BACKGROUND:Dental mesenchymal stem cells are considered a promising source for bone tissue repair due to their high proliferation potential,osteogenic differentiation capacity,and immunomodulatory properties.However,some allogeneic applications of stem cells still have potential carcinogenic effects and immune rejection risks.Recently,studies have highlighted the paracrine effects mediated by secretions from dental mesenchymal stem cells in bone tissue repair.These secretions include the soluble factors and extracellular vesicles.OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of dental mesenchymal stem cells in repairing bone defects through paracrine effects.METHODS:Using search terms"dental mesenchymal stem cell,paracrine,osteogenesis,conditioned medium,extracellular vesicle"in Chinese and English,relevant literature published between 2019 and 2024 was retrieved from databases including CNKI,PubMed,and Elsevier ScienceDirect.A total of 104 studies were ultimately selected for this review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Dental mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium contains multiple bioactive factors beneficial for bone repair.These factors directly promote bone formation through regulatory agents such as osteocalcin,osteopontin,bone morphogenetic protein,and dentin sialophosphoprotein.They also play an indirect promoting role in bone tissue repair through neurotrophic factors,vascular endothelial growth factor,and immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agents.(2)Dental derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles not only contain some cytokines from dental conditioned medium,but also various miRNAs,which promote bone repair by directly promoting osteogenesis,angiogenesis,regulating immune cells,and inflammation control.These extracellular vesicles can be engineered within different scaffold materials to achieve controlled or sustained release,enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

BACKGROUND:The incidence rate of chronic non-specific neck pain is high and the etiology is unknown.Myofascial pain and deep cervical flexor atrophy are the key factors.Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can improve microcirculation,relieve local pain,and delay the degenerative development of the cervical spine,while motion control training can significantly improve neck muscle strength and endurance and reduce neck pain.However,both methods have limited effectiveness when applied individually.OBJECTIVE:To explore the therapeutic efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave intervention combined with motion control training at the upper trapezius muscle on chronic non-specific neck pain.METHODS:Forty-two patients with chronic non-specific neck pain recruited from Shenyang Sport University were randomly divided into three groups:a shock wave group(n=14),in which extracorporeal shockwave intervention at the upper trapezius muscle was given for 10-15 minutes,once a week for 4 weeks;a training group(n=14),in which motion control training was given for 40-50 minutes,three times a week for 4 weeks;and a combination group(n=14),in which extracorporeal shockwave intervention at the upper trapezius muscle combined with motion control training was performed for 4 weeks.Patients were assessed for pain intensity,cervical spine function,upper trapezius muscle thickness,hemodynamic parameters,and serum interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α levels before intervention,1 week and 4 weeks after intervention.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the visual analogue scale scores and neck disability index in the three groups were lower after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05),and the visual analogue scale scores and neck disability index in the combination group were lower than those of the shock wave group and the training group(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the upper trapezius thickness increased in the training group and the combination group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05);the upper trapezius thickness was greater in the combination group than in the shock wave group and the training group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05).(3)The shock wave group and the combination group had an increase in the peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery(P＜0.05)and a decrease in the resistance index(P＜0.05)after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention,while the training group showed an increase in the peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery(P＜0.05)and a decrease in the resistance index(P＜0.05)after 4 weeks of intervention.The peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery in the combination group was higher(P＜0.05)and the resistance index was lower(P＜0.05)than those in the shockwave group and the training group after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention.(4)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α were reduced in the shock wave and combination groups after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05),and in the training group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05).After 1 and 4 weeks of intervention,the levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α were lower in the combination group than in the shock wave group and the training group(P＜0.05).To conclude,extracorporeal shock wave combined with motion control training for chronic non-specific neck pain significantly reduces pain and improves neck function,and the mechanism of action may be to promote the blood flow velocity at the trigger point,reduce blood flow resistance,reduce the serum levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α,and increase the thickness of the upper trapezius muscle.

