BACKGROUND: Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which are metabolites of arachidonic acid catalyzed by cytochrome P450 epoxygenase, are degraded into inactive dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Many studies have revealed that sEH gene deletion exerts protective effects against diabetes. Vascular calcification is a common complication of diabetes, but the potential effects of sEH on diabetic vascular calcification are still unknown. METHODS: The level of aortic calcification in wild-type and Ephx2-/- C57BL/6 diabetic mice induced with streptozotocin was evaluated by measuring the aortic calcium content through alizarin red staining, immunohistochemistry staining, and immunofluorescence staining. Mouse vascular smooth muscle cell lines (MOVAS cells) treated with β-glycerol phosphate (0.01 mol/L) plus advanced glycation end products (50 mg/L) were used to investigate the effects of sEH inhibitors or sEH knockdown and EETs on the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells, which was detected by Western blotting, alizarin red staining, and Von Kossa staining. RESULTS: sEH gene deletion significantly inhibited diabetic vascular calcification by increasing levels of EETs in the aortas of mice. EETs (especially 11,12-EET and 14,15-EET) efficiently prevented the osteogenic transdifferentiation of MOVAS cells by decreasing nidogen-2 (NID2) expression. Interestingly, suppressing sEH activity by small interfering ribonucleic acid or specific inhibitors did not block osteogenic transdifferentiation of MOVAS cells induced by β-glycerol phosphate and advanced glycation end products. NID2 overexpression significantly abolished the inhibitory effect of sEH gene deletion on diabetic vascular calcification. Moreover, NID2 overexpression mediated by adeno-associated virus 9 vectors markedly increased insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and phospho-ERK1/2 expression in MOVAS cells. Overall, sEH gene knockout inhibited diabetic vascular calcification by decreasing aortic NID2 expression and, then, inactivating the downstream IGF2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS sEH gene deletion markedly inhibited diabetic vascular calcification through repressed osteogenic transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells mediated by increased aortic EET levels, which was associated with decreased NID2 expression and inactivation of the downstream IGF2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Mice ; Vascular Calcification/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Epoxide Hydrolases/metabolism* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics* ; Male ; Gene Deletion ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/genetics* ; Cell Line ; Immunohistochemistry ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/genetics* ; Mice, Knockout

