BACKGROUND:Currently,there are many modeling methods for pelvic organ prolapse animal models,and the commonly used methods are vaginal balloon dilatation,oophorectomy and the combination of the two.There is no study comparing the three modeling methods in detail.OBJECTIVE:To construct and validate a rat animal model of pelvic organ prolapse using three different methods and to identify the advantages and disadvantages of various models.METHODS:Seventy-two 8-week SPF-grade female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into four groups,namely,vaginal balloon dilatation group,ovariectomy group,ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilatation group(the combined group),and the sham-operated group(no ovariectomy and no vaginal dilatation).The vaginal wall tissues of rats were collected at 4,8 and 12 weeks after the operation for hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining,EVG staining and immunohistochemical staining of α-smooth muscle actin,Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 detection,and the pelvic floor muscle tissues were taken at 4,8 and 12 weeks after the operation for hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining and EVG staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Hematoxylin-eosi staining showed that there was no significant difference in the decrease of vaginal epithelial layer thickness in the vaginal balloon dilatation group compared with the sham-operated group,(P＞0.05),while the thickness of the vaginal epithelial layer was significantly reduced in the ovariectomy group and the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group(P＜0.001),and the reduction was more significant in the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group,remained stable at 8 weeks after surgery and lasted until 12 weeks.(2)The changes in the content of collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the vaginal wall stained by Masson and EVG staining were the same as the changes in the thickness of the vaginal epithelial layer stained by hematoxylin-eosin,and there were no changes in collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the pelvic floor muscle tissues of the treatment groups.(3)At 4,8 and 12 weeks after treatment,there was no significant difference in the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin,Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in the vaginal wall tissue of the balloon dilation group compared with the control group(P＞0.05),whereas the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin and Vimentin were significantly decreased in the ovariectomy group and ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group(P＜0.01)and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 showed a significant increase(P＜0.01),with a more pronounced increase in the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group,and the increase reached a stable state at 8 weeks after surgery and could persist up to 12 weeks.To conclude,vaginal balloon dilatation could not maintain the degeneration of pelvic organ prolapse formed by the vaginal wall for a long period,and both ovariectomy and the combined method can be used.Ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilatation can significantly accelerate and aggravate the formation of typical histological features of pelvic organ prolapse in vaginal wall tissues,effectively shorten the experimental period,and improve the efficiency.These effects reach a stable state at 8 weeks after surgery and can be sustained up to 12 weeks,which is practical and convenient for the study of pelvic organ prolapse animal models.

BACKGROUND:Currently,there are many modeling methods for pelvic organ prolapse animal models,and the commonly used methods are vaginal balloon dilatation,oophorectomy and the combination of the two.There is no study comparing the three modeling methods in detail.OBJECTIVE:To construct and validate a rat animal model of pelvic organ prolapse using three different methods and to identify the advantages and disadvantages of various models.METHODS:Seventy-two 8-week SPF-grade female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into four groups,namely,vaginal balloon dilatation group,ovariectomy group,ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilatation group(the combined group),and the sham-operated group(no ovariectomy and no vaginal dilatation).The vaginal wall tissues of rats were collected at 4,8 and 12 weeks after the operation for hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining,EVG staining and immunohistochemical staining of α-smooth muscle actin,Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 detection,and the pelvic floor muscle tissues were taken at 4,8 and 12 weeks after the operation for hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining and EVG staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Hematoxylin-eosi staining showed that there was no significant difference in the decrease of vaginal epithelial layer thickness in the vaginal balloon dilatation group compared with the sham-operated group,(P＞0.05),while the thickness of the vaginal epithelial layer was significantly reduced in the ovariectomy group and the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group(P＜0.001),and the reduction was more significant in the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group,remained stable at 8 weeks after surgery and lasted until 12 weeks.(2)The changes in the content of collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the vaginal wall stained by Masson and EVG staining were the same as the changes in the thickness of the vaginal epithelial layer stained by hematoxylin-eosin,and there were no changes in collagen fibers and elastic fibers in the pelvic floor muscle tissues of the treatment groups.(3)At 4,8 and 12 weeks after treatment,there was no significant difference in the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin,Vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in the vaginal wall tissue of the balloon dilation group compared with the control group(P＞0.05),whereas the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin and Vimentin were significantly decreased in the ovariectomy group and ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group(P＜0.01)and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 showed a significant increase(P＜0.01),with a more pronounced increase in the ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilation group,and the increase reached a stable state at 8 weeks after surgery and could persist up to 12 weeks.To conclude,vaginal balloon dilatation could not maintain the degeneration of pelvic organ prolapse formed by the vaginal wall for a long period,and both ovariectomy and the combined method can be used.Ovariectomy combined with vaginal balloon dilatation can significantly accelerate and aggravate the formation of typical histological features of pelvic organ prolapse in vaginal wall tissues,effectively shorten the experimental period,and improve the efficiency.These effects reach a stable state at 8 weeks after surgery and can be sustained up to 12 weeks,which is practical and convenient for the study of pelvic organ prolapse animal models.

