Animal experiments are an essential component of life sciences and medical research. However, the external validity and reliability of individual animal studies are frequently challenged by inherent limitations such as small sample sizes, high design heterogeneity, and poor reproducibility, which impede the effective translation of research findings into clinical practice. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis represent a key methodology for integrating existing evidence and enhancing the robustness of conclusions. Currently, however, the application of systematic reviews and meta-analysis in the field of animal experiments lacks standardized guidelines for their conduct and reporting, resulting in inconsistent quality and, to some extent, diminishing their evidence value. To address this issue, this paper aims to systematically delineate the reporting process for systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and to propose a set of standardized recommendations that are both scientific and practical. The article's scope encompasses the entire process, from the preliminary preparatory phase [including formulating the population， intervention， comparison and outcome （PICO） question, assessing feasibility, and protocol pre-registration] to the key writing points for each section of the main report. In the core methods section, the paper elaborates on how to implement literature searches, establish eligibility criteria, perform data extraction, and assess the risk of bias, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis （PRISMA) statement, in conjunction with relevant guidelines and tools such as Animal Research： Reporting of in Vivo Experiments （ARRIVE) and a risk of bias assessment tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). For the presentation of results, strategies are proposed for clear and transparent display using flow diagrams and tables of characteristics. The discussion section places particular emphasis on how to scientifically interpret pooled effects, thoroughly analyze sources of heterogeneity, evaluate the impact of publication bias, and cautiously discuss the validity and limitations of extrapolating findings from animal studies to clinical settings. Furthermore, this paper recommends adopting the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to comprehensively grade the quality of evidence. Through a modular analysis of the entire reporting process, this paper aims to provide researchers in the field with a clear and practical guide, thereby promoting the standardized development of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and enhancing their application value in scientific decision-making and translational medicine.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical application of the digital-assisted reconstruction of the mandible and tumors with free fibula transplantation and immediate implantation via the intraoral approach. METHODS: Twelve patients with benign mandibular tumors were collected. Three-dimensional mandibular reconstruction was performed digitally before surgery to simulate mandibular tumor resection, fibula resection and reconstruction, and implant implantation. The intraoperative resection of the mandibular tumor was conducted through the intraoral approach under the guidance of a guide plate, and fibula resection, molding, reconstruction, and oral fixation were immediately performed. Implant implantation was performed during the second phase of implant surgery and denture restoration was performed 1-2 months after surgery. RESULTS: The types of mandibular defects were BrownⅠ (one case), Ⅰc (four cases), Ⅱ (one case), Ⅱc(three cases), and Ⅲ (three cases). The length of the fibular bone was 12-22 cm. The number of fibular molding amputations was as follows: two cases in two segments, six cases in three segments, three cases in four segments, and one case in five segments. All of these cases underwent folding fibular reconstruction of mandibular and alveolar bone defects. A total of 44 implants were implanted, and none failed after operation. CONCLUSIONS The intraoral approach is a reliable method for the resection of mandibular benign tumors, with few postoperative complications and the ability to position and fix accurately the reconstructed folded fibula under digital design. The immediate implantation of the transplanted fibula does not affect the blood supply and has a high success rate. It is an effective and reliable method for the resection and reconstruction of mandibular benign tumors.
