months postoperatively ( P<0.05). There were no incidences of prosthesis displacement, poor bone integration, or postoperative infections. Conclusion:The hybrid fixation strategy employing 3D-printed porous tantalum augments has been found to be effective in addressing significant bone defects in TKA. The follow-up results indicate a satisfactory biological integration of the porous tantalum metal augments with the host bone, which has resulted in substantial improvements in pain relief and knee joint functionality.

Objective:To investigate the awareness of diabetes knowledge among the health examination population and its influencing factors.Methods:A cross-sectional study. From september to november 2022, the subjects of six health examination centers located in six different cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Xiamen, Hangzhou) in China were investigated in the form of questionnaires to investigate the awareness of diabetes core information and the level of trust to different information sources of diabetes knowledge. According to the questionnaire results, the subjects were divided into a high awareness group of diabetes core information and a low awareness group. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of diabetes core information awareness; the t-test was used to compare the trust degree of the two groups to different information sources. Results:A total of 9 315 people were included in the six centers, including 4 932 men (52.90%) with an average age of (39.36±12.64) years and 4 383 women (47.10%) with a mean age of (37.47±11.85) years. Only 36% of the people had high awareness of diabetes core information; variables such as gender, age, education level, physical examination frequency in the past three years, package price of this physical examination, self-evaluation of diabetes knowledge, diabetes status, and city of residence were variables that affect the level of awareness of core information related to diabetes (all P<0.05). Compared with the low awareness group of diabetes core information, the high awareness group trusted professional medical staff ( t=-9.597, P<0.05) and community health promotion more ( t=-5.014, P<0.05), but did not trust the emerging popular science propaganda means, such as WeChat official accounts/WeChat groups/QQ groups, Internet web page, Tiktok/Kwai and other short video APPs. Conclusion:The awareness rate of diabetes knowledge among the health examination population is low, and it is affected by many factors; Health education on diabetes knowledge should be carried out for people undergoing physical examination.

BACKGROUND: Weather conditions are a possible contributing factor to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of irreversible loss of vision. The present study evaluated the joint effects of meteorological factors and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on AMD. METHODS: Data was extracted from a national cross-sectional survey conducted across 10 provinces in rural China. A total of 36,081 participants aged 40 and older were recruited. AMD was diagnosed clinically by slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Meteorological data were calculated by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis and were matched to participants' home addresses by latitude and longitude. Participants' individual PM_2.5 exposure concentrations were calculated by a satellite-based model at a 1-km resolution level. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models paired with interaction analysis were performed to investigate the joint effects of meteorological factors and PM_2.5 on AMD. RESULTS: The prevalence of AMD in the study population was 2.6% (95% CI 2.42-2.76%). The average annual PM_2.5 level during the study period was 63.1 ± 15.3 µg/m³. A significant positive association was detected between AMD and PM_2.5 level, temperature (T), and relative humidity (RH), in both the independent and the combined effect models. For PM_2.5, compared with the lowest quartile, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across increasing quartiles were 0.828 (0.674,1.018), 1.105 (0.799,1.528), and 2.602 (1.516,4.468). Positive associations were observed between AMD and temperature, with ORs (95% CI) of 1.625 (1.059,2.494), 1.619 (1.026,2.553), and 3.276 (1.841,5.830), across increasing quartiles. In the interaction analysis, the estimated relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and the attributable proportion (AP) for combined atmospheric pressure and PM_2.5 was 0.864 (0.586,1.141) and 1.180 (0.768,1.592), respectively, indicating a synergistic effect between PM_2.5 and atmospheric pressure. CONCLUSIONS This study is among the first to characterize the coordinated effects of meteorological factors and PM_2.5 on AMD. The findings warrant further investigation to elucidate the relationship between ambient environment and AMD.
Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; China/epidemiology* ; Macular Degeneration/etiology* ; Meteorological Concepts

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design.Methods:From January 2020 to February 2022, the clinical data of patients with complex labia minora and clitoris prepuce hypertrophy who were treated in the Medical Cosmetic Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were collected and analysed. The inner side of their labia minora showed no chalasis in the vertical direction, but the outer side were slack with folds, accompanied by clitoris prepuce hyperplasia. We adopted the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design. The outer side of the labia minora and the clitoral prepuce were considered as a whole, and a wedge-shaped incision line was designed to remove the excess tissue in the vertical direction. On this basis, an arc was projected on the inner side of the labia minora to form an arcuate incision line on the inner side. The composite reduction labiaplasty was performed with the combination of wedge resection and edge resection. The postoperative follow-up observations included: postoperative complications, the symmetry of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce, the improvement of frictional discomfort, the cleanliness of the labia minora and the clitoris prepuce, and the patient's satisfaction with the shape of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce. For patients with sexual experience, follow-up content also includes changes in sexual satisfaction.Results:A total of 17 female patients aged 20 to 35 years, with an average age of 27 years, were included in this study. Follow-up was conducted 2 months after the operation. All incisions healed by first intention with no sawtooth-like deformity at the incision margin, and had natural appearance. Patients felt that the bilateral labia minora and clitoral foreskin were completely symmetrical in 3 cases, basically symmetrical in 12 cases, and partially asymmetric in 2 cases. These 2 cases of partial asymmetry did not require further surgical repair. In all 17 patients, the frictional discomfort was completely resolved, and the labia minora and clitoral foreskin were easier to clean. The patients were very satisfied with the appearance in 5 cases, satisfied in 10 cases, and dissatisfied in 2 case. There were 15 patients with previous sexual life experience, of which 10 patients had improved sexual satisfaction, and 5 patients had no change in sexual satisfaction after the operation.Conclusions:Through the divisional design, wedge resection and edge resection are performed in the composite reduction labiaplasty, which can solve the friction and discomfort caused by the hyperplasia of labia minora and clitoris prepuce in a single operation, and achieve better aesthetic results at the same time.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design.Methods:From January 2020 to February 2022, the clinical data of patients with complex labia minora and clitoris prepuce hypertrophy who were treated in the Medical Cosmetic Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were collected and analysed. The inner side of their labia minora showed no chalasis in the vertical direction, but the outer side were slack with folds, accompanied by clitoris prepuce hyperplasia. We adopted the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design. The outer side of the labia minora and the clitoral prepuce were considered as a whole, and a wedge-shaped incision line was designed to remove the excess tissue in the vertical direction. On this basis, an arc was projected on the inner side of the labia minora to form an arcuate incision line on the inner side. The composite reduction labiaplasty was performed with the combination of wedge resection and edge resection. The postoperative follow-up observations included: postoperative complications, the symmetry of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce, the improvement of frictional discomfort, the cleanliness of the labia minora and the clitoris prepuce, and the patient's satisfaction with the shape of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce. For patients with sexual experience, follow-up content also includes changes in sexual satisfaction.Results:A total of 17 female patients aged 20 to 35 years, with an average age of 27 years, were included in this study. Follow-up was conducted 2 months after the operation. All incisions healed by first intention with no sawtooth-like deformity at the incision margin, and had natural appearance. Patients felt that the bilateral labia minora and clitoral foreskin were completely symmetrical in 3 cases, basically symmetrical in 12 cases, and partially asymmetric in 2 cases. These 2 cases of partial asymmetry did not require further surgical repair. In all 17 patients, the frictional discomfort was completely resolved, and the labia minora and clitoral foreskin were easier to clean. The patients were very satisfied with the appearance in 5 cases, satisfied in 10 cases, and dissatisfied in 2 case. There were 15 patients with previous sexual life experience, of which 10 patients had improved sexual satisfaction, and 5 patients had no change in sexual satisfaction after the operation.Conclusions:Through the divisional design, wedge resection and edge resection are performed in the composite reduction labiaplasty, which can solve the friction and discomfort caused by the hyperplasia of labia minora and clitoris prepuce in a single operation, and achieve better aesthetic results at the same time.