Background: Sex-based differences often influence the therapeutic efficacy and safety of medications. Semen Cuscutae is a traditional tonic botanical drug with sex-specific characteristics, traditionally indicated for conditions such as impotence (exclusive to males) and restless fetus (exclusive to pregnant females). However, most existing studies have focused on a single sex. Objective: To evaluate the sex-specific biological effects of Semen Cuscutae in rats and explore its molecular mechanisms, with the aim of uncovering its pharmacological characteristics through a multiomics approach. Methods: A traditional aqueous extract of Semen Cuscutae (SCA) was used as the experimental material. Forty adult Sprague-Dawley rats (equal numbers of males and females) were randomly divided into 4 groups: male control, male SCA treatment (240 mg/kg), female control, and female SCA treatment (240 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. The biological effects were comprehensively evaluated using a combination of open field test, biochemical analyses, proteomics, and gut microbiota profiling. Results: As a tonic botanical drug, SCA appeared to directly affect the mental and behavioral state of rats. It significantly altered the time spent by rats in the center area during the open field test, showing a sex-dependent reversal of behaviors. Proteomic analysis of brain tissue identified 624 differentially expressed proteins across the groups, with 10 key differentially expressed proteins related to sex differences, including fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, transcription elongation factor A protein-like 1, 40S ribosomal protein S25, neural cell adhesion molecule, and anion exchange protein 2 (SLC4A2). Enrichment analysis revealed that in male rats, SCA upregulated proteins involved in biological processes such as ribosome function and energy derivation, supporting protein synthesis and enhancing energy supply, showing an overall gain effect. In contrast, in female rats, SCA downregulated proteins associated with processes such as positive regulation of target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling and vesicle transport, suggesting suppression of neuronal signaling and material transport, indicative of a shift toward a more restrained physiological state. Furthermore, SCA reduced gut microbiota diversity in female rats but increased it in males, including the abundance of Akkermansia, which may serve as a crucial mediator. Conclusion: Overall, the biological effects of SCA differ significantly between male and female rats, with evidence suggesting greater health benefits in males. These findings help elucidate the scientific basis of its traditional applications and provide guidance for the precise application of SCA as a functional health food.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the 21 confirmed monkeypox cases in a district of Chengdu City, and to provide scientific guidance for the prevention and control of subsequent monkeypox epidemics. MethodsData of confirmed monkeypox cases residing in this district were collected from the Disease Control and Prevention Information System of China. A retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis was used to analyze the demographic, distributional and behavioral characteristics of the cases. ResultsThe first confirmed case of monkeypox was reported on July 5, 2023. Up to April 30, 2025, a total of 21 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported. All cases were male, with a mean age of (30.9±6.2) years. The highest proportion of cases(47.62%) was in the 30‒40 years age group. The majority were men who have sex with men (MSM) population (90.48%, 19/21). The results showed that 19.05% of cases were co-infected with HIV, and 19.05% had a history of syphilis infection. Within 21 days prior to symptom onset, 19 cases (90.48%) self-reported engaging in male-to-male sexual contact, among whom 10 cases (52.63%) reported having taken protective measures, while 9 cases (47.37%) did not take safety precautions. Thirteen cases (61.90%) had no travel history to areas with reported monkeypox cases during the 21 days before symptom onset. The predominant manifestation was exanthem (100%, 21/21), followed by fever (57.14%, 12/21) and lymphadenectasis (47.62%, 10/21). Among febrile cases, 50.00% (6/12) had low-grade fever (37.3‒38.0 ℃). All cases were identified through active medical consultation. The median interval from symptom onset to the first medical visit was 3 (2, 6) days, with a maximum interval of 14 days. The median interval from symptom onset to laboratory confirmation was 7 (5, 9) days. Six cases (28.57%) had two or more visits to the hospital, with bacterial infection being the primary initial diagnosis. ConclusionMonkeypox prevention and control efforts in a district of Chengdu City should prioritize MSM population and young and middle-aged adults aged 30 to <40 years. It is recommended to establish an integrated monkeypox epidemic prevention and control network by leveraging existing HIV/AIDS prevention and control network. Concurrently, accelerating the deployment of the national intelligent infectious disease monitoring and early warning front-end software will strengthen early detection capabilities and be beneficial for the overall effectiveness of epidemic prevention and control efforts.

