In recent years, China has been facing the dual challenges of declining fertility rates and births, with male reproductive health issues, especially the decline in semen quality, identified as a pivotal contributor to this phenomenon. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence indicates that air pollutants, an increasingly severe environmental problem, can damage semen quality not only directly through their biological toxicity but also indirectly by disrupting the composition of microbial communities in the gut and semen, thereby dysregulating immune function, endocrine homeostasis, and oxidative stress responses. The gut microbiota and semen microbiota, as important components of the human microecosystem, play crucial roles in maintaining reproductive health. This article comprehensively reviewed the research progress on the potential effects of air pollutants (particulate matter and gaseous pollutants), gut microbiota, and semen microbiota on semen quality. Specifically, it elucidated the mechanisms of interaction between these factors and explored how they affect male fertility.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided needle knife release with different pathways for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Sixty CTS patients were randomly divided into a transverse group and a longitudinal group, with 30 patients in each group. The transverse group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above and below the median nerve along the short axis, while the longitudinal group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above the median nerve along the long axis. The patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Levine scores, and median nerve cross-section area (CSA) were assessed before treatment, on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment. The median nerve conduction indexes (motor conduction: latency [Lat], amplitude[Amp], motor conduction velocity [MCV]; sensory conduction: Lat, Amp, sensory conduction velocity [SCV]) were evaluated before treatment and on the 30th day after treatment. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, Levine scores, and median nerve CSA were reduced in both groups on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment (P<0.05); the transverse group showed lower VAS and Levine scores and smaller CSA than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05). On the 30th day after treatment, motor and sensory Lat was reduced (P<0.05), motor and sensory Amp was increased (P<0.05), and MCV and SCV were faster (P<0.05) in both groups. The transverse group had shorter Lat, higher Amp, and faster MCV and SCV than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The ultrasound-guided needle knife release with transverse and longitudinal pathways could both effectively alleviate pain and improve median nerve conduction in CTS patients, with the transverse pathway showing superior efficacy to longitudinal pathway.
Humans ; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/therapy* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Adult ; Median Nerve/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Treatment Outcome ; Neural Conduction ; Aged ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the innervated medial plantar flap for reconstructing soft tissue defects, particularly in the weight-bearing zone, after resection of foot tumors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients with malignant skin and soft tissue tumors of the foot treated between October 2023 and December 2024. The cohort included 8 males and 4 females, aged 42-67 years (mean, 57.5 years). Tumor types comprised malignant melanoma (5 cases), squamous cell carcinoma (4 cases), arsenical keratosis (2 cases), and tumor-induced osteomalacia (1 case). Soft tissue defects located in the heel weight-bearing region in 10 cases and non-weight-bearing ankle region in 2 cases, with defect sizes ranging from 4.0 cm×3.0 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm. Preoperative photon-counting CT angiography (PC-CTA) was performed to assess the medial plantar artery and its perforators. All patients underwent radical tumor resection with confirmed negative margins. The resulting defects were reconstructed using a innervated medial plantar flap incorporating sensory branches of the medial plantar nerve. The flap donor site was covered with a split-thickness skin graft harvested from the ipsilateral inguinal region. RESULTS: The operation was successfully completed in all 12 patients. All flaps survived completely without vascular compromise, partial necrosis, or total loss. Incisions healed primarily without dehiscence or infection. Minor skin graft necrosis occurred at the donor site in 3 patients, which healed within 2-3 weeks with routine dressing changes. No donor site complication (e.g., tendon or nerve injury) occurred. Patients were followed up 2-16 months (mean, 10.3 months). At last follow-up, there was no tumor recurrence. Flaps exhibited good color and texture match with surrounding tissue, restored sensation, and all feet achieved normal weight-bearing activity. CONCLUSION The innervated medial plantar flap, precisely designed based on PC-CTA localization, provides reliable blood supply and effective sensory restoration. It is an ideal method for reconstructing soft tissue defects after foot tumor resection, especially in the heel weight-bearing region.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Adult ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/surgery* ; Surgical Flaps/blood supply* ; Foot/surgery* ; Skin Neoplasms/surgery* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Melanoma/surgery*

