Objective : To assess and to compare the diagnostic performance of cervical ultrasound and 18F fluorodeoxyglucose(18F-FDG PET/CT) in identifying cervical lymph node metastases in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer(DTC) following total thyroidectomy, focusing on both early and delayed imaging phases. Methods : A retrospective review was performed on 83 DTC patients with DTC who had undergone total thyroidectomy. A total of 143 cervical lymph nodes, comprising both metastatic and non-metastatic nodes, were evaluated using 18F-FDG PET/CT and ultrasound. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy were calculated for each imaging modality. Differences in lymph node detection rates across cervical regions using ultrasound were analyzed, along with nodal size parameters(long and short axis diameters), to investigate potential limitations of ultrasound in this context. Additionally, PET/CT parameters including axial ratio, early and delayed maximum standardized uptake values(SUVmax), and changes in SUVmax between imaging timepoints(ΔSUVmax) were compared between metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes to evaluate the diagnostic value and underlying mechanisms of PET/CT in this clinical setting. Results : 18 F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a sensitivity of 91 . 58% (98/107) , a specificity of 72. 22% (26/36) , and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 86. 71% (124/143) in identifying cervical lymph node metastases post-total thyroidectomy in DTC patients . In comparison , ultrasound showed a lower sensitivity of 50. 47% (54/107) , but a higher specificity of 97. 22% (35/36) , with an overall accuracy of 62. 24% (89/ 143) . Notably , ultrasound exhibited a significantly higher false-negative rate in the first cervical lymph node group compared to the second group [56. 6% (30/53 ) vs 43 . 4% (23/53 ) ; χ2 = 20. 396 , P < 0. 001] . In delayed PET/CT imaging , metastatic lymph nodes showed a significantly increased SUV max compared to early-phase imaging (Z = - 8. 147 , P < 0. 001) . Using an SUV max threshold of 2. 5 , delayed imaging identified a greater number of positive lymph nodes than early imaging ( χ2 = 18. 127 , P < 0. 001) . Furthermore , metastatic lymph nodes exhibi- ted a significantly lower axial ratio than non-metastatic nodes (Z = - 4. 529 , P < 0. 001) . Both early and delayed SUV max values were significantly higher in malignant nodes compared to benign ones (Z = - 3 . 689 , P < 0. 001 and Z = - 4. 550 , P < 0. 001 , respectively) . Additionally , ΔSUV max was markedly elevated in metastatic lymph nodes (Z = - 4. 189 , P < 0. 001) . Conclusion Dual-phase 18 F-FDG PET/CT proves to be superior to ultrasound in di- agnosing cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) following total thyroid- ectomy . Delayed-phase imaging offers higher tumor-to-background ratio , which enhances the visibility of metastatic lymph nodes . In addition , dual-phase 18 F-FDG PET/CT plays greater advantages in the differential diagnosis be- tween metastatic lymph nodes and non-metastatic lymph nodes .

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge. METHODS: A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility. RESULTS: The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.

Diabetic cataract, a prevalent ocular complication of diabetes mellitus, arises from a complex interplay of pathological mechanisms, with oxidative stress and glycation stress playing central roles. Autophagy, a critical cellular self-protection mechanism, sustains intracellular homeostasis by selectively degrading damaged organelles and misfolded proteins, thereby counteracting the detrimental effects of oxidative and glycation stress under hyperglycemic conditions. Emerging evidence indicates a synergistic interaction between glycation stress and oxidative stress, which may exacerbate autophagic dysfunction and accelerate the onset and progression of diabetic cataract. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship remain incompletely understood. This review systematically examines the regulatory role of autophagy inthe pathogenesis of diabetic cataract, with a particular focus on how autophagic impairment influences disease progression under the combined effects of glycation and oxidative stress. By elucidating these mechanisms, the paper aims to provide novel insights into molecular diagnostic approaches and targeted therapeutic strategies for diabetic cataract.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of severe early childhood caries (SECC) treatment combined with local anesthesia under general anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 108 children under 6 years old who underwent SECC dental treatment under general anesthesia at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Third Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from March to December 2023 were selected as the study subjects, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of classⅠor Ⅱ. The study subjects were divided into a control group (n=54) and an experimental group (n=54) by retrieving intraoperative cases and postoperative follow-up records. The control group was given general anesthesia through inhalation combined with nasotracheal intubation, whereas the experimental group was given local anesthesia with 2% lidocaine on each treated tooth on the basis of general anesthesia. The basic information, preoperative anesthesia depth, hemodynamic changes during different surgical procedures, postoperative pain, and adverse reactions in the two groups were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in the basic information and preoperative anesthesia depth between the two groups (P>0.05). Among the three procedures (pulpotomy, root canal treatment, and tooth extraction), the three observed indicators in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The proportion of patients in the experimental group who needed to take analgesic measures in accordance with the modified facial pain scale (FPS-R) score was significantly lower than that in the control group at postoperative wakefulness and 2 h after surgery (P<0.05). Meanwhile, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups at 24 h after surgery (P>0.05). The proportion of patients in the experimental group who needed to take analgesic measures on the basis of the parent posto-perative pain measurement (PPPM) score was significantly lower than that in the control group when they were awake after surgery (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups at 2 and 24 h after surgery (P>0.05). Moreover, no statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups at 24 h after surgery (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of local anesthesia during SECC dental treatment under general anesthesia results in minimal changes in intraoperative hemodynamics and mild postoperative pain response, hence worthy of clinical promotion.
Humans ; Anesthesia, General ; Child, Preschool ; Dental Caries/therapy* ; Pain, Postoperative/prevention & control* ; Anesthesia, Local/methods* ; Male ; Hemodynamics ; Female ; Lidocaine/administration & dosage* ; Child ; Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage* ; Anesthesia, Dental/methods*

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge. METHODS: A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility. RESULTS: The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.

Objective To investigate the imaging characteristics of pediatric growing skull fracture(GSF).Methods A retro-spective analysis was conducted on the clinical and imaging data from 14 cases pediatric GSF.Results At the time of initial trauma,cranial CT examinations were performed in 10 cases,with 7 presenting as linear fractures and 3 as comminuted fractures.The median separation distance between fracture edges was 5 mm.At the time of GSF diagnosis,all 14 patients underwent cranial CT examina-tions,and 9 underwent cranial MRI examinations.The morphological changes in GSF skulls displayed two distinct patterns:The first pattern,observed in 12 cases,involved widening of the fracture gap with simultaneous separation of the inner and outer skull tables and diploic layer,leading to skull defects.The median separation distance of fracture edges in this group was 10 mm.The second pat-tern,seen in 2 cases,showed significant expansion and destruction of the diploic layer at the fracture site.Additional imaging findings associated with GSF included brain herniation,encephalomalacia,subdural effusion,subgaleal effusion,cerebrospinal fluid accumula-tion in the diploic layer,brain perforation malformations,and lateral ventricular enlargement.Conclusion The typical imaging mani-festation of GSF is widening of the fracture gap leading to skull defects,though a small proportion may present with diploic layer expan-sion.Serial cranial CT and MRI are essential imaging modalities for diagnosing GSF.

Objective:It aims to examine the effects of the employee medical insurance outpatient mutual assistance on medical insurance costs for patients with diabetes mellitus,offering insights for optimizing outpatient insurance policies and chronic disease management strategies.Methods:Outpatient cost settlement data of urban employees with diabetes mellitus in Lanzhou from 2022 to 2023 was collected.Univariate analysis and interrupted time-series models were used to compare relevant medical insurance cost indicators before and after the reform.Results:The inpatient data of 765 730 diabetes mellitus patients were included in the study,and male patients account for 62.67％.After the reform,average per-visit pooling fund expenditure,average per-visit individual payment expenditures,average per-visit personal account expenditure,average per-visit eligible expense amount,average per-visit total fund payment,and the average per-visit proportion of basic medical pooling payments were decreased(P＜0.05).Moreover,average per-visit pooling fund expenditure,average per-visit individual account expenditure,average per-visit cash payment,average per-visit eligible expense amount,average per-visit total fund payment,and the average per-visit proportion of basic medical pooling payments showed a notable declining trend post-reform(P＜0.05).In contrast,the per-visit fully out-of-pocket expenditure exhibited no significant change before and after the reform(P＞0.05).Conclusion:The reform of the employee medical insurance outpatient mutual assistance system has alleviated the economic burden of disease for diabetic patients and improved the efficiency of medical insurance fund utilization,but it reduced the proportion of basic medical pooling payments.It is recommended to continuously refine the outpatient medical insurance payment system,strengthen supervision of medical expenses and service quality,and balance patient benefits with fund pressure to enhance chronic disease outpatient benefits.

BACKGROUND:In previous studies,the equivalent structure of three-dimensional cell reconstruction of tissue engineering oral mucosa is similar to normal oral mucosa,including epithelial-like structure,lamina propria-like structure,and vascular lumen-like structure,and has initially achieved the establishment of vascular equivalent,but its vascularization characteristics are not very clear.OBJECTIVE:Vascular-like structures of vascularized oral mucosa equivalent were obtained by targeting vascular endothelial cells specific marker expression profiles correlated with laser capture microdissection system,and their vascularization ability was evaluated to reveal their vascularization characteristics.METHODS:Human gingival epithelial cells were cultured from human gingival epithelium and human gingival fibroblasts,human gingival mesenchymal stem cells were cultured from human gingival lamina propria.Human gingival mesenchymal stem cells were induced to differentiate into vascular endothelial-like cells after monoclonal expansion culture.Human gingival epithelial cells,human gingival fibroblasts,and vascular endothelial-like cells were loaded with acellular vascular matrix-0.25%human-like collagen type Ⅰ scaffold to construct the vascularized oral mucosa equivalent.The layered structure of oral mucosa equivalent(experimental group)and the acellular vascular matrix-0.25%human-like collagen type Ⅰ scaffold(control group)were implanted subcutaneously into the back of nude mice,respectively.14 days later,the incision surface of the two groups was coated with biogel.The biogel surface of the experimental group was inoculated with human gingival epithelial cells,while the control group was not inoculated with cells.The samples were collected after 14 days of feeding.The layered structure of oral mucosa equivalent was observed by morphology.The neovascular-like structures in oral mucosa equivalents were labeled by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence with a more comprehensive expression profile of vascular endothelial cells,and the vascularization characteristics were analyzed.A laser capture microdissection system was used to capture the neovascularization structures in the oral mucosa equivalents specifically labeled by immunohistochemistry and analyze their vascularization characteristics.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The morphology showed that the cell level of oral mucosa equivalent was clear,and the structure was similar to that of normal oral mucosa,that is,there were epithelioid structures,lamina-like structures,and vascular cavelike structures,and there were scattered erythrocytes in the vascular cavelike structures.(2)The results of EdU Apollo tracer seed cells in the oral mucosa equivalent group showed that human gingival epithelial cells labeled with EdU Apollo 488 showed green fluorescence expression.DAPI labeled human gingival fibroblasts showed blue fluorescence expression and formed lamina-like structures in vivo.EdU Apollo 567 labeled vascular endothelial-like cells showed red fluorescence expression and formed a vascular-like structure in vivo.(3)Vascular endothelial cell specific marker expression profile immunofluorescence labeling of vascular structure showed that compared with normal oral mucosa,the expressions of CD31,CD51,CD54,CD105,Tie-2,VWF,vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in oral mucosa equivalents were increased(P<0.000 1).There were no significant changes in CD34 expression(P>0.05).(4)Compared with the specifically labeled oral mucosal vascular structures,the expression levels of CD51,CD54,CD105,Tie-2,VWF,vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 of the oral mucosa equivalents targeted by the laser capture microdissection system were increased(P<0.000 1).There were no significant changes in expression of CD31 and CD34(P>0.05).(5)The results showed that the oral mucosa equivalent reconstructed by three-dimensional cell stratification could achieve good vascularization,and its vascularization characteristics were consistent with the immunological function and characteristics of neovascularization.Vascularization helps three-dimensional cell layer reconstruction of oral mucosa equivalent regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Spatiotemporal disparities exist in the disease burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) attributable to kidney dysfunction, which has been poorly assessed. The present study aimed to evaluate the spatiotemporal trends of the global burden of NCDs attributable to kidney dysfunction and to predict future trends. METHODS: Data on NCDs attributable to kidney dysfunction, quantified using deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), were extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) Study in 2019. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of age-standardized rate (ASR) was calculated with linear regression to assess the changing trend. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to determine the association between ASR and sociodemographic index (SDI) for 21 GBD regions. A Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to predict future trends up to 2040. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2019, the absolute number of deaths and DALYs from NCDs attributable to kidney dysfunction increased globally. The death cases increased from 1,571,720 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 1,344,420-1,805,598) in 1990 to 3,161,552 (95% UI: 2,723,363-3,623,814) in 2019 for both sexes combined. Both the ASR of death and DALYs increased in Andean Latin America, the Caribbean, Central Latin America, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Southern Sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast, the age-standardized metrics decreased in the high-income Asia Pacific region. The relationship between SDI and ASR of death and DALYs was negatively correlated. The BAPC model indicated that there would be approximately 5,806,780 death cases and 119,013,659 DALY cases in 2040 that could be attributed to kidney dysfunction. Age-standardized death of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and CKD attributable to kidney dysfunction were predicted to decrease and increase from 2020 to 2040, respectively. CONCLUSION NCDs attributable to kidney dysfunction remain a major public health concern worldwide. Efforts are required to attenuate the death and disability burden, particularly in low and low-to-middle SDI regions.
Humans ; Noncommunicable Diseases/epidemiology* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Male ; Female ; Risk Factors ; Middle Aged ; Kidney Diseases/epidemiology* ; Bayes Theorem ; Adult ; Aged ; Global Health ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years

Objective:It aims to examine the effects of the employee medical insurance outpatient mutual assistance on medical insurance costs for patients with diabetes mellitus,offering insights for optimizing outpatient insurance policies and chronic disease management strategies.Methods:Outpatient cost settlement data of urban employees with diabetes mellitus in Lanzhou from 2022 to 2023 was collected.Univariate analysis and interrupted time-series models were used to compare relevant medical insurance cost indicators before and after the reform.Results:The inpatient data of 765 730 diabetes mellitus patients were included in the study,and male patients account for 62.67％.After the reform,average per-visit pooling fund expenditure,average per-visit individual payment expenditures,average per-visit personal account expenditure,average per-visit eligible expense amount,average per-visit total fund payment,and the average per-visit proportion of basic medical pooling payments were decreased(P＜0.05).Moreover,average per-visit pooling fund expenditure,average per-visit individual account expenditure,average per-visit cash payment,average per-visit eligible expense amount,average per-visit total fund payment,and the average per-visit proportion of basic medical pooling payments showed a notable declining trend post-reform(P＜0.05).In contrast,the per-visit fully out-of-pocket expenditure exhibited no significant change before and after the reform(P＞0.05).Conclusion:The reform of the employee medical insurance outpatient mutual assistance system has alleviated the economic burden of disease for diabetic patients and improved the efficiency of medical insurance fund utilization,but it reduced the proportion of basic medical pooling payments.It is recommended to continuously refine the outpatient medical insurance payment system,strengthen supervision of medical expenses and service quality,and balance patient benefits with fund pressure to enhance chronic disease outpatient benefits.