Background Amid global climate change, extreme environmental events are occurring more frequently, and it is imperative to investigate the impacts of combined exposure to fine particluate matter (PM_2.5) and cold spells (CS) on population mortality. Objective To analyze the association between sequential extreme PM_2.5-cold spell (EP-CS) events and non-accidental mortality among residents in Zigong City from 2016 to 2021. Methods Using time-series study design, meteorological data in Zigong were collected from the Zigong Meteorological Bureau for the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021, while daily non-accidental mortality data were obtained from the mortality surveillance system of the Zigong Center for Disease Control and Prevention. We adopted the percentile method to define extreme PM_2.5 events and cold spells. We analyzed the risk effect of EP-CS events on non-accidental mortality among residents in this city and explored the potential amplification of damage resulting from different patterns of consecutive extreme events by using distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM). We also conducted stratified analyses based on age, gender, education level, and marital status. Results The EP-CS events demonstrated a significant impact on non-accidental mortality among the local residents, exhibiting a certain lagged effect. The effects on the overall residents lasted from lag0 (RR=1.030, 95%CI: 1.013, 1.048) to lag14 (RR=1.035, 95%CI: 1.019, 1.052). Notably, the effects were more pronounced among females, individuals aged 65 years and above, and those who were never married, divorced, or widowed. Different patterns of EP-CS events all associated with adverse effects, the health impact of EP-CS events was significantly greater than that of individual PM_2.5 pollution or CS events. The analysis of lag effects across different event patterns revealed that the overall effect of EP-CS events with shorter intervals (0–7 d) had a stronger effect compared to EP-CS with longer intervals (8–14 d), and the RR values of lag14 were 1.034 (95%CI: 1.015, 1.054) and 1.017 (95%CI: 1.007, 1.027), suggesting that the damaging effect of compound events occurring in the short term was more significant. Conclusion All sequential extreme EP-CS events have an impact on non-accidental mortality among residents in this city, with compound events demonstrating a stronger effect. Females, individuals aged ≥65 years, and those who were never married, divorced, or widowed are more sensitive to EP-CS events.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to address the configuration and efficiency issues in the use of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) equipment through the practical implementation of a rationalization platform based on the Internet of Things (IoT). METHODS: By employing IoT and data integration technologies, the deep integration of DSA equipment operational data with clinical data was achieved to construct a knowledge base for rational use of DSA equipment. Simultaneously, a knowledge base was developed using software engineering techniques to visually display data analysis results. RESULTS: Through thorough data analysis, an imbalance in DSA usage between the southern and northern hospital campuses was identified. Addressing this issue, optimizations were implemented based on the data analysis results, which ultimately yielded significant effects. These adjustments not only effectively alleviated the pressure on DSA equipment usage in the southern campus, but also increased equipment utilization in the northern district (the average daily working hours have increased from 4.64 h to 7.19 h), shortened patient appointment wait time (the appointment duration in the southern campus decreased by 21.86% year-on-year, while the appointment duration in the northern campus decreased by 20.51% year-on-year). CONCLUSION Through the practical implementation of a DSA rationalization platform based on IoT, this study not only successfully explored methods for rational DSA usage but also provided valuable reference for the rational management of medical equipment.
Internet of Things ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction/instrumentation* ; Humans ; Software