The relationship between hyperuricemia (HUA) and erectile dysfunction (ED) remains inadequately understood. Given that HUA is often associated with various metabolic disorders, this study aims to explore the multivariate linear impacts of metabolic parameters on erectile function in ED patients with HUA. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 514 ED patients with HUA in the Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Nanjing, China), aged 18 to 60 years. General demographic information, medical history, and laboratory results were collected to assess metabolic disturbances. Sexual function was evaluated using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Based on univariate analysis, variables associated with IIEF-5 scores were identified, and the correlations between them were evaluated. The effects of these variables on IIEF-5 scores were further explored by multiple linear regression models. Fasting plasma glucose ( β = -0.628, P < 0.001), uric acid ( β = -0.552, P < 0.001), triglycerides ( β = -0.088, P = 0.047), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( β = -0.164, P = 0.027), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; β = -0.562, P = 0.012), and smoking history ( β = -0.074, P = 0.037) exhibited significant negative impacts on erectile function. The coefficient of determination ( R ²) for the model was 0.239, and the adjusted R ² was 0.230, indicating overall statistical significance ( F -statistic = 26.52, P < 0.001). Metabolic parameters play a crucial role in the development of ED. Maintaining normal metabolic indices may aid in the prevention and improvement of erectile function in ED patients with HUA.
Humans ; Male ; Erectile Dysfunction/metabolism* ; Hyperuricemia/metabolism* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism* ; Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Uric Acid/blood* ; Young Adult ; Triglycerides/blood* ; Adolescent ; Cholesterol, LDL/blood* ; Penile Erection/physiology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND:Socket-shield technique can effectively maintain labial soft and hard tissues,but the incidence of postoperative complications such as exposure and displacement of root shield is relatively high.It is speculated that the root shield may be exposed and displaced due to excessive load after long-term function of dental implants. OBJECTIVE:Through three-dimensional finite element analysis,we aim to study the influence of varying root shield thicknesses on the stress distribution,equivalent stress peaks,and displacement in the root shield,periodontal ligaments,implant,and surrounding alveolar bone under normal occlusal loading.We also attempt to analyze the correlation between the thickness of the root shield and occurrence of mechanical events such as root shield exposure,displacement,and fracture. METHODS:Cone-beam CT data of a patient who met the indication standard of socket-shield technique for maxillary central incisor were retrieved from database.Reverse engineering techniques were used to build models of the maxillary bone and root shield,while forward engineering was used to create models for the implant components based on their parameters.Models depicting various root shield thicknesses(0.5,1.0,1.5,and 2.0 mm)were created using Solidworks 2022 software.ANSYS Workbench 2021 software was then used to simulate and analyze the effects of varying root shield thicknesses on stress distribution,equivalent stress peaks,and displacement of the root shields,periodontal ligaments,implants,and surrounding alveolar bone under normal occlusion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In all root shield models,the stress was concentrated on the palatal cervical side,both sides of the edges and the lower edge of the labial side.As the thickness of the root shield increased,the equivalent stress peak and displacement showed a decreasing trend.The 0.5 mm thickness model produced a stress concentration of 176.20 MPa,which exceeded the yield strength(150 MPa)of tooth tissue.(2)The periodontal ligament stress in each group was concentrated in the neck margin and upper region.With the increase of root shield thickness,the equivalent stress peak and displacement of periodontal ligament showed a decreasing trend.(3)Implant stress in all models was concentrated in the neck of the implant and the joint of the implant-repair abutment,and the labial side was more concentrated than the palatal side.With the increase of root shield thickness,the equivalent stress peak of the implant in the model showed an increasing trend.(4)In each group of models,stress of cortical bone concentrated around the neck of the implant and the periphery of the root shield,and the labial side was more concentrated than the palatal side.With the increase of the thickness of the root shield,the equivalent stress peak around the root shield decreased;the peak value of the equivalent stress of the bone around the neck of the implant showed an increasing trend.In the model,the stress of cancellous bone was mainly concentrated around the neck of the lip of the implant,the top of the thread,the root tip and the lower margin of the root shield,and the labial side was more concentrated than the palatal side.With the increase of the thickness of the root shield,the peak value of the equivalent stress of the bone around the root shield in the model showed a decreasing trend.The minimum principal stress of cortical bone in each group of models was concentrated around the neck of the implant,exhibiting a fan-shaped distribution.As the thickness of the root shield increased,the minimum principal stress of cortical bone showed an increasing trend.(5)These results indicate that different thicknesses of the root shield have different biomechanical effects.The root shield with a thickness of 0.5 mm is easy to fracture.For patients with sufficient bone width,the root shield with a thickness of 2.0 mm is an option to reduce the risk of complications such as root shield exposure,fracture,and displacement.Meanwhile,it should be taken into account to protect the periodontal ligament in the preparation process,and rounding treatments ought to be carried out on both sides and the lower edge of the root shield.

