AIM: To explore the impacts of wearing orthokeratology lenses on the ocular surface and meibomian gland of children and adolescents in high-altitude areas.METHODS: Retrospective study. Myopic children and adolescents who visited at the ophthalmology department and received orthokeratology lens from June 2023 to December 2023 were selected as orthokeratology group, and those who visited and wore regular spectacle group during the same period were selected as regular spectacle group. Then the ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, tear meniscus height, non-invasive breakup time(NIBUT)[first NIBUT(fNIBUT), average NIBUT(avNIBUT)], and meibomian gland score were compared between the two groups before wearing lenses, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo after wearing lenses.RESULTS: A total of 80 children(160 eyes)with myopia were included in this study. Among them, 40 cases(80 eyes)were in the orthokeratology lens group, with 25 males and 15 females and an average age of 11.33±2.76 years old, and 40 cases(80 eyes)were in the regular spectacle group, with 23 males and 17 females and an average age of 11.58±2.94 years old. The OSDI scores and tear meniscus heights showed no clear difference between two groups at various time points before and after wearing glasses(all P>0.05). The fNIBUT and avNIBUT of the orthokeratology lens group decreased compared with the regular spectacle group at 6 and 12 mo after wearing lenses, and meibomian gland score of the orthokeratology group was higher than that of the regular spectacle group at 12 mo after wearing lenses(all P<0.001). Among them, the fNIBUT and avNIBUT of the orthokeratology lenses group at 3, 6, and 12 mo after wearing glasses were lower than those before wearing glasses(all P<0.05). Moreover, the meibomian gland scores of the orthokeratology lenses group at 12 mo after wearing glasses were higher than those before wearing glasses, and 1, 3, and 6 mo after wearing glasses(all P<0.05), while there was no statistical difference in fNIBUT, avNIBUT, and meibomian gland score at each time point in the regular spectacle group(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Long term wearing of orthokeratology lenses can shorten the NIBUT of myopic children and adolescents in high-altitude areas, and have a certain impact on their meibomian gland function.

HBV DNA integration （iDNA） is the core barrier that must be overcome to achieve functional cure for chronic hepatitis B （CHB） and to prevent the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. During reverse transcription， 5%　—　10% of viral genomes are converted into double-stranded linear DNA that is randomly inserted into host chromosomes， generating stable iDNA and continuously producing HBsAg， thereby driving B- and T-cell immune exhaustion and locking the host in an immune-tolerant state. The process of iDNA runs throughout the entire natural history of HBV infection， and the viral enhancers it carries can promote clonal hyperplasia of indeterminate potential， accumulate pre-neoplastic mutations， and ultimately lead to HCC. Although long-term nucleos（t）ide analog or interferon therapy can suppress viral replication and reduce the formation of new integrations， existing therapies still fail to eliminate existing iDNA. Therefore， there is an urgent need for innovative strategies that can precisely target integration breakpoints， epigenetically silence iDNA， or eradicate integrated clones， so as to significantly increase the functional cure rate of CHB and fundamentally reduce the risk of HCC.