Microalgae possess high photosynthetic efficiency, robust adaptability, and substantial biomass, serving as excellent biological resources for large-scale cultivation. Malic enzyme (ME), a ubiquitous metabolic enzyme in living organisms, catalyzes the decarboxylation of malate to produce pyruvate, CO₂, and NAD(P)H, playing a role in multiple metabolic pathways including energy metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, and biosynthesis. In this study, we identified the Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene (SqME) and its biological functions, aiming to provide excellent target genes for the genetic improvement of higher plants. Based on the RNA-seq data from S. quadricauda under the biofilm cultivation mode with high CO₂ and light energy transfer efficiency and small water use, a highly expressed gene (SqME) functionally annotated as ME was cloned. The physicochemical properties of the SqME-encoded protein were systematically analyzed by bioinformatics tools. The subcellular localization of SqME was determined via transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The biological functions of SqME were identified via genetic transformation in Nicotiana tabacum, and the potential of SqME in the genetic improvement of higher plants was evaluated. The ORF of SqME was 1 770 bp, encoding 590 amino acid residues, and the encoded protein was located in chloroplasts. SqME was a NADP-ME, with the typical structural characteristics of ME. The ME activity in the transgenic N. tabacum plant was 1.8 folds of that in the wild-type control. Heterologous expression of SqME increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll by 20.9%, 26.9%, and 25.2%, respectively, compared with the control. The transgenic tobacco leaves showed an increase of 54.0% in the fluorescence parameter NPQ and a decrease of 30.1% in Fo compared with the control. Moreover, the biomass, total lipids, and soluble sugars in the transgenic tobacco leaves enhanced by 20.5%, 25.7%, and 9.5%, respectively. On the contrary, the starch and protein content in the transgenic tobacco leaves decreased by 22.4% and 12.2%, respectively. Collectively, the SqME-encoded protein exhibited a strong enzymatic activity. Heterologous expressing of SqME could significantly enhance photosynthetic protection, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation in the host. Additionally, SqME can facilitate carbon metabolism remodeling in the host, driving more carbon flux towards lipid synthesis. Therefore, SqME can be applied in the genetic improvement of higher plants for enhancing photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation. These findings provide scientific references for mining of functional genes from S. quadricauda and application of these genes in the genetic engineering of higher plants.
Nicotiana/genetics* ; Photosynthesis/physiology* ; Malate Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis* ; Plant Leaves/genetics* ; Scenedesmus/enzymology* ; Carbon Cycle/genetics* ; Lipid Metabolism/genetics* ; Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*

Long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)is a class of endogenous non-coding RNA with a length of more than 200 nt.Due to lack of open reading frame(ORF),they lack the ability to directly encode proteins,but they play a crucial role in gene regulation.They are widely involved in epigenetics,transcription,translation,modification and degradation,thereby affecting the life activities of the body,and their expression imbalance is closely related to the occurrence and development of diseases.Therefore,analyzing the inherent characteristics of lncRNA and revealing its intrinsic role can not only deepen our understanding of human physiological and pathological processes,but also provide new ideas and potential solutions for the diagnosis,prevention and treatment of diseases.So as to provide references for the related research of lncRNAs.

Objective To investigate the correlation between preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptidogen(NT-proBNP)levels and early postoperative outcomes in elderly and critically ill pa-tients with hip fractures.Methods A total of 593 elderly and critically ill patients with hip fractures from January 2018 to April 2021 were selected,including 189 males and 404 females,aged≥65 years,BMI 12.0-35.5 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅱ-Ⅳ.General preoperative information,intraoperative and post-operative discharge outcomes of patients were retrospectively obtained by the electrical clinical medical record system or telephone follow-up.The receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve of preoperative plas-ma NT-proBNP and postoperative 30-day death was plotted,and the corresponding optimal cut-off value was 1 765.0 pg/ml.According to NT-proBNP values,the patients were divided into two groups:low-ratio group(NT-proBNP≤1 765.0 pg/ml,group L,n = 463)and high-ratio group(NT-proBNP＞1 765.0 pg/ml,group H,n = 130).The correlation between different plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP before surgery and ICU length of stay,total length of stay,postoperative complications,and 30-day mortality rate were an-alyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results Compared with group L,age,preoperative comorbidities with coronary heart disease,arrhythmia,chronic heart failure,lung disease,and chronic kidney disease,as well as mortality within 30 days after surgery were significantly increased in group H(P＜0.05).The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high preoperative plasma NT-proBNP concentration was positive correlation with postoperative ICU length of stay(OR = 1.215,95%CI 1.073-1.375,P = 0.020)and 30-day mortality rate(OR = 32.696,95%CI 7.158-149.338,P＜0.001).Conclusion High preoperative plasma NT-proBNP concentration is positive correlation with postoperative ICU hospitalization timeand 30-day mortality.