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design.Methods:From January 2020 to February 2022, the clinical data of patients with complex labia minora and clitoris prepuce hypertrophy who were treated in the Medical Cosmetic Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were collected and analysed. The inner side of their labia minora showed no chalasis in the vertical direction, but the outer side were slack with folds, accompanied by clitoris prepuce hyperplasia. We adopted the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design. The outer side of the labia minora and the clitoral prepuce were considered as a whole, and a wedge-shaped incision line was designed to remove the excess tissue in the vertical direction. On this basis, an arc was projected on the inner side of the labia minora to form an arcuate incision line on the inner side. The composite reduction labiaplasty was performed with the combination of wedge resection and edge resection. The postoperative follow-up observations included: postoperative complications, the symmetry of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce, the improvement of frictional discomfort, the cleanliness of the labia minora and the clitoris prepuce, and the patient's satisfaction with the shape of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce. For patients with sexual experience, follow-up content also includes changes in sexual satisfaction.Results:A total of 17 female patients aged 20 to 35 years, with an average age of 27 years, were included in this study. Follow-up was conducted 2 months after the operation. All incisions healed by first intention with no sawtooth-like deformity at the incision margin, and had natural appearance. Patients felt that the bilateral labia minora and clitoral foreskin were completely symmetrical in 3 cases, basically symmetrical in 12 cases, and partially asymmetric in 2 cases. These 2 cases of partial asymmetry did not require further surgical repair. In all 17 patients, the frictional discomfort was completely resolved, and the labia minora and clitoral foreskin were easier to clean. The patients were very satisfied with the appearance in 5 cases, satisfied in 10 cases, and dissatisfied in 2 case. There were 15 patients with previous sexual life experience, of which 10 patients had improved sexual satisfaction, and 5 patients had no change in sexual satisfaction after the operation.Conclusions:Through the divisional design, wedge resection and edge resection are performed in the composite reduction labiaplasty, which can solve the friction and discomfort caused by the hyperplasia of labia minora and clitoris prepuce in a single operation, and achieve better aesthetic results at the same time.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design.Methods:From January 2020 to February 2022, the clinical data of patients with complex labia minora and clitoris prepuce hypertrophy who were treated in the Medical Cosmetic Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were collected and analysed. The inner side of their labia minora showed no chalasis in the vertical direction, but the outer side were slack with folds, accompanied by clitoris prepuce hyperplasia. We adopted the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design. The outer side of the labia minora and the clitoral prepuce were considered as a whole, and a wedge-shaped incision line was designed to remove the excess tissue in the vertical direction. On this basis, an arc was projected on the inner side of the labia minora to form an arcuate incision line on the inner side. The composite reduction labiaplasty was performed with the combination of wedge resection and edge resection. The postoperative follow-up observations included: postoperative complications, the symmetry of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce, the improvement of frictional discomfort, the cleanliness of the labia minora and the clitoris prepuce, and the patient's satisfaction with the shape of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce. For patients with sexual experience, follow-up content also includes changes in sexual satisfaction.Results:A total of 17 female patients aged 20 to 35 years, with an average age of 27 years, were included in this study. Follow-up was conducted 2 months after the operation. All incisions healed by first intention with no sawtooth-like deformity at the incision margin, and had natural appearance. Patients felt that the bilateral labia minora and clitoral foreskin were completely symmetrical in 3 cases, basically symmetrical in 12 cases, and partially asymmetric in 2 cases. These 2 cases of partial asymmetry did not require further surgical repair. In all 17 patients, the frictional discomfort was completely resolved, and the labia minora and clitoral foreskin were easier to clean. The patients were very satisfied with the appearance in 5 cases, satisfied in 10 cases, and dissatisfied in 2 case. There were 15 patients with previous sexual life experience, of which 10 patients had improved sexual satisfaction, and 5 patients had no change in sexual satisfaction after the operation.Conclusions:Through the divisional design, wedge resection and edge resection are performed in the composite reduction labiaplasty, which can solve the friction and discomfort caused by the hyperplasia of labia minora and clitoris prepuce in a single operation, and achieve better aesthetic results at the same time.