ObjectiveTo observe the expression of miR-139/Notch1 axis and macrophage polarization in the homing changes of bone mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs） in asthmatic rats， and to explore the possible mechanism of immune regulation by BMSCs during asthma. Methods30 male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups： normal control group， model control group and BMSCs implantation group， with 10 rats in each group. BMSCs labeled with CFSE were infused into the body of asthmatic rats through the tail vein， and the homing status of BMSCs in asthmatic lung tissue was detected by flow cytometry. Changes in the proportion of inflammatory cells in alveolar lavage fluid were detected by Wright-Giemsa Stain； the levels of macrophage polarization cytokines IFN⁃γ，IL-13，CD80 and CD206 in rat serum were detected by ELISA； the miR-139， Notch1， NOS2， Arg1 and CXCR4 in lung tissue were detected by RT-qPCR. ResultsCompared with the NC group， the expression of serum CD80 and IFN⁃γ in the MC group decreased， while the expression of IL-13 and CD206 increased （P<0.01）. The expression of miR⁃139 in lung tissue of MC group rats decreased， and the expression of macrophage polarization markers NOS2， Arg1， and homing marker CXCR4 genes increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the MC group， the expression of IFN-γ of rats in BMSCs group increased， while the expression of IL-13 and CD206 decreased （P<0.01）. The expression of miR⁃139， CXCR4， and SDF⁃1 mRNA in the lung tissue of rats of BMSCs group increased， while the expression of Notch1， NOS2， and Arg1 decreased （P<0.01）. Correlation analysis showed that CXCR4 was positively correlated with miR⁃139 （P<0.05）， while CXCR4 was negatively correlated with Notch1 （P<0.05）. SDF⁃1 and IFN⁃γ was a positively correlated （P<0.05）， while SDF⁃1 was negatively correlated with Arg1 and CD206 （P<0.05）. ConclusionThe miR⁃139/Notch1 axis can promote BMCs homing in asthmatic rats by affecting macrophage polarization in asthma.

Objective: To explore the value of body measurement indicators in screening for metabolic syndrome (MS), so as to provide the basis for early detection and prevention of MS. Methods: The individuals who were 18 years old or above and underwent physical examinations at a tertiary hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were selected using the convenience sampling method. Demographic information, lifestyle, waist circumference (WC) and blood biochemical indicators were collected through questionnaire surveys, physical examinations and laboratory tests. The associations of WC, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body roundness index (BRI), abdominal volume index (AVI), lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) with MS were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. The screening values of these body measurement indicators for MS were assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: A total of 37 921 individuals were recruited, including 20 666 males (54.50%) and 17 255 females (45.50%), and had a median age of 41.00 (interquartile range, 20.00) years. There were 7 988 cases of MS, with a detection rate of 21.06%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that WC, WHR, LAP and VAI were statistically associated with MS (all P<0.05), and the risk of MS increased with the levels of these indicators (all Ptrend<0.05), after adjusting for confounding factors (gender, age, lifestyle, etc.). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of LAP for screening MS was the highest among single indicators, at 0.930 (95%CI: 0.927-0.933), and the optimal cut-off value was 43.13, Youden's index was 0.720, the sensitivity was 88.01%, and the specificity was 84.04%. The combined indicators of WC×VAI for screening MS had the highest AUC, which was 0.937 (95%CI: 0.935-0.939), and the optimal cut-off value was 0.17, Youden's index was 0.730, the sensitivity was 91.88%, and the specificity was 81.07%. The DeLong test showed that the AUC of WC×VAI for screening MS was higher than that of WC, WHR, LAP and VAI, respectively (all P<0.05). Conclusion The value of combining WC and VAI for screening MS is higher than other body measurement indicators.

This study aims to investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on diabetic retinopathy through the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 pathway. The anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) targets of APS were identified through comprehensive searches of drug and disease-related databases. A protein-protein interaction network was then constructed, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.Molecular docking simulations were performed to evaluate the interactions of APS and metformin with Gli1 and AQP1. An in vivo T2DM rat model was established via streptozotocin (STZ) injection and treated with metformin and varying doses of APS for 12 weeks. Histological changes in retinal cells were assessed using H&E and PAS staining. The expression levels of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH in the retina were measured using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Additionally, mRNA expression of AQP1, Gli1, and SHH was quantified by RT-qPCR. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that Gli1 and AQP1, key components of the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway, may be associated with T2DM. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that the STZ-induced T2DM rats exhibited significant retinal damage, which was notably mitigated by both APS and metformin treatments. Furthermore, the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway was found to be overactivated in STZ-induced T2DM rats. Treatment with APS and metformin significantly reduced the elevated expression levels of SHH, Gli1, and AQP1. APS effectively inhibits retinal damage of STZinduced T2DM rats by restraining the SHH-Gli1-AQP1 signaling pathway.