Objective:To compare the dosimetric differences between a 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicator and traditional single-channel/co-planar multi-channel applicators in postoperative vaginal brachytherapy for early-stage endometrial cancer.Methods:CT scan data of 66 patients with stage I endometrial cancer, encompassing 100 3D brachytherapy CT imaging datasets, admitted to Department of Gynecologic Oncology of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from December 2021 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on CT images and delineated structures, offline reconstructions of radiotherapy plans were performed for single-channel, coplanar multi-channel, and 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicators. These 3 radiotherapy plans were optimized, and the high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) coverage (V 100 ≥90%) and doses to organs at risk (rectum, bladder) were compared. The prescription dose was standardized at 600 cGy, with constraints of rectal D 2 cm3 ≤420 cGy and bladder D 2 cm3 ≤480 cGy. Comparison among multiple groups was conducted by ANOVA. Bonferroni method was used to correct P-values for comparison between two groups. Results:When defined as HR-CTV D 90%≥600 cGy, bladder D 2 cm3 was (398.29±76.13)cGy and rectum D 2 cm3 was (402.10±49.77)cGy of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group,which were significantly lower than those in the single-channel group [bladder D 2 cm3 (424.09±131.52) cGy, rectum D 2 cm3 (493.11±115.17) cGy] and coplanar group [bladder D 2 cm3 (461.28±134.84) cGy, rectum D 2 cm3 (508.75±119.02) cGy], respectively. When limiting bladder D 2 cm3≤480 cGy, rectal D 2 cm3 was (446.81±78.53 cGy) of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group, which was significantly lower than those in the single-channel group [(589.71±153.91) cGy] and the coplanar group [(545.51±122.00) cGy], respectively. Meanwhile, HR-CTV V 100% (94.53%±3.42%) was higher than (91.19%±7.63%) in the coplanar group. When the rectal D 2 cm3 was ≤ 420 cGy, HR-CTV V 100% was (91.92%±4.04%) of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group,which was significantly better than (79.23%±13.95%) in the single-channel group and (85.88%±6.86%) in the coplanar group, respectively. Conclusions:The 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicator significantly reduces bladder and rectal doses while enhancing target coverage, outperforming traditional single-channel and co-planar multi-channel applicators. This innovation provides an optimized solution for individualized precision radiotherapy.

Objective:To develop the Adolescent Mental Health Computerized Adaptive Test(AMH-CAT)for assessing psychological crises in adolescents using item response theory(IRT).Methods:A total of 8 679 students,aged 9 to 19 years,were sampled from 14 primary and secondary schools.The item bank was constructed by examining unidimensionality,independence,discrimination,and Differential Item Functioning(DIF).The AMH-CAT algorithm was developed using R software and validated for reliability and validity through real and simulated data.The School Psychological Interview Evaluation Form served as the criterion tool to assess the predictive validi-ty of AMH-CAT in evaluating psychological crises levels.Results:The item bank,consisting of 43 items,demon-strated unidimensionality and independence,with discrimination values＞0.80 and no DIF across genders.Under va-rious stopping rules,AMH-CAT showed ABS values＜0.40,RMSE values＜0.50,and a correlation(r)＞0.87(P＜0.001)between estimated and true psychological crises levels.Real participants answered an average of 10 items under the SE(θ)≤0.4 stopping rule,with a reliability of 0.89,and the scores were positively correlated with the complete item bank scores(r=0.95,P＜0.001).The predictive accuracy for Level 1 and Level 2 concerns was 0.89 and 0.90,respectively.Conclusion:The Adolescent Mental Health Computerized Adaptive Test(AMH-CAT)demonstrates excellent validity,reliability and assessment efficiency for evaluating adolescent psychological crises.

Chikungunya fever is spreading continuously worldwide，posing a growing public health challenge alongside other arboviral diseases. This article systematically reviews the epidemiological characteristics of chikungunya fever，analyzes the pandemic potential of Aedes mosquito-borne diseases and discusses integrated prevention and control strategies for China in the context of increasing importation risk，drawing on containment practices from multiple countries and regions.

Objective:To develop the Adolescent Mental Health Computerized Adaptive Test(AMH-CAT)for assessing psychological crises in adolescents using item response theory(IRT).Methods:A total of 8 679 students,aged 9 to 19 years,were sampled from 14 primary and secondary schools.The item bank was constructed by examining unidimensionality,independence,discrimination,and Differential Item Functioning(DIF).The AMH-CAT algorithm was developed using R software and validated for reliability and validity through real and simulated data.The School Psychological Interview Evaluation Form served as the criterion tool to assess the predictive validi-ty of AMH-CAT in evaluating psychological crises levels.Results:The item bank,consisting of 43 items,demon-strated unidimensionality and independence,with discrimination values＞0.80 and no DIF across genders.Under va-rious stopping rules,AMH-CAT showed ABS values＜0.40,RMSE values＜0.50,and a correlation(r)＞0.87(P＜0.001)between estimated and true psychological crises levels.Real participants answered an average of 10 items under the SE(θ)≤0.4 stopping rule,with a reliability of 0.89,and the scores were positively correlated with the complete item bank scores(r=0.95,P＜0.001).The predictive accuracy for Level 1 and Level 2 concerns was 0.89 and 0.90,respectively.Conclusion:The Adolescent Mental Health Computerized Adaptive Test(AMH-CAT)demonstrates excellent validity,reliability and assessment efficiency for evaluating adolescent psychological crises.