Humans ; Fibula/transplantation* ; Mandibular Neoplasms/surgery* ; Mandibular Reconstruction/methods* ; Bone Transplantation/methods* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Mandible/surgery* ; Adult ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted

AIM: To assess the association between the Dem, axial length/corneal radius ratio(AL/CR ratio), and the refractive status of children aged 3 to 14, compare the efficiency of Dem with AL/CR ratio in predicting myopia, and to explore a more effective method for quantitatively predicting the refractive state of children.METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 519 children aged 3 to 14, including 519 eyes(data from the right eyes were used). All participants were out-patients at the ophthalmic clinic of Xi'an No.1 Hospital from March 2021 to December 2022. The axial length(AL), keratometry(K), Dem, and spherical equivalent refraction(SER)were recorded before ciliary paralysis, and myopia was defined when the SER ≤-0.50 D.RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between SER and Dem(r=0.88, P<0.01), and a negative correlation between SER and the AL/CR ratio(r=-0.87, P<0.01)in children aged 3-14. The optimal cutoff points for the Dem and AL/CR ratio were 20.40 D, and 3.02, respectively. Myopia could be diagnosed when the Dem ≤20.40 D or the AL/CR ratio ≥3.02. SER decreased by 0.57 D for every 1 D decrease in Dem and by 1.00 D for every 0.06 increase in the AL/CR ratio. The area under the ROC curve(AUC)for Dem(0.958)was significantly greater than that for the AL/CR ratio(0.940).CONCLUSION: There is a positive correlation between SER and Dem, and a negative correlation between SER and the AL/CR ratio in children aged 3-14. Dem is more efficient than the AL/CR ratio in myopia assessment. The eye biometrics directly provide Dem values, which is more convenient for calculating the dose-effect relationship with SER, thus making it more efficient for predicting SER in children.

[Objective]Depression is a common mental illness with a profound impact on physical health.Depression has been associated with a higher risk of bacterial infection;however,whether this relationship is causal and how depression affects infection remains unclear.Therefore,we aimed to investigate the effects of depressive phenotype in infected mice by constructing a chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model.[Methods]Mice were induced with CUMS for 4 weeks.The depressive phenotype was evaluated using behavioral tests.Subsequently,the mice were intraperitoneally injected with Klebsiella pneumoniae to establish bacterial infection.Serum and abdominal tissues were collected 48 h after infection.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the tissues,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the levels of inflammatory factors.In addition,the fecal samples collected before infection were analyzed for 16S rDNA gene of gut microbiota,and the expression levels of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in colon tissues of uninfected mice were detected.[Results]Behavioral tests showed that compared with the control mice,CUMS mice had significantly lower body weight(P<0.0001,t=5.426),lower sucrose preference rate(P<0.001,t=4.937),increased swimming stationary time(P<0.001,t=16.37),and decreased time spent in the central area of the open field(P<0.01,t=3.575).Survival analysis showed that compared with the control mice,the survival rate of CUMS mice significantly decreased after infection(P<0.05).Additionally,histochemical staining showed that tissue damage in the liver(P<0.05,t=4.025),kidney(P<0.05,t=2.828),and mesentery(P<0.01,t=5.367)significantly increased.Furthermore,ELISA results showed that the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6(P<0.01,t=3.365),IL-1β(P<0.01,t=4.061),TNF-α(P<0.01,t=4.460)and LPS(P<0.0001,t=27.24)were elevated.The difference was statistically significant.According to 16S rDNA sequencing,CUMS-induced changes in the intestinal bacterial community structure of mice,making them significantly different from the control mice.Compared with the control mice,the expression levels of NF-κB(P<0.01,t=6.825)and NLRP3(P<0.001,t=9.561)were upregulated in CUMS mice.[Conclusion]The CUMS model was successfully constructed and CUMS mice developed more severe bacterial infection.Gut microbiota was dysregulated and the expression of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway was up-regulated in CUMS mice,which was related to the susceptibility to bacterial infection.

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore a suitable method to model no-reflow phenomenon following ischemic stroke and to evaluate perfusion decrease from multiple perspectives.Methods Laser scatter contrast imaging and two-photon live imaging were used to compare transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice and perfusion alterations in BALB/c mice with 1 or 1.5 h of ischemia.Several imaging techniques including laser scatter contrast imaging,low and higher magnification images of perfused brain slices and two-photon microscopy to monitor erythrocyte flow rate and flux were used to assess in vivo dynamics as well as whole brain sections and microvasculature for decreased cerebral perfusion after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.Infarct size and behavioral deficits were assessed with microtubule-associated protein 2 staining and behavioral scoring.Results In C57BL/6 mice,most capillaries in the middle cerebral artery region remained flowing during ischemia,whereas most capillaries were blocked in BALB/c mice.In addition,cortical perfusion at 24 h of recanalization was significantly reduced to 76.1%of baseline following 1.5 h of ischemia in BALB/c mice(P=0.046 compared with the sham group),whereas for it was reduced to 79.9%following 1h of ischemia which was not significantly different from the sham group(P=0.299).Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in BALB/c mice for 1.5 h resulted in a reduction in whole-brain perfusion to 75.1%(P＜0.001 compared with the sham group),and erythrocyte flow rate assessed by two-photon live-imaging of erythrocyte flow on the cortical surface of the middle cerebral artery basin was reduced to 50.3%of baseline levels at 24 h of recanalization(P=0.010 compared with the sham group),and erythrocyte flux decreased to 38.9%of baseline levels(P= 0.010 compared with the sham group);high-magnification imaging of sections assessed an approximately 76%reduction in the length of capillaries with perfusion(P=0.0001 compared with the sham group),and a reduction in the fraction of the total volume occupied by perfused capillaries by an approximately 76%reduction(P＜0.001 compared with the sham-operated group).Microtubule-associated protein 2 staining suggested that transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1.5 h in BALB/c mice resulted in infarcts that accounted for approximately 36%of the total cerebral area and behavioral scores elevated to 9,suggesting behavioral deficits.Conclusion Transient ischemia in BALB/c mice for 1.5 h resulted in a significant decrease in cerebral perfusion as well as capillary no-reflow and thus can model the no-reflow phenomenon following ischemic stroke.The combination of laser scatter contrast imaging,low magnification and higher magnification images of perfused brain slices,and two-photon microscopy live imaging allows for a multifaceted assessment of perfusion changes.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of activation of splenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.Methods:The experiment was performed in two parts. Animal experiment Thirty-six SPF healthy male C57BL/6J mice, aged 10 weeks, weighing 22-27 g, were assigned to 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), myocardial ischemia group (MI group) and myocardial I/R group (MI/R group). The myocardial ischemia was induced by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery for 40 min in MI group, while the model of myocardial I/R was established by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 40 min followed by 1-h reperfusion in MI/R group. Following successful preparation of the model, 3 animals from each group were randomly selected, and their hearts were removed for determination of myocardial infarct size through a combination of TTC and methylene blue double staining. Another 3 animals from each group were randomly selected, and their hearts were removed for examination of pathological changes of myocardial tissues using HE staining. Blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta of 6 mice left in each group for determination of plasma interferon alpha (IFN-α) concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Then the animals were sacrificed and hearts were harvested for collection of cardiac perfusate (CP). Cell experiment Twelve SPF healthy male C57BL/6J mice, aged 10 weeks, weighing 22-27 g, were selected and the splenic pDCs were isolated using anti-mPDCA-1 MicroBeads according to the manufacturer′s instructions (with a positivity rate of >85% for the isolated cells). The cells were divided into 4 groups: group pDCs stimulated by CP in Sham group (pDCs+ CP-Sham group), group pDCs stimulated by CP in MI group (pDCs+ CP-MI group), group pDCs stimulated by CP in MI/R group (pDCs+ CP-MI/R group) and pDCs stimulated by PBS group (pDCs+ PBS group). The CP in Sham, MI and MI/R groups and PBS were used to induce and culture pDCs for 8 h. Flow cytometry was employed to detect the expression of CD45 and co-stimulatory molecules CD80, CD86 and Major Histocompatibility Complex Ⅱ (MHC Ⅱ) on the surface of pDCs. The levels of IFN-α in the cell culture supernatant were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:Animal experiments Compared with Sham group and MI group, the percentage of myocardial infarct size was significantly increased, the concentrations of plasma IFN-α were increased ( P<0.05), and cardiomyocytes displayed evident vacuolar degeneration, severe myocardial fiber rupture, and infiltration of a substantial number of inflammatory cells in MI/R group. There was no significant difference in each parameter between Sham group and MI group ( P>0.05). Cell experiment Compared with pDCs+ CP-Sham group, the expression of CD80, CD86 and MHCⅡ was significantly up-regulated in pDCs+ CP-MI group ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the aforementioned parameters in pDCs+ CP-MI/R group ( P>0.05). The expression of aforementioned parameters was significantly up-regulated in pDCs+ CP-MI group as compared with pDCs+ CP-MI/R group ( P<0.05). Compared with pDCs+ CP-Sham group and pDCs+ CP-MI/R group, the concentrations of IFN-α in the cell culture supernatant were significantly increased in pDCs+ CP-MI group ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the concentrations of IFN-α between pDCs+ CP-MI/R group and pDCs+ CP-Sham group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism underlying myocardial I/R injury may be related to activation of splenic pDCs leading to the production of IFN-α following myocardial ischemia in mice.

Objective:To translate the Self-Confidence Scale for Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterization (SCSCISC) into Chinese and test its reliability and validity.Methods:Following the Brislin questionnaire translation principles, the English version of SCCSISC was translated, back translated, culturally adapted, consulted with experts, and pre-surveyed to form the Chinese version of SCCSISC. From June to September 2023, 237 patients with neurogenic bladder admitted to the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University were selected as survey subjects by the convenient sampling method. The critical ratio method was used for project analysis, and Cronbach's α coefficient, split half reliability, and test-retest reliability were used to evaluate the reliability of the scale. Content validity and construct validity were used to test the validity of the scale.Results:The Cronbach's α coefficient of the Chinese version of SCCSISC was 0.976, the split half coefficient was 0.962, and the test-retest reliability was 0.876. The item-level content validity index ( I- CVI) of the Chinese version of SCCSISC was 0.86 to 1.00, and the scale-level content validity index ( S- CVI) was 0.93, with Kappa consistency coefficients above 0.74. Two common factors were extracted through exploratory factor analysis, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 73.42%. Conclusions:The Chinese version of SCCSISC has good reliability and validity, and can be used as a tool for self-confidence measurement of clean intermittent self-catheterization among patients with neurogenic bladder in China.

Assessment is an indispensable and critical activity in the educational process. In the recent decades, with the birth and development of competence-based educational paradigm, the rationale behind assessment is shifting from "assessment of learning" to "assessment for learning". Workplace-based assessment (WPBA), which aims to improve the quality of both learning and teaching through assessment in real workplace circumstances, is a set of assessment tools that conforms to the new concepts of medical education. In this article, with the purpose to promote the application of WPBA and thus enhance the quality of dental education in our country, a thorough discussion is performed regarding the core principles, tools, advantages of WPBA as well as attentions that should be noted when applying WPBA. It is recommended to establish a longitudinal assessment system which employs various WPBA tools and assesses the development of students' competencies through the whole educational process. Such a dynamic assessment system may be helpful to provide all-rounded and competent dental talents who can eventually benefit the society.

OBJECTIVES: The magnesium depletion score (MDS) is considered more reliable than traditional approaches for predicting magnesium deficiency in humans. We explored the associations of MDS and dietary magnesium intake with diabetes. METHODS: We obtained data from 18,853 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018. Using multivariate regression and stratified analysis, we investigated the relationships of both MDS and magnesium intake with diabetes. To compute prevalence ratios (PRs), we employed modified Poisson or log-binomial regression. We characterized the non-linear association between magnesium intake and diabetes using restricted cubic spline analysis. RESULTS: Participants with MDS ≥2 exhibited a PR of 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 1.34) for diabetes. Per-standard deviation (SD) increase in dietary magnesium intake was associated with a lower prevalence of diabetes (PR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.96). Subgroup analyses revealed a positive association between MDS ≥2 and diabetes across all levels of dietary magnesium intake, including the lowest (PR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.55), middle (PR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.35), and highest tertiles (PR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.37; pinteraction<0.001). Per-SD increase in magnesium intake was associated with lower diabetes prevalence in participants with MDS <2 (PR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.98) and those with MDS ≥2 (PR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.98; pinteraction=0.030). CONCLUSIONS MDS is associated with diabetes, particularly among individuals with low magnesium intake. Adequate dietary magnesium intake may reduce diabetes risk, especially in those with high MDS.