Purpose To explore the influence of thrombolysis therapy before percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)on long-term left ventricular global and regional function in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)patients by cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR).Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 67 STEMI patients who were enrolled in a prospective study from November 2021 to August 2022 in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University,the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang,the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University,Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital and Huai'an Second People's Hospital and underwent CMR examination one year later.STEMI patients were divided into thrombolysis group and non-thrombolysis group according to whether a single half-dose of 5 mg recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)was given within two hours before the first medical contact and PCI.Based on CMR cine images,the traditional left ventricular function,global and segmental functional parameters were measured,and the differences between the two groups were compared.According to the degree of late gadolinium enhancement involvement,myocardial segments were divided into the following four types:transmural infarcted segments,non-transmural infarcted segments,locally infarcted segments,and non-infarcted segments.The parameters of the two groups were compared across these different segments.Results At the patient level,the cardiac index,left ventricular wall thickening and left ventricular wall motion in r-SAK thrombolysis group were higher than those in non-thrombolysis group(t/Z=-2.426,-4.307,-2.735,all P<0.05).At the segment level,compared with non-thrombolysis group,patients received r-SAK before primary PCI showed greater segmental radial strain in non-transmural infarcted segments(Z=-2.117,P=0.034);larger segmental wall motion in locally infarcted segments(Z=-2.235,P=0.025),and better segmental circumference strain in the non-infarcted segments(Z=-3.869,P<0.001).Conclusion The thrombolytic therapy before PCI in STEMI patients retain better long-term left ventricular global and regional function evaluating by CMR.

Mandibular reconstruction refers to the restoration of the continuity of the mandible through techniques such as autologous bone grafting,thereby restoring the patient's basic appearance,reconstructing the occlusal relationship,and restoring functions such as opening the mouth,chewing,and swallowing,in order to achieve a unity of oral and maxillofacial forms and functions.Due to the fact that mastication necessitates the coordinated efforts of the masticatory muscles,mandible,dental arch,and tongue,the recovery of masticatory function not only serves as a robust indicator for the success of surgery but also enhances the patients'quality of life,facilitating an early return to normal life.Currently,for the rehabilitation of oral function in patients after mandibular reconstruction surgery,standardized tools have been established in the fields of swallowing,occlusion,and speech assessment,and targeted training has been implemented,yielding significant therapeutic outcomes.However,research related to masticatory function faces two major challenges.First,existing assessment tools primarily focus on a single dimension,such as masticatory efficiency or subjective perception,and an integrated assessment system that encompasses multiple dimensions,including bite force distribution and oral sensory perception,has not yet been established.Second,although individual studies have explored factors affecting postoperative masticatory function,a systematic consensus has not been veached,leading to a lack of precision and individualization in clinical interventions,which significantly prolongs the patients'rehabilitation period.This paper reviews the scope and limitations of existing assessment tools for masticatory function in patients after mandibular reconstruction and systematically analyzes the key factors affecting postoperative masticatory function,aiming to promote a shift in clinical practice from"structural reconstruction"to a"function-perception collaborative rehabilitation"approach,and to provide a theoretical framework for constructing evidence-based,personalized masticatory rehabilitation programs.

The application of genetic testing technologies in assisted reproduction, such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and carrier screening for monogenic diseases, has provided infertile couples with more reproductive options and played a crucial role in the prevention of genetic disorders, significantly improving reproductive health. However, the widespread use of these technologies has also raised various ethical challenges, including the uncertainty of mosaic embryo transfer and its implications for reproductive rights, the cost-effectiveness debate surrounding PGT for structural rearrangement for chromosomal inversion carriers, the predictive accuracy and ethical boundaries of polygenic embryo screening, and the ethical concerns related to extensive carrier screening, such as information overload, restricted informed choice, disputes over screening scope, and disparities in healthcare access. The reproductive medicine ethics committee plays a central role in addressing these challenges by overseeing ethical reviews of technological applications, ensuring patients' informed consent, balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility, and promoting social equity. This article explores the ethical challenges brought by the application of technologies such as PGT and carrier screening in assisted reproduction, and proposes corresponding suggestions based on ethical principles framework, in order to promote the standardized application of genetic testing technology in reproductive medicine.

