Objective : To investigate the effectiveness of an extraoral guide plate system targeting the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle in improving the accuracy of injection therapy for anterior disc displacement (ADD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with lateral pterygoid myalgia, and to provide a reference for precise clinical treatment. Methods: With approval from the institutional medical ethics committee and informed consent from patients, spiral CT scans were performed on seven patients with ADD accompanied or not accompanied by lateral pterygoid myalgia to acquire craniofacial data. Mimics 21.0 software was used to reconstruct three-dimensional craniofacial structures, identify attachment points of the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle, and design dual injection paths along with a retention system. Personalized templates were fabricated using digital light procession-based 3D printing. Under the guide plate, a single targeted injection of 20 U of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) was administered into both the superior and/or inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle. Immediate postoperative CT scans were conducted to compare actual needle placement with preoperative plans. Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 3 days and 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. Joint clicking was recorded at 2 and 4 weeks, and complications were monitored throughout the duration of the study. Results : A total of 15 sites in 7 patients were injected into the upper / lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle under the guidance of the guide plate. Under the guide plate, all of the injections achieved an angular deviation within 2.5° (superior head: 2.49° ± 0.17°, inferior head: 2.31° ± 0.16°) and a needle tip positional deviation within 2 mm [superior head: (1.96 ± 0.25) mm, inferior head: (1.65 ± 0.21) mm]. The significant pain improvement rate (defined as ≥3-point reduction in VAS score) increased from 60% (9/15) at day 3 to 85% (13/15) at 2 weeks post-operation, stabilizing at 86.7% (13/15) at 4 weeks post-operation. Joint clicking improvement rates reached 72% (11/15) at 2 weeks post-operation and 75% (11/15) at 4 weeks post-operation. Regarding safety, only one case of injection site swelling and one case of transient paresthesia were observed; both resolved spontaneously within a short period of time. No neurovascular injury events occurred. Conclusion CT-guided guide plate achieves precise targeting design to minimize injection errors in the lateral pterygoid muscle. This technology is effective and safe, and it can provide an anatomically specific and operationally versatile targeted therapy for temporomandibular disorders.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the potential link between myopia in adolescents and exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). METHODS: This investigation included 1971 subjects with accessible PFAS level data, myopia status, and associated variables from four cycles of the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). The investigation focused on specific PFAS compounds found in the serum, including perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), chosen for their frequent detection. Owing to the skewed nature of the PFAS level data, the PFAS levels were log-transformed (Ln-PFAS) prior to analysis. Logistic regression, restricted cubic spline modeling, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were used to examine the associations between exposure to PFASs and the onset of myopia. RESULTS: PFOA levels were significantly associated with myopia risk (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.05-1.69; P = 0.019). More specifically, with respect to the first quartile, the second quartile (OR_Q2: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.16-2.46; P = 0.007), third quartile (OR_Q3: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.03-2.03; P = 0.035), and highest quartile (OR_Q4: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.12-2.21; P = 0.010) of participants presented with increased myopia risk. Mediation analysis revealed that PFOA and myopia risk were partially mediated by serum albumin (ALB), with a mediation percentage of 22.48% (P = 0.008). A nonlinear inverted U-shaped relationship was identified between the level of PFOA and myopia risk (P for nonlinearity = 0.005). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a potential link between exposure to PFOA and the likelihood of myopia development in young individuals and a mediating effect of serum ALB on this relationship. Notably, PFOA was identified as a key PFAS significantly contributing to the observed link between PFAS exposure and myopia risk. The potential threat of PFOA to myopia should be examined further.
Humans ; Fluorocarbons/adverse effects* ; Myopia/blood* ; Adolescent ; Male ; Female ; Prevalence ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Nutrition Surveys ; Environmental Pollutants/adverse effects* ; United States/epidemiology* ; Alkanesulfonic Acids/blood* ; Caprylates/blood* ; Serum Albumin/metabolism* ; Child ; Sulfonic Acids

Lacking therapeutic targets highlights the crucial roles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the clinical management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To relieve the side effects of the chemoradiotherapy combination regimen, we design and develop a self-assembled micelle nanosystem consisting of perfluorocarbon chain-modified cisplatin prodrug. By incorporating perfluorodecalin, this nanosystem can effectively carry ozone and promote irradiation-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By leveraging the perfluorocarbon sidechain, the nanosystem exhibits efficient internalization by TNBC cells and effectively escapes from lysosomal entrapment. Under X-ray irradiation, ozone-generated ROS disrupts the intracellular redox balance, thereby facilitating the release of cisplatin in a reduction-responsive manner mediated by reduced glutathione. Moreover, oxygen derived from ozone decomposition enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy by alleviating tumor hypoxia. Notably, the combination of irradiation with ozone-loaded cisplatin prodrug nano system synergistically prompts antitumor efficacy and reduces cellular/systemic toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the combo regimen remodels the tumor microenvironment into an immune-favored state by triggering immunogenic cell death and relieving hypoxia, which provides a promising foundation for a combination regimen of immunotherapy. In conclusion, our nanosystem presents a novel strategy for integrating chemotherapy and radiotherapy to optimize the efficacy and safety of TNBC clinical treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation and joint damage, accompanied by the accumulation of plasma cells, which contributes to its pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic alterations occurring during plasma cell differentiation in RA can deepen our comprehension of its pathogenesis and guide the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, our study elucidates the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying plasma cell differentiation by demonstrating that PRDX1 interacts with DOK3 and modulates its degradation by the autophagy-lysosome pathway. This interaction results in the inhibition of plasma cell differentiation, thereby alleviating the progression of collagen-induced arthritis. Additionally, our investigation identifies Salvianolic acid B (SAB) as a potent small molecular glue-like compound that enhances the interaction between PRDX1 and DOK3, consequently impeding the progression of collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting plasma cell differentiation. Collectively, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of developing chemical stabilizers for the PRDX1-DOK3 complex in suppressing plasma cell differentiation for RA treatment and establish a theoretical basis for targeting PRDX1-protein interactions as specific therapeutic targets in various diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Wendan Decoction for phlegm syndrome in rats with metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=8) and 3 phlegm syndrome model groups (induced by high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt feeding and a single-dose intraperitoneal STZ injection; n=24) treated with daily gavage of saline, Wendan Decoction (3.6 g/kg), or metformin (0.1 g/kg) for 4 weeks. General conditions and glucose and lipid metabolism parameters of the rats were monitored, and serum LPS, liver histopathology, hepatic expressions of FXR, CYP7A1 and FGFR4 and ileal expressions of FXR and FGF15 were examined. Gut microbiota structure was analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing, and serum bile acids were quantified with UHPLC-MS/MS. RESULTS: The rat models of phlegm syndrome exhibited severe hepatic steatosis and necrosis, increased body weight, abdominal circumference, Lee's index, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL and LPS, and decreased HDL level. The abundance of Bacteroidetes, Megamonas, and Bacteroides in gut microbiota increased while Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, isohyodeoxycholic acid, and glycohyodeoxycholic acid decreased significantly; hepatic FXR and FGFR4 expressions and ileal FXR and FGF15 expressions decreased while hepatic CYP7A1 expression increased significantly in the rat models. Treatment with Wendan Decoction effectively alleviated hepatic pathology, reduced body weight and abdominal circumference, improved glucose and lipid metabolic profiles and gut microbiota structure, and reversed the changes in hepatic and ileal protein expressions. Correlation analysis revealed that Firmicutes and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group were positively correlated while Bacteroidetes, Megamonas and Bacteroides were negative correlated with the levels of isohyodeoxycholic acid and hyodeoxycholic acid. CONCLUSIONS Wendan Decoction can significantly improve metabolic profiles in rats with phlegm syndrome of MS possibly by regulating the intestinal flora-bile acid axis to modulate the intestinal flora structure and maintain bile acid homeostasis via the FXR signaling pathway.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Metabolic Syndrome/microbiology* ; Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism* ; Rats, Wistar ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Rats ; Male ; Fibroblast Growth Factors/metabolism* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase/metabolism* ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism*

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and its pathogenesis is largely modulated by abnormal angiogenesis. Previous research has indicated that AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), an important demethylase affecting N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification, plays a role in regulating angiogenesis in cardiovascular and eye diseases. Our present study found that ALKBH5 was upregulated and co-localized with cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) in the skin of IMQ group compared with control group. ALKBH5-deficient mice decreased IMQ-induced psoriatic dermatitis and exhibited histological improvements, including decreased epidermal thickness, hyperkeratosis, numbers of dermal capillary vessels and inflammatory cell infiltration. ALKBH5-KO mice alleviated angiogenesis in psoriatic lesions by downregulating the protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Additionally, the expression of ALKBH5 was significantly upregulated in IL-17A-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which further promoted the expression of angiogenesis-related cytokines and endothelial cell proliferation. Cell proliferation and angiogenesis were suppressed in ALKBH5 knockdown group, whereas ALKBH5 overexpression promoted these processes. The regulation of angiogenesis in HUVECs by ALKBH5 was facilitated through the AKT-mTOR pathway. Collectively, ALKBH5 plays a pivotal role in psoriatic dermatitis and angiogenesis, which may offer a new potential targets for treating psoriasis.
Animals ; Psoriasis/chemically induced* ; Mice ; Humans ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; AlkB Homolog 5, RNA Demethylase/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Mice, Knockout ; Disease Models, Animal ; Signal Transduction ; Male ; Skin/blood supply* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Angiogenesis

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors for splenomegaly secondary to acute pancreatitis (AP) and construction of a nomogram prediction model.Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 180 patients with AP who were admitted to Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University from December 2017 to December 2021 were collected. There were 124 males and 56 females, aged (49±15) years. Among them, 60 AP patients who developed secondary splenomegaly were taken as the case group, including 48 males and 12 females, aged (47±13)years, and the rest of 120 cases of AP without secondary splenomegaly were taken as the control group, including 76 males and 44 females, aged (50±16)years. Observation indicators: (1) occurrence and clinical characteristics of splenomegaly secondary to AP; (2) influencing factors for splenomegaly secondary to AP; (3) construction and evaluation of a nomogram prediction model for splenomegaly secondary to AP. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the rank sum test. Count data were represented as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. The univariate analysis was performed using statistical methods appropriate to the data type. The optimal cut-off value was determined by the receiver operating characteristic curves. Multivariate analysis was conducted using the Logistic regression model with forward method. Based on the results of the multivariate analysis, a nomogram prediction model was constructed. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn, and the discrimination was evaluated using the area under curve. The consistency of the nomogram prediction model was evaluated using calibration curve, and its clinical benefit was evaluated using decision curve. Results:(1) Occurrence and clinical characteristics of splenomegaly secondary to AP. The first detection time of 60 patients with splenomegaly secondary to AP was 60(30,120)days after the onset of AP. Cases with persistent respiratory dysfunction, multiple organ failure, severity of illness as mild or moderately severe/severe, pancreatic and/or peripancreatic infection, surgery were 19, 17, 4, 56, 37, 32 for 60 patients with splenomegaly secondary to AP, versus 16, 19, 43, 77, 39, 29 for 120 patients without splenomegaly secondary to AP, respectively, showing significant differences in the above indicators between the two groups ( χ2=8.58, 3.91, 17.64, 13.95, 15.19, P<0.05). (2) Influencing factors for splenomegaly secondary to AP. Resuts of multivariate analysis showed that white blood cell count <5.775×10?/L within 24 hours of AP onset, revised computed tomography (CT) severity index >7 in 3-7 days after onset and the presence of local complications were independent risk factors influencing the splenomegaly secondary to AP ( odds ratio=3.85, 2.86, 6.40, 95% confidence interval as 1.68-8.85, 1.18-6.95, 1.56-26.35, P<0.05). (4) Construction and evaluation of a nomogram prediction model for splenomegaly secondary to AP. The nomogram prediction model was constructed based on white blood cell count within 24 hours of AP onset, revised CT severity index in 3-7 days after onset and local complications. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the nomogram prediction model was 0.76 (95% confidence interval as 0.69-0.83, P<0.05), with a sensitivity of 0.87 and a specificity of 0.55. The calibration curve demonstrated consistency between the predicted rate from the nomogram prediction model and the actually observed rate. The decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram prediction model had favorable clinical practicability. Conclusions:Patients with AP who develop secondary splenomegaly tend to have a higher severity of illness than those develop no secondary splenomegaly. White blood cell count <5.775×10?/L within 24 hours of AP onset, revised CT severity index >7 in 3-7 days after onset and presence of local complications are independent risk factors influencing splenomegaly secondary to AP, and its nomogram prediction model can predict incidence rate of splenomegaly secondary to AP.

Objective There is a Few studies explored the association between vitamin intake and meta-bolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD),while the existing results were still contradictory.This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary vitamins and all-cause mortality as well as fibrosis risk in patients with MAFLD.Methods The data were extracted from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1988-1994.Dietary vitamins was assessed using a 24 h diet recall,including vitamin A,vitamin B6,vitamin B12,vitamin C,vitamin D,thiamin,riboflavin,folic acid and α-tocopherol.The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score(NFS)<-1.455 was considered as non-advanced fibrosis,while NFS≥-1.455 was considered as advanced fibrosis.Results A total of 3844 MAFLD participants were included in this study.The median time of follow-up was 310 months.1739 participants(45.3%)were deceased during the follow-up.The intake of thiamin,riboflavin,α-tocopherol,VB6,and VB12 were significantly higher in patients with NFS-determined non-advanced fibrosis(P<0.05).After adjusting,a significantly lower risk of fibrosis was found in patients with the highest quartile(>11.5 mg/d)of α-tocopherol intake compared to the lowest intake group(P = 0.031).Compared to the lowest quartile group,the risk of mortality was reduced by 0.34 folds in the group consuming the highest quartile amount(>130 mg/d)of VC(HRs:0.66,95%CI:0.51～0.85,P = 0.001).Conclusions More α-tocopherol intake reduced fibrosis grade in MAFLD patients.VC intake may reduce all-cause mortality in patients with MAFLD.

BACKGROUND:The distribution of the necrotic area plays an important role in hip preservation treatment.At present,there are few studies on whether the difference in the three-dimensional spatial distribution of osteonecrosis of the femoral head affects the clinical outcome of fibular support. OBJECTIVE:To explore the relationship between the spatial distribution and clinical outcome at the sites of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and fibular support using CT three-dimensional reconstruction so as to provide a basis for optimizing the applicable conditions of fibular support and improving the hip preservation effect of fibular support. METHODS:Eighty patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head who were treated with fibular support for hip preservation from January 2010 to January 2021 were selected as the study subjects according to the inclusion criteria.They were followed up for at least 2 years.According to the clinical outcome,the patients were divided into the successful hip preservation group(n=55)and the failure hip preservation group(n=25).3D reconstruction was performed according to the preoperative and postoperative CT images of the patients.According to the three-column theory,the femoral head was divided into outer nine areas,middle nine areas and inner nine areas(L1-9,C1-9,and M1-9)to explore the spatial distribution of necrotic area of the femoral head and fibular support area and its relationship with clinical outcome. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Before operation,the necrotic area of the femoral head was mainly distributed in L1,L2,L4,L5,C1,C2,C4,and C5(the upper and middle part of the anterior part of the outer ninth area and the middle part of the middle ninth area).After operation,the fibular support area was mainly distributed in L5,L6,C5,and C6(the middle and lower part of the outer ninth area and the middle and lower part of the middle ninth area).(2)There were significant differences in the distribution of osteonecrosis of the femoral head between the successful hip preservation group and the failure hip preservation group in L8(the posterior middle part of the outer ninth area),C3(the anterior lower part of the middle ninth area),C6(the lower middle part of the middle part of the inner ninth area)and M2(the anterior middle part of the inner ninth area)(P<0.05).There was a significant difference in the distribution of fibular support in L5 and L6(middle and lower part of outer nine)(P<0.05).Among them,the L8 region could be used as an independent predictor of hip preservation failure in fibular support surgery.The area under the curve of the L8 single factor prediction model was 0.698[95%CI(0.575,0.822)];the sensitivity was 76%,and the specificity was 63.6%.(3)It turns out,when the necrotic area involves L8,C3,C6,and M2,especially L8,the failure of fibular support may increase,and when the fibular support involves L5 and L6,the effect of hip preservation is often not ideal.

BACKGROUND:The appearance of the crescent sign in femoral head necrosis is a"turning point"in the progression of the disease,and repairing and stabilizing the bone-cartilage interface is particularly important in preventing further progression and collapse of the femoral head.Tissue engineering offers potential advantages in the simultaneous repair and integration of the bone-cartilage interface. OBJECTIVE:To review potentially suitable techniques addressing the subchondral separation in femoral head necrosis. METHODS:Relevant articles from January 1970 to April 2023 were searched in PubMed,Web of Science,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)using English search terms"femoral head necrosis,avascular necrosis of femoral head,osteonecrosis of femoral head"and Chinese search terms"femoral head necrosis,subchondral bone,cartilage,integration of cartilage and subchondral bone".A total of 114 articles were included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Structural defects,ischemic and hypoxic environment,inflammatory factors,and stress concentration may cause subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Subchondral bone collapse and failure of hip-preserving surgery may be associated.Integration of tissue engineering scaffolds with the bone-cartilage interface is one potential approach for treating subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.(2)Current literature suggests that multiphase scaffolds,gradient scaffolds,and composite materials have shown improvements in promoting cell adhesion,proliferation,and deposition of bone and cartilage matrix.These advancements aid in the integration of scaffolds with the bone-cartilage interface and have implications for the treatment of subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.(3)Surface modifications of scaffolds can enhance interface integration efficiency,but they have their advantages and disadvantages.Scaffolds providing different environments can induce differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and facilitate integration between different interfaces.(4)Future scaffolds for subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head are expected to be composite materials with gradient and differentiated biomimetic structures.Surface modifications and stem cell loading can promote integration between the bone-cartilage interface and scaffolds for therapeutic purposes,but further experimental verification is still needed.Challenges include synchronizing scaffold degradation rate with repair progress and ensuring stability between different interfaces.