BACKGROUND:Porous structures based on triple periodic minimal surfaces are one of the most promising orthopedic biostructures,among which the Gyroid structure is characterized by high specific surface area,high permeability,and zero mean curvature.OBJECTIVE:To screen the wall thickness interval of TC4 bionic bone scaffolds with 4 mm single-cell Gyroid structure matching the elastic modulus range of cancellous bone of the mandible through finite element analysis combined with mechanical compression test testing.METHODS:The finite element model of the 4 mm single-cell Gyroid structure with different wall thickths(0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4,0.5,0.6,0.7,and 0.8 mm)was established.The equivalent elastic modulus of the Gyroid structure was analyzed,and the wall thickness interval of the Gyroid structure matching the elastic modulus range of the maxillary resinous bone was selected with different wall thicknesses of 0.2,0.3,0.4,0.5,0.6,and 0.7 mm,respectively.According to finite element analysis screening results,the material selected was Ti6Al4V.Selective laser melting was used to prepare 3D printed Gyroid structure specimens.The surface treatment was carried out by large-grained sand blasting and acid etching.The elastic modulus and compressive strength of the specimen were tested by mechanical compression experiment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The finite element analysis results showed that the equivalent elastic modulus of the Gyroid structure increased with the increase of wall thickness,and the equivalent elastic modulus of the Gyroid structure with wall thickness of 0.2-0.7 mm was within the range of the elastic modulus of the spongy bone of the mandible(1.5-4.0 GPa),which was used for 3D printing of the Gyroid structure specimen.(2)The mechanical compression test results showed that the elastic modulus and compressive strength of the Gyroid structural specimen increased with the increase of wall thickness,and the elastic modulus of the Gyroid structural specimen with wall thickness of 0.3-0.5 mm was within the range of the elastic modulus of the cancellous bone of the mandible.The compressive strength of the Gyroid specimen with 0.3-0.7 mm wall thickness was consistent with the mechanical properties of the mandible.(3)The results show that the Gyroid structure of 0.3-0.5 mm wall thickness is compatible with the range of elastic modulus of the mandible.

Spinal cord injury represents a severe central nervous system trauma characterized by prolonged treatment duration, limited neural regeneration, and delayed functional recovery, greatly affecting patients′ quality of life. The impaired neural tissue struggles to recover effectively due to both the hostile microenvironment and its own compromised state. Current clinical interventions, including early reduction, laminectomy decompression, and intravenous or intrathecal methylprednisolone administration, fail to simultaneously modulate the microenvironment and improve the neural status. Zinc, a trace element abundant in the central nervous system, plays a critical role in gene expression regulation, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal activity. Clinical evidences have indicated that lower serum zinc concentration in patients with spinal cord injury correlates with poorer outcomes and animal experiments have also demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of zinc. In fact, zinc supplementation therapy has not yet been developed into a mature clinical protocol. Besides, related animal studies still lack comprehensive understanding. To this end, the authors reviewed the biological characteristics of zinc, its administration routes, neuroprotective effects and mechanisms in the management of spinal cord injury, aiming to provide references for future basic research and clinical practice.

Objective:To identify and validate secreted effector proteins of Chlamydia psittaci ( C. psittaci) through bioinformatic prediction and experimental verification, and to characterize their subcellular localization in host cells. Methods:Potential effector proteins were predicted using bioinformatics tools. Candidate effectors were fused to β-lactamase through the constructed expression vectors, and these vectors were transformed into C. psittaci. The secretion of these candidate effectors was evaluated by β-lactamase translocation assays. Eukaryotic expression vectors of confirmed effectors were transfected into host cells to determine their intracellular localization patterns. Results:Bioinformatic analysis identified 29 candidate effector proteins. Experimental validation confirmed the secretion of five effectors, with four exhibiting cytoplasmic localization and one displaying nuclear localization in host cells.Conclusion:This study characterizes five novel C. psittaci secreted effector proteins, providing critical insights for investigating the molecular pathogenesis of psittacosis.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in treating self-injury among adolescents with depressive disorders, and to examine the influencing factors of the efficacy.Methods:Fifty-five depressive adolescent in-patients with self-injury behaviors, admitted to the Qingdao Mental Health Center between December 2022 and June 2024 were enrolled and received dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Pre- and post-treatment assessments were conducted with a self-compiled questionnaire, Hamilton depression scale-17(HAMD-17), family adaptability and cohesion scale (FACES Ⅱ-CV), simplified coping style questionnaire (SCSQ), and self-injurious thoughts and behaviours interview (SITBI) in all patients.Based on the magnitude of reduction in self-injury after treatment, participants were classified into high-reduction group ( n=17), moderate-reduction group ( n=28), and low-reduction group ( n=10). SPSS 27.0 software was used to perform one-way ANOVA, Spearman correlation analysis and Logistic regression analysis to examine the effects of sex, only-child status, parental divorce, family cohesion and adaptability, and coping style on DBT efficacy. Results:The HAMD-17 score before treatment was 20.0(18.0, 22.0), and the score dropped to 7.0(5.0, 11.0) after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-6.460, P<0.01), yielding the reduction rate of (44.8±0.2)%.Self-injury frequency fell from a median of 5.0(2.0, 9.5) episodes per week before treatment to 0(0, 1.8) after treatment, and this decrease was also significant ( Z=-4.945, P<0.01), representing the reduction rate of (81.6±0.2)%. High positive coping styles ( OR=0.690, P=0.008) and strong family cohesion ( OR=0.491, P=0.007) were associated with better treatment efficacy. Conclusion:DBT can reduce the self-injury behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorders. High family cohesion and the use of positive coping strategies are important factors influencing the therapeutic effect.

Objective:To study the relationship between urinary arsenic methylation metabolism patterns and skin keratinization and pigmentation abnormalities in population exposed to arsenic through drinking water.Methods