Objective:To investigate the current status and influencing factors of barriers to going out among elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to provide a reference for implementing targeted preventive measures.Methods:Elderly COPD patients from the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were selected between January and May 2024 by convenience sampling. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire, Scale on Barriers to Going Out for the Elderly, Perceived Isolation Scale and COPD Assessment Test (CAT).Results:A total of 270 questionnaires were distributed, with 250 valid responses, the effective response rate was 92.6%. Among the 250 elderly COPD patients, there were 124 males and 126 females, with age distributions: 116 patients aged 60-69 years, 94 aged 70-79 years, and 40 aged ≥80 years. The total score for Scale on Barriers to Going Out for the Elderly was (20.01 ± 4.09). The score on barriers to going out in elderly COPD patients were positively correlated with the Perceived Isolation Scale and CAT scores ( r = 0.456 and 0.625, both P <0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, oxygen therapy, exercise habits,Perceived Isolation Scale, and CAT score classification were the main influencing factors for barriers to going out ( t values were -2.85 to 8.93, all P<0.05), explaining 63.0% of the total variance. Conclusions:The level of barriers to going out in elderly COPD patients is moderate-to-high level. Healthcare professionals should emphasize the assessment of barriers to going out, closely monitor high-risk groups, and develop and implement interventions to prevent such barriers.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of intensive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (irTMS) in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and its impact on cognitive function and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII).Methods:Forty-eight TRD patients were divided into observation group and control group using random number table method, with 24 patients in each group. The observation group was treated with irTMS, and the stimulation site was the left dorsolateral prefrontal lobe. The stimulation intensity was 110% of the motor threshold, and the stimulation frequency was 15 Hz. The stimulation interval was 26 s, and 3 000 pulses were stimulated each time. Stimulating 5 times per day, with an interval of 50 min, and continuous treatment for 5 days. The total stimulation amount for 5 days was 75 000 pulses. The control group was treated with pseudo stimulation. Before treatment (T0), 5 days after treatment (T1), and 1 month after treatment (T2), 17-item Hamilton depression scale (HAMD-17) was used to assess depressive mood. Evaluating cognitive function using the Wisconsin card sorting test.A fully automated blood cell analyzer was used to detect platelet count (PLT), neutrophil count (NC), and lymphocyte count (LC), calculate the systemic immune inflammation index (SII), SII=PLT × NC/LC. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 20.0 software. The comparison between two sets of repeated measurement data was performed using repeated measurement analysis of variance.Simple effect analysis was performed if the interaction effect was significant.Pearson analysis was used for correlation testing.Results:The interaction effect between the time and group of HAMD-17 scores was significant ( F=121.784, P<0.05). The results of simple effects analysis showed that the HAMD-17 scores of the observation group at T1 and T2 ((12.07±4.08) and (14.78±4.99), respectively) were lower than those of the control group ((23.78±5.87) and (24.67±7.00), P<0.05). The treatment response rate and remission rate of the observation group at T1 were higher than those of the control group ( χ2=4.090, 7.378, both P<0.05).The treatment response rate and remission rate of the observation group at T2 were higher than those of the control group ( χ2=4.463, 4.547, both P<0.05). The time and group interaction effects of the percentage of correct response and conceptualization level in the Wisconsin card sorting test were significant ( F=30.087, 20.004, P<0.05). The results of simple effects analysis showed that the percentage of correct response and conceptualization level in the observation group at T1 and T2 were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The time and group interaction effect of SII was significant ( F=8.173, P<0.05). The results of simple effects analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference in SII between the two groups at T0 ( P>0.05). The SII at T1 and T2 in the observation group was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). In the observation group, the changes in SII from T2 to T0 was positively correlated with the change in HAMD-17 scores ( r=0.527, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the percentage of correct responses to the Wisconsin card sorting test ( r=-0.412, P<0.05) and the percentage of conceptualization level ( r=-0.411, P<0.05). Conclusion:irTMS is effective in treating TRD and can improve patients' cognitive function and immune inflammation damage.