BACKGROUND:Dental mesenchymal stem cells are considered a promising source for bone tissue repair due to their high proliferation potential,osteogenic differentiation capacity,and immunomodulatory properties.However,some allogeneic applications of stem cells still have potential carcinogenic effects and immune rejection risks.Recently,studies have highlighted the paracrine effects mediated by secretions from dental mesenchymal stem cells in bone tissue repair.These secretions include the soluble factors and extracellular vesicles.OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of dental mesenchymal stem cells in repairing bone defects through paracrine effects.METHODS:Using search terms"dental mesenchymal stem cell,paracrine,osteogenesis,conditioned medium,extracellular vesicle"in Chinese and English,relevant literature published between 2019 and 2024 was retrieved from databases including CNKI,PubMed,and Elsevier ScienceDirect.A total of 104 studies were ultimately selected for this review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Dental mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium contains multiple bioactive factors beneficial for bone repair.These factors directly promote bone formation through regulatory agents such as osteocalcin,osteopontin,bone morphogenetic protein,and dentin sialophosphoprotein.They also play an indirect promoting role in bone tissue repair through neurotrophic factors,vascular endothelial growth factor,and immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agents.(2)Dental derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles not only contain some cytokines from dental conditioned medium,but also various miRNAs,which promote bone repair by directly promoting osteogenesis,angiogenesis,regulating immune cells,and inflammation control.These extracellular vesicles can be engineered within different scaffold materials to achieve controlled or sustained release,enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

BACKGROUND:The incidence rate of chronic non-specific neck pain is high and the etiology is unknown.Myofascial pain and deep cervical flexor atrophy are the key factors.Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can improve microcirculation,relieve local pain,and delay the degenerative development of the cervical spine,while motion control training can significantly improve neck muscle strength and endurance and reduce neck pain.However,both methods have limited effectiveness when applied individually.OBJECTIVE:To explore the therapeutic efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave intervention combined with motion control training at the upper trapezius muscle on chronic non-specific neck pain.METHODS:Forty-two patients with chronic non-specific neck pain recruited from Shenyang Sport University were randomly divided into three groups:a shock wave group(n=14),in which extracorporeal shockwave intervention at the upper trapezius muscle was given for 10-15 minutes,once a week for 4 weeks;a training group(n=14),in which motion control training was given for 40-50 minutes,three times a week for 4 weeks;and a combination group(n=14),in which extracorporeal shockwave intervention at the upper trapezius muscle combined with motion control training was performed for 4 weeks.Patients were assessed for pain intensity,cervical spine function,upper trapezius muscle thickness,hemodynamic parameters,and serum interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α levels before intervention,1 week and 4 weeks after intervention.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the visual analogue scale scores and neck disability index in the three groups were lower after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05),and the visual analogue scale scores and neck disability index in the combination group were lower than those of the shock wave group and the training group(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the upper trapezius thickness increased in the training group and the combination group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05);the upper trapezius thickness was greater in the combination group than in the shock wave group and the training group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05).(3)The shock wave group and the combination group had an increase in the peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery(P＜0.05)and a decrease in the resistance index(P＜0.05)after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention,while the training group showed an increase in the peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery(P＜0.05)and a decrease in the resistance index(P＜0.05)after 4 weeks of intervention.The peak systolic velocity of the ascending segment of the transverse carotid artery in the combination group was higher(P＜0.05)and the resistance index was lower(P＜0.05)than those in the shockwave group and the training group after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention.(4)Compared with the pre-intervention period,the levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α were reduced in the shock wave and combination groups after 1 and 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05),and in the training group after 4 weeks of intervention(P＜0.05).After 1 and 4 weeks of intervention,the levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α were lower in the combination group than in the shock wave group and the training group(P＜0.05).To conclude,extracorporeal shock wave combined with motion control training for chronic non-specific neck pain significantly reduces pain and improves neck function,and the mechanism of action may be to promote the blood flow velocity at the trigger point,reduce blood flow resistance,reduce the serum levels of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α,and increase the thickness of the upper trapezius muscle.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of acute respiratory infections(ARIs)during the autumn-winter season in Beijing,providing evidence for the prevention,control,diagnosis,and treatment of ARIs.Methods A convenience sampling method was employed,enrolling patients who visited Peking Union Medical College Hospital(PUMCH)between September 2023 and February 2024 due to ARIs.Na-sopharyngeal swabs were collected,and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect six common respiratory pathogens[influenza A virus(FluA),influenza B virus(FluB),human rhinovirus(HRV),Myco-plasma pneumoniae(MP),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),and adenovirus(ADV)],as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection.The distribution patterns of pathogen infections were analyzed.Results A total of 5556 eligible patients were included.The overall positivity rate for the six common respiratory pathogens was 63.7％,with sin-gle-pathogen positivity at 54.0％,dual-pathogen positivity at 8.9％,and triple or more pathogen positivity at 0.7％.The predominant pathogens detected were FluA(16.1％)and RSV(15.7％),followed by ADV(11.1％),MP(11.1％),HRV(10.0％),and FluB(10.0％).No significant difference in overall pathogen positivity was observed between genders.However,significant differences were found between autumn and winter(x2=34.617,P＜0.001)and among pediatric,young/middle-aged,and elderly patients(x2=422.38,P＜0.001).Specifically,MP(x2=8.647,P=0.003),FluA(x2=131.932,P＜0.001),and HRV(x2=174.199,P＜0.001)exhibited significantly higher positivity rates in autumn than in winter,whereas FluB was more prevalent in winter(x2=287.894,P＜0.001).In pediatric patients,MP,RSV,HRV,and ADV positivity rates were significantly higher than in young/middle-aged and elderly patients(all P＜0.001),whereas FluB was more common in young/middle-aged patients(both P＜0.001).The positivity rates of the six common respiratory pathogens significantly declined during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic period,exhibiting an asynchronous seasonal pattern.Conclusions The prevalence of respiratory pathogens in Beijing is associated with age and season.Tar-geted preventive measures should be implemented in different seasons and for key populations.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of the"S.L.O.T.S."(Separate,Loop,Observe,Tension,Sign)three-layer five-step method for preserving testicular artery in microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy.Methods Clinical data of 190 patients with varicocele in our hospital from March 2020 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.A total of 97 cases underwent"S.L.O.T.S."three-layer five-step method with preservation of testicular artery in microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy(microscopic group),and 93 cases underwent laparoscopic spermatic vein bundle ligation(laparoscopic group).The semen quality and postoperative complications of the two groups were compared before and after surgery.Results The laparoscopic group had significantly shorter operation time[(32.2±7.3)min vs.(65.1±8.3)min,t=28.959,P=0.000]compared to the microscopic group.The proportion of postoperative secondary hydrocele[1.0％(1/97)vs.8.6％(8/93),x2=4.470,P=0.034].epididymitis[2.1％(2/97)vs.9.7％(9/93),x2=5.049,P=0.025].and total complications[3.1％(3/97)vs.21.5％(20/93),x2=15.128,P=0.000]in the microscopic group were significantly lower than those in the laparoscopic group.The indicators of semen quality such as total number of sperm[(53.3±5.8)× 106 vs.(50.4±4.9)× 106,t=3.676,P=0.000].sperm concentration[(19.6±2.2)× 106/ml vs.(18.1±2.4)×106/ml,t=4.418,P=0.000].rate of sperm anterior motility[(46.1±5.6)％vs.(41.5±4.1)％,t=6.476,P=0.000].total sperm motility[(55.7±4.9)％vs.(51.2±3.8)％,t=7.115,P=0.000].and percentage of normal sperm[(9.0±1.7)％vs.(7.6±1.6)％,t=5.550,P=0.000]were significantly better in the microscopic group than those in the laparoscopic group.Conclusion "S.L.O.T.S."three-layer five-step method has advantages of programmed surgical steps,and effective identification and preservation of testicular arteries and lymphatic vessels,which is beneficial for improving semen quality and reducing postoperative complications such as secondary hydrocele and epididymitis.

BACKGROUND:The progression of chronic oral diseases is closely related to the continuous inflammatory response.Anti-inflammatory peptides are expected to become a substitute for traditional anti-inflammatory drugs due to their rich sources,easy absorption by the body and low side effects.OBJECTIVE:To review the types,anti-inflammatory mechanisms,and their application in oral related diseases.METHODS:CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science were retrieved,with"polypeptide,anti-inflammatory,immunomodulation,oral inflammatory diseases"as Chinese and English search terms.111 articles related to the classification of anti-inflammatory peptides,anti-inflammatory mechanisms,and application of oral inflammatory diseases were selected for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Anti-inflammatory peptides are abundant in nature,which can be extracted from plants,animals,and microorganisms.In addition to naturally occurring peptides and protein hydrolysates,peptides synthesized by chemical modification,computer simulation design,and genetic recombination technology can also exert anti-inflammatory effects.The composition,position,and properties of amino acids affect their anti-inflammatory activity.(2)Because the anti-inflammatory mechanism of anti-inflammatory peptides is still unclear,the activity verification is mostly cell experiments,and there is a lack of animal models,clinical trials and other further studies.(3)In the treatment of oral inflammatory diseases(including periodontitis,oral mucositis,caries,pulpitis,suppurative osteomyelitis of the jaw,and peri-implantitis),anti-inflammatory peptides can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors such as interleukin 6,interleukin 1β,and tumor necrosis factor α in oral tissues,regulate inflammatory responses,improve the chronic inflammatory environment,reduce tissue destruction and structural loss,and promote bone tissue regeneration,providing new ideas for the treatment of oral inflammatory diseases.

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among voluntary blood donors in Qinghai Province over a ten-year period and to provide evidence for refining blood safety screening strategies. Methods: Blood samples from 362 066 blood donors in Qinghai collected between January 2015 and April 2024 were simultaneously screened using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nucleic acid testing (NAT). Follow-up was conducted for donors with reactive HCV RNA screening results, and alanine transaminase (ALT) was detected by rate method. Results: The HCV positive rate among blood donors in Qinghai was 0.22%. Gender, marital status, number of blood donations, and educational level were associated with HCV infection. Significant differences in HCV positive rates were observed among donors across regions and ethnic groups. The HCV positive rate among donors in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (with an average altitude of 4 330 m) was significantly higher than that in Xining (0.52% vs 0.21%, P<0.001). Positivity rates were also significantly higher in Salar (0.84%), Hui (0.81%), Zang (0.60%), and Tu (0.45%) ethnic groups compared to the Han ethnic group (0.17%) (P<0.001). The abnormal rate of ALT in HCV-positive donors was higher than in non-HCV donors (6.13% vs 1.55%) (P<0.001). Conclusion: The relatively high HCV positivity rate among blood donors in Qinghai highlights the need for further investigation into viral sources, risk factors, and transmission routes. Optimized screening strategies are essential to ensure blood safety.

Objective:To establish a mouse model of spinal cord injury(SCI),and to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on cell apoptosis after acute SCI and its mechanism.Methods:Female C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a model of SCI,and after successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into SCI group,EA group,and Rosiglitazone group(R group);a sham-operation group(Sham group)was also established.After successful modeling,the mice in the EA group were given EA at bilat-eral Jiaji points and Zusanli once a day for 14 days,those in the R ture,and the number of surviving cells.The EA group and the R group had a significant reduction in the expression of caspase-3 and significant increases in the expression of PPARγ and CD36,and the EA group had significant reductions in the expression of Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt.In addition,RNA-Seq and TMT/iTRAQ techniques,significant analysis,Venn analysis,and dual-omics analysis identi-fied Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt as the target genes of EA.The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that EA had a significant effect on the PPAR signaling pathway.Conclusion:By regulating the PPARγ-CD36 signaling pathway,EA can promote the clearance of Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt after SCI,reduce the expression level of caspase-3,alleviate cell apoptosis,and facilitate the recovery of spinal cord nerve function.

The acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)-induced fever is mainly characterized by long-term,recurrent and irregular symptom,which poses a major threat to the quality of life of the AIDS patients.Tradition-al Chinese Medicine(TCM)has offered an approach of treatment determination based on syndrome differentiation and formula corresponding to syndrome on basis of the idea of'same disease,different therapies'.The earliest or-igin of the idea of'same disease,different therapies' can be traced back to'Huang Di Nei Jing',it plays a signifi-cant role in the theory of TCM after continuous enrichment and development by ancient medical families.The indi-vidualized therapeutic regimen is formulated based on the etiology,pathogenesis and physical condition(such as qi-insufficiency constitution,phlegm-dampness constitution),emphasizing the vital role of'treatment determina-tion based on syndrome differentiation'in the treatment process,highlighting the importance of personnel experi-ence of doctors,and showing the precise effect of TCM on treatment of AIDS-induced fever.