Endodontic and periapical lesions are prevalent infectious diseases primarily caused by bacteria and their metabolic byproducts. The most widely used treatment method today is root canal therapy, which aims to remove infectious substances from the root canal. Root canal sealers can fill areas that core filling materials cannot reach, effectively reducing the risk of reinfection through their antimicrobial properties thus improving the success rate of root canal treatment. Various strategies have been employed to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of root canal sealers through different mechanisms such as mechanical interlocking or chemical bonding. These strategies include antibiotic modification, quaternary ammonium compounds modification, nanoparticle modification, and others. Overall, antimicrobial modification strategies are increasingly diverse, and their effectiveness in enhancing the antimicrobial properties of sealers is beyond doubt. Root canal sealers modified with quaternary ammonium compounds and nanoparticles have shown certain advantages in antibiofilm activity and have potential clinical prospects. However, whether these modified materials have long-term antimicrobial effects, whether they can perform similarly in vivo as they do in vitro, and their biocompatibility are issues that still need to be addressed. In the future, the preparation of root canal sealers with ideal multidimensional properties will require further long-term and in-depth exploration.

Objective This study aims to establish a transnational evaluation framework for academic competitiveness in obstetrics and gynecology,precisely positioning West China Second Hospital(WCSH)globally,identifying development bottle-necks and proposing strategic improvements.Methods Based on Elsevier's SciVal platform,bibliometric data from 12 top global institutions(7 Chinese,5 international)during 2020-2024 were analyzed.A three-dimensional indicator system was construc-ted:research output(publication volume,Q1 publications),academic impact(citations,citations per paper,FWCI),and col-laboration(international collaboration rate).Entropy weight method was employed to assign objective weights to calculate com-posite competitiveness scores.Results WCSH led in total publications(n=541)but underperformed in Q1 publication rate(34.57％vs domestic average 43.01％)and FWCI(0.67＜global baseline 1.0).Its international collaboration rate(2.8％)lagged significantly behind global peers(e.g.,NUH Singapore:53.5％).Entropy weighting identified Q1 publications(31.8％)and FWCI(28.5％)as core drivers.WCSH ranked 9th among 12 global institutions(4th domestically).Conclusion WCSH exhibits"scale advantage with quality gaps and collaboration deficit".Strategic recommendations include quality-fo-cused incentive reform,enhanced international networks,and dynamic monitoring.The study provides a data-driven transnational evaluation paradigm for the disciplinary development of obstetrics and gynecology.

Objective To explore the biological functions and mechanisms of PIWI-interacting RNA(piRNA)in cervical cancer(CC).Methods RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression level of piRNA-2732 in CC tissue,CaSki cells and End1/E6E7 cells.EpiQuik m6A RNA methylation quantification kit was used to detect the methylation level of m6A RNA in CaSki cells.The expression levels of methyltransferases(METTL3,METTL14 and WTAP)and demethylases(FTO,ALKBH5)mRNA in CaSki cells were detected by RT-qPCR.After culturing CaSki cells to logarithmic growth stage,they were divided into six groups:piRNA-2732 mimic negative control group(mi-NC group),piRNA-2732 mimic group(mi-2732 group),piRNA-2732 inhibitor negative control group(in-NC group),piRNA-2732 inhibitor group(in-2732 group),piRNA-2732 mimic+METTL3 knockdown control group(mi-2732+si-NC group),and piRNA-2732 mimic+METTL3 knockdown group(mi-2732+si-METTL3 group).The viability of CaSki cells was detected by CCK8 assay.Colony formation assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of CaSki cells.Transwell experiment was used to detect the migration and invasion ability of CaSki cells.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of methyltransferase like protein 3(METTL3).Transfected METTL3 wild-type(METTL3-WT)and METTL3 mutant(METTL3-MUT)in the mi-NC group,mi-2732 group,in-NC group,and in-2732 group respectively,and detected the effect of piRNA-2732 on METTL3 through dual luciferase reporter gene assay.Results Compared with the adjacent tissues,the expression of piRNA-2732(3.84±1.08 vs 1.32±0.53)was significantly higher in the cancer tissues of CC patients,and the difference was statistically significant(t=5.115,P<0.001).Compared with end1/E6E7 cells,the expression of piRNA-2732(1.00±0.13 vs 1.67±0.16)in CaSki cells was significantly higher,and the difference was statistically significant(t=5.632,P<0.01).Compared with mi-NC group,mi-2732 group promoted the viability,proliferation,migration and invasion of CaSki cells,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.410～11.040,all P<0.01).Compared with mi-NC group,mi-2732 group increased m6A RNA methylation level and METTL3 mRNA and protein,the differences were statistically significant(t=6.176,9.211,12.550,all P<0.05).The results of dual luciferase reporter gene testing showed that compared with the mi-NC+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of mi-2732+METTL3-WT group was significantly increased(t=11.850).Compared with mi-2732+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of mi-2732+METTL3-MUT group was significantly lower(t=12.740),and the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.000 1).Compared with in NC+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of in-2732+METTL3-WT group was significantly lower(t=7.828),compared with in-2732+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of CaSki cells in in-2732+METTL3-MUT group was significantly increased(t=8.146),and the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.001).Compared with mi-2732+si-NC group,the expression level of m6A in mi-2732+si-METTL3 group was significantly lower,and the difference was statistically significant(t=7.630,P<0.01).Compared with mi-2732+si-NC group,the proliferation ability,colony number,cell migration and invasion ability of CaSki cells in mi-2732+si-METTL3 group were significantly decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.695～4.891,all P<0.001).Conclusion piRNA-2732 is overexpressed in CC tissues and cells,and piRNA-2732 promotes tumor development in CC through METTL3 mediated m6A methylation.

Objective:To explore whether changes in the deltoid muscle tone of the affected side before and after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) are correlated with shoulder joint pain and shoulder joint function.Methods:A total of 55 patients (22 males and 33 females, aged 60.44±9.54 years with a range of 41 to 78 years, BMI 25.86±4.25 kg/m 2 with a range of 18.82 to 42.32 kg/m 2, symptom duration 5.94±7.27 months with a range of 0.3 to 36.0 months) diagnosed with rotator cuff tear and underwent ARCR at the First Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University between December 2019 and June 2023 were included. All the patients suffered from unilateral symptom (23 left side and 32 right side), the size of rotator cuff tear was 16.47±5.98 mm (range, 6.92-36.38 mm). Following the operation, postoperative rehabilitation exercises were arranged with a minimum follow-up duration of six months. The muscle tone of the deltoid was measured bilaterally using a muscle tone tester before the operation and at 1, 3, 6 months after operation. The area under curve (AUC) of the pressure-displacement curve was used to reflect the muscle tone, with larger AUC values represent less muscle tone. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley score were evaluated and recorded at the same time points. Results:At 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, the VAS scores were all significantly reduced compared to preoperative values, with the Constant-Murley scores and the AUC values of the pressure-displacement of the affected-side deltoid significantly increased ( P<0.05). The postoperative AUC values of the pressure-displacement of the affected side deltoid muscle were significantly lower than those of the contralateral side ( P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between the changes in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC and age, gender, disease duration, or BMI ( P>0.05), while a significant positive correlation was observed between the AUC and the size of the rotator cuff tear ( r=0.369, P=0.006). There was a positive correlation between the change in VAS and the change in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC ( t=0.424, P<0.001), and the unary linear regression equation was: change in VAS=4.314+0.837×(change in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC). There was a positive correlation between the changes in Constant-Murley shoulder score and the changes in deltoid AUC ( t=5.336, P<0.001), and the unary linear regression equation was: change in Constant-Murley score=24.838+6.097×(change in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC). Conclusions:ARCR can reduce the affected side deltoid muscle tone, relieve shoulder pain and improve shoulder joint function. The changes in deltoid muscle tone are positively correlated with the degree of shoulder pain and function.

This study aims to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in the China Twin Registry (CNTR), as well as the concordance rates for smoking behavior in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, and estimate the heritability. The study population included adult twins in CNTR who had smoking questionnaire data. A random-effects regression model was used to describe the distribution of smoking behavior among different subgroups based on various characteristics. The concordance of smoking behavior between different zygosity groups was calculated, and heritability was estimated. A total of 28 444 twin pairs were included in this study, with an average age of (36.6±12.0) years. Among male twins, 41.2% were current smokers, while only 1.2% of females smoked. Higher smoking rates were observed among male smokers in the 50-59 age group ( z=23.0, P<0.001), northern regions ( z=2.9, P<0.01), rural areas ( z=-5.2, P<0.001), those who were divorced/widowed ( z=3.8, P<0.001), and first-born twins ( z=-4.3, P<0.001), while lower smoking rates were found in those with higher education ( z=-16.1, P<0.001) and unmarried individuals ( z=-16.0, P<0.001). The smoking concordance rate for male monozygotic twins was 69.6%, significantly higher than the 57.3% concordance rate for dizygotic twins ( χ 2=105.0, P<0.05). The heritability of smoking behavior in male twins was estimated at 28.9% (95% CI: 24.3%-33.4%). Stratified analyses showed differences in heritability across regions and age groups: the heritability in northern regions was 32.6% (95% CI: 27.3%-38.0%), higher than the 21.0% (95% CI: 12.4%-29.5%) observed in southern regions; the highest heritability of 35.1% (95% CI: 26.3%-43.9%) was found in the 18-29 age group, with heritability decreasing with age. In conclusion, the smoking rate and influencing factors in the twin population are similar to those in the general population, with unique characteristics, such as higher smoking rates in first-born twins. Genetic factors have a significant impact on smoking behavior.

Stereotactic radiation therapy is a crucial approach in the treatment of tumors. However, the precision of stereotactic radiation therapy is influenced by important factors such as fractional tumor motion, image-guided resolution, and the utilization of adaptive techniques. Different image-guided methods and motion management strategies exhibit varying degrees of control over radiation-related toxicity. With the clinical application of magnetic resonance accelerator, it is still unclear whether its excellent soft tissue imaging contrast, adaptive radiotherapy technology, and real-time motion management of the moving target can bring better toxicity control for patients. Hence, the advantages of magnetic resonance accelerator in mitigating radiation-related toxicity, its clinical applications, and the reported post-treatment toxic reactions were comprehensively reviewed in this article.

Objective:To observe the current status of the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the dust working population, and to analyze the factors affecting its use, so as to provide a reference basis for proposing scientific intervention methods.Methods:From October to December 2023, random sampling method was used to conduct a self-designed Questionnaire on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment by the Dust Working Population. A total of 1216 dust workers were randomly selected from each city in Guangdong Province, and their mask wearing status was evaluated. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for comparison between measurement data sets, and the Chi-square test or Fisher exact probability method was used for counting data. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting the use of PPE in dust workers.Results:The correct rate of wearing PPE in dust working group was 66.12% (804/1216). In univariate analysis, there were statistical significances in different knowledge score, wearing PPE to reduce exposure to dust particles, wearing occupational health protective equipment such as masks was uncomfortable, wearing occupational health protective equipment such as masks reduced work efficiency, attending pre-employment occupational health examination, attending occupational health examination on a regular basis, receiving occupational health training during work in the enterprise, being urged or reminded by workmates, supervisors, or family members to use PPE, the correct use of PPE when workers or shift leaders were exposed to dust particles, second-hand smoke inhalation, smoking, and alcohol consumption ( P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression results showed that gender ( OR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.48-2.72), knowledge score ( OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.26), neutral attitude towards the discomfort of wearing occupational health protective equipment such as masks during work ( OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.18-2.27), and participation in pre-job occupational health examination ( OR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.10-0.54) were the main influencing factors on the use of PPE to be worn correctly ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:The rate of correct wearing of PPE for dust working population still needs to be improved. Factors such as gender, knowledge score, neutral attitude towards the discomfort of wearing masks during work, and participation in pre-job occupational health examination may be the influencing factors on the use of PPE for dust working population.

Objective:To analyze the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among noise-exposed workers and its influencing factors, providing reference information for noise intervention efforts.Methods:In September 2023, a stratified sampling method was employed. Based on the 2022 gross domestic product (GDP) rankings of cities in Guangdong Province, 21 prefecture-level cities were divided into economically developed and less developed groups. Two cities were randomly selected from each group, and 16 to 17 enterprises were randomly chosen from each city as study sites. Twenty workers were included from each enterprise as study subjects. A total of 1200 questionnaires were distributed and collected, and 1099 were valid, with an effective recovery rate of 91.6%. The correctness of hearing protector usage was evaluated according to the GB/T 23466-2009 "Guidelines for the Selection of Hearing Protectors", and the personal attenuation rating values of the workers' hearing protectors were measured. A self-designed Questionnaire on the Use of Hearing Protectors by Noise-Exposed Workers was used to investigate PPE-related usage. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing the correct use of PPE.Results:A total of 429 (39.0%) noise-exposed workers were able to use PPE correctly during work. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, working hours, gender, occupational noise protection knowledge score, whether PPE was checked after use, and the frequency of peer supervision on PPE usage were significant factors influencing the effective use of PPE ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:The correct use of PPE by noise-exposed workers still needs to be improved. The level of occupational health education in enterprises should be enhanced to promote the correct use of PPE by noise-exposed workers.

Objective:To explore the relationship between obesity indicators and DNA methylation clocks acceleration,and to analyze their temporal sequence.Methods:Data were obtained from two sur-veys conducted in 2013 and 2017-2018 by the Chinese National Twin Registry.Peripheral blood DNA methylation data were measured using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip and EPIC BeadChip.DNA methylation clocks/acceleration metrics(GrimAA,PCGrimAA and Dunedin-PACE)were calculated using the DNA methylation online tool(https://dnamage.genetics.ucla.edu/)or R code provided by researchers.Obesity indicators included weight,body mass index(BMI),waist circumference,waist-hip ratio,and waist-height ratio.A total of 1 070 twin individuals were included in the cross-sectional analysis,comprising 378 monozygotic(MZ)twin pairs and 155 dizygotic(DZ)twin pairs for within-pair analysis.Mixed-effects models were used to examine the associations between obesity indicators and DNA methylation clocks,as well as their acceleration measures.The longitudinal analysis included 314 twin individuals,comprising 95 MZ twin pairs and 62 DZ twin pairs for within-pair analy-sis.Cross-lagged panel models were applied to further explore the temporal relationships between obesity and DNA methylation clock indicators.All analyses were conducted both in the full twin sample and separately within MZ and DZ twin pairs.Results:In the cross-sectional analysis population,monozygotic twins accounted for 71.0％,males for 68.0％,and the mean chronological age was(49.9±12.1)years.In the longitudinal analysis population,monozygotic twins accounted for 60.5％,males for 60.8％,with a mean baseline chronological age of(50.4±10.2)years and a mean follow-up duration of(4.6±0.6)years.Except for the waist-to-hip ratio,which was significantly higher at follow-up com-pared with baseline,no statistically significant differences were observed in the means of other obesity in-dicators between baseline and follow-up.Correlation analysis revealed that weight,BMI,waist circumfe-rence,waist-hip ratio(WHR),and waist-height ratio(WHtR)were positively correlated with Dunedin-PACE in all the twins,with WHtR showing the strongest association(β=0.21,95％CI:0.11 to 0.31).Weight and BMI were negatively associated with GrimAA(β=-0.03,95％CI:-0.05 to-0.01;β=-0.07,95％CI:-0.12 to-0.02),while weight was negatively associated with PCGrim-AA(β=-0.02,95％CI:-0.03 to 0.00).However,within-twin-pair analyses showed no statistically significant correlations.Cross-lagged panel model analysis indicated that higher baseline weight might lead to increased GrimAA at follow-up,while elevated baseline weight,BMI,and waist circumference might increase PCGrimAA.Higher baseline WHR was associated with increased DunedinPACE at follow-up.Conclusion:Obesity indicators correlate with DNA methylation clock acceleration metrics.Baseline obesity may influence changes in certain DNA methylation clock indicators over time,suggesting that obesity could exert long-term health effects by accelerating DNA methylation aging.However,these associations may be confounded by shared genetic or environmental factors among the twins.

Objective:To explore whether changes in the deltoid muscle tone of the affected side before and after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) are correlated with shoulder joint pain and shoulder joint function.Methods:A total of 55 patients (22 males and 33 females, aged 60.44±9.54 years with a range of 41 to 78 years, BMI 25.86±4.25 kg/m 2 with a range of 18.82 to 42.32 kg/m 2, symptom duration 5.94±7.27 months with a range of 0.3 to 36.0 months) diagnosed with rotator cuff tear and underwent ARCR at the First Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University between December 2019 and June 2023 were included. All the patients suffered from unilateral symptom (23 left side and 32 right side), the size of rotator cuff tear was 16.47±5.98 mm (range, 6.92-36.38 mm). Following the operation, postoperative rehabilitation exercises were arranged with a minimum follow-up duration of six months. The muscle tone of the deltoid was measured bilaterally using a muscle tone tester before the operation and at 1, 3, 6 months after operation. The area under curve (AUC) of the pressure-displacement curve was used to reflect the muscle tone, with larger AUC values represent less muscle tone. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley score were evaluated and recorded at the same time points. Results:At 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, the VAS scores were all significantly reduced compared to preoperative values, with the Constant-Murley scores and the AUC values of the pressure-displacement of the affected-side deltoid significantly increased ( P<0.05). The postoperative AUC values of the pressure-displacement of the affected side deltoid muscle were significantly lower than those of the contralateral side ( P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between the changes in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC and age, gender, disease duration, or BMI ( P>0.05), while a significant positive correlation was observed between the AUC and the size of the rotator cuff tear ( r=0.369, P=0.006). There was a positive correlation between the change in VAS and the change in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC ( t=0.424, P<0.001), and the unary linear regression equation was: change in VAS=4.314+0.837×(change in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC). There was a positive correlation between the changes in Constant-Murley shoulder score and the changes in deltoid AUC ( t=5.336, P<0.001), and the unary linear regression equation was: change in Constant-Murley score=24.838+6.097×(change in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC). Conclusions:ARCR can reduce the affected side deltoid muscle tone, relieve shoulder pain and improve shoulder joint function. The changes in deltoid muscle tone are positively correlated with the degree of shoulder pain and function.