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

Objective:To introduce a new design of super-micro flap for endoscopic ear surgery, and to evaluate the application effect of super-micro flap in endoscopic tympanoplasty. Methods:Between January, 2023 and March, 2024, 58 patients（64 ears） with tympanosclerosis underwent tympanoplasty with super-micro flap. Continuous irrigating mode endoscopic ear surgery（CIM-EES） was used to complete type Ⅱ or Ⅲ tympanoplasty with the tragus cartilage with followed up for 12 to 24 months. The operation time, postoperative efficacy and complications were statistically analyzed. Results:Of the 64 ears, 63 ears had primary healing of the tympanic membrane, and 1 ear had cartilage necrosis due to multi-drug resistant bacteria infection. The second operation was performed one year later, and the success rate of operation was 98.40%. The average operation time was （48.40±8.86） minutes. The average hearing threshold of 0.5 kHz to 4.0 kHz before operation was （59.63±10.62） dB HL, and the average air conduction threshold of 0.5 kHz to 4.0 kHz one year after operation was（38.79±10.91） dB HL, which was significantly improved compared with that before operation（P<0.01）. Bone conduction threshold also improved significantly （24.49±8.55） dB HL vs（21.88±7.58） dB HL（P<0.01）. No outer tympanic membrane healing and ear canal scar stenosis occurred. Conclusion:The design of super-micro flap can effectively solve the interference of flap floating during continuous irrigating mode in endoscopic ear surgery, relieve the difficulty of flap reposition, simplify the operation process, help to shorten the operation time, and reduce the possibility of circular scar stenosis of conventional free flap, which provides a new flap design option for endoscopic ear surgery.
Humans ; Tympanoplasty/methods* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Surgical Flaps ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Myringosclerosis/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Tympanic Membrane/surgery* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult

Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a member of the transcription CDK subfamily and plays a role in transcriptional regulation. Selective CDK9 degraders possess potent clinical advantages over reversible CDK9 inhibitors. Herein, we report the first ATG101-recruiting selective CDK9 degrader, AZ-9, based on the hydrophobic tag kinesin degradation technology. AZ-9 showed significant degradation effects and selectivity toward other homologous cell cycle CDKs in vitro and in vivo, which could also affect downstream related phenotypes. Mechanism research revealed that AZ-9 recruits ATG101 to initiate the autophagy-lysosome pathway, and forms autophagosomes through the recruitment of LC3, which then fuses with lysosomes to degrade CDK9 and the partner protein Cyclin T1. These dates validated the existence of non-proteasomal degradation pathway of hydrophobic driven protein degradation strategy for the first time, which might provide research ideas for chemical induction intervention on other types of pathogenic proteins.

Enamel demineralization, the formation of white spot lesions, is a common issue in clinical orthodontic treatment. The appearance of white spot lesions not only affects the texture and health of dental hard tissues but also impacts the health and aesthetics of teeth after orthodontic treatment. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of white spot lesions that occur throughout the orthodontic treatment process involve multiple dental specialties. This expert consensus will focus on providing guiding opinions on the management and prevention of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment, advocating for proactive prevention, early detection, timely treatment, scientific follow-up, and multidisciplinary management of white spot lesions throughout the orthodontic process, thereby maintaining the dental health of patients during orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Caries/etiology* ; Dental Enamel/pathology* ; Tooth Demineralization/etiology* ; Tooth Remineralization