Chikungunya fever is spreading continuously worldwide，posing a growing public health challenge alongside other arboviral diseases. This article systematically reviews the epidemiological characteristics of chikungunya fever，analyzes the pandemic potential of Aedes mosquito-borne diseases and discusses integrated prevention and control strategies for China in the context of increasing importation risk，drawing on containment practices from multiple countries and regions.

Objective:To compare the dosimetric differences between a 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicator and traditional single-channel/co-planar multi-channel applicators in postoperative vaginal brachytherapy for early-stage endometrial cancer.Methods:CT scan data of 66 patients with stage I endometrial cancer, encompassing 100 3D brachytherapy CT imaging datasets, admitted to Department of Gynecologic Oncology of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from December 2021 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on CT images and delineated structures, offline reconstructions of radiotherapy plans were performed for single-channel, coplanar multi-channel, and 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicators. These 3 radiotherapy plans were optimized, and the high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) coverage (V 100 ≥90%) and doses to organs at risk (rectum, bladder) were compared. The prescription dose was standardized at 600 cGy, with constraints of rectal D 2 cm3 ≤420 cGy and bladder D 2 cm3 ≤480 cGy. Comparison among multiple groups was conducted by ANOVA. Bonferroni method was used to correct P-values for comparison between two groups. Results:When defined as HR-CTV D 90%≥600 cGy, bladder D 2 cm3 was (398.29±76.13)cGy and rectum D 2 cm3 was (402.10±49.77)cGy of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group,which were significantly lower than those in the single-channel group [bladder D 2 cm3 (424.09±131.52) cGy, rectum D 2 cm3 (493.11±115.17) cGy] and coplanar group [bladder D 2 cm3 (461.28±134.84) cGy, rectum D 2 cm3 (508.75±119.02) cGy], respectively. When limiting bladder D 2 cm3≤480 cGy, rectal D 2 cm3 was (446.81±78.53 cGy) of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group, which was significantly lower than those in the single-channel group [(589.71±153.91) cGy] and the coplanar group [(545.51±122.00) cGy], respectively. Meanwhile, HR-CTV V 100% (94.53%±3.42%) was higher than (91.19%±7.63%) in the coplanar group. When the rectal D 2 cm3 was ≤ 420 cGy, HR-CTV V 100% was (91.92%±4.04%) of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group,which was significantly better than (79.23%±13.95%) in the single-channel group and (85.88%±6.86%) in the coplanar group, respectively. Conclusions:The 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicator significantly reduces bladder and rectal doses while enhancing target coverage, outperforming traditional single-channel and co-planar multi-channel applicators. This innovation provides an optimized solution for individualized precision radiotherapy.

Objective The objective of this study is to examine the expression level of the S100A7A protein in both gastric cancer tissues and cells,as well as to evaluate its impact on the malignant phenotype of gastric cancer(GC)cells.Methods Immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the expression characteristics of S100A7A in 21 gastric cancer tissues and their corresponding paracancerous tissues,as well as to investigate its correlation with gastric cancer clinicopathological factors.Gastric cancer cells were genetically modified to overex-press S100A7A through plasmid transfection.Subsequently,the impact of S100A7A on the proliferation,migra-tion,and invasion capacities of gastric cancer cells was assessed using cell proliferation assays(EdU assay and plate cloning assay)as well as cell migration and invasion assays(Transwell assay and scratch assay).Results The expression of S100A7A protein was higher in GC tissues than in paracancerous tissues;Overexpression of S100A7A may increase gastric cancer cell proliferation,migration,and invasion.Conclusion S100A7A is a possible oncogene in GC and is predicted to serve as a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for the disease.