Objective:To study the expression of stomatin-like protein 2(STOML2)in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)tissue and the effects of STOML2 on the tumorigenicity of OSCC cells(OSCCCs)in vitro and in vivo,and the related mechanism.Methods:The protein expression of STOML2 in OSCC and adjacent tissues of 56 patients was detected.OSCCCs SCC-15 were divided into 2 groups.Stom12-siRNA plasmid was transfected into the cells of experimental group and Mock-siRNA plasmid was transfected into the cells of control group.The mRNA and protein expression of STOML2,CDK4 and P16 in the cells was detected by qPCR and Western blot respectively.The cell cycle of the cells was detected by flow cytometry,and the proliferation of the cells was detected by CCK8 asay.The tumorigenicity of the cells was detected by subcutaneous tumor model in nude mice.Results:The positive rate of STOML2 in OSCC and adjacent tissues was 92.86％(52/56)and 8.93％(5/56)respectively(P＜0.001).After siRNA transfection,STOML2 mRNA expression in SCC-15 cells of experimental group and control group was(0.43±0.09)and(1.23±0.19),STOML2 protein ex-pression was(0.52±0.11)and(0.94±0.17)respectively.CDK4 expression was(0.33±0.13)and(1.18±0.17),P16 expression was(0.93±0.12)and(0.29±0.03),respectively.In CCK8 assay the absorbance of SCC-15 cells in experimental group and control group was(1.11±0.24)and(2.19±0.28),in flow cytometry the percentage of cells in G2/M phase was 35.72％±5.33％and 18.65％±3.71％(P＜0.05),respectively.In vivo test showed that the volume(μm3)of subcutaneous transplanted tumor was 1 192.07 ±250.9 and 2 280.5±600.1,the weight(g)of mice was 0.65±0.30 and 1.62±0.40,respectively.Conclusion:STOML2 expression increases in OSCC,STOML2 affects the tumorigenic ability of OSCCCs in vitro and in vivo by regulating P16 related pathways.

OBJECTIVE To study the repair effect of ephedrine on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced microglia function injury and its mechanism. METHODS Human microglia cells （HMC3） were used as research objects to investigate the effects of different concentrations of ephedrine （75， 150， 300， 600 μg/mL） on the viability and apoptosis of HMC3 cells. HMC3 cells were divided into control group （without drug intervention）， LPS group （1 μg/mL）， ephedrine group （1 μg/mL LPS+300 μg/mL ephedrine）， BAY11-7082 group [1 μg/mL LPS+5 μmol/L nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） pathway inhibitor BAY11-7082]， inhibitor group （1 μg/mL LPS+300 μg/mL ephedrine+5 μmol/L BAY11-7082） and activator group （1 μg/mL LPS+300 μg/mL ephedrine+1 μmol/L NF-κB pathway activator Prostratin）. After 24 hours of drug treatment， cell migration， the levels of soluble interleukin-6（sIL-6）， interleukin-10（IL-10）， superoxide dismutase（SOD）and malondialdehyde（MDA）， and the expressions of NF-κB pathway-related proteins were all detected. RESULTS The viability of HMC3 cells could be increased significantly by 300 μg/mL ephedrine， while the apoptotic rate was decreased significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with the control group， the number of migrating cells was increased significantly in the LPS group； the levels of sIL-6 and MDA， the phosphorylation of NF-κB protein were increased significantly， while the levels of IL-10 and SOD were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with the LPS group， the above indexes were reversed significantly in the ephedrine group and BAY11-7082 group （P＜0.05）. Compared with the ephedrine group， the number of migrating cells was decreased significantly in the inhibitor group； the levels of sIL-6 and MDA， the phosphorylation of NF-κB protein were decreased significantly， while the levels of IL-10 and SOD were increased significantly （P＜0.05）. The above indexes were reversed significantly in the activator group （P＜0.05）can repair cell injury by inhibiting LPS induced apoptosis， migration， inflammation and oxidant stress of HMC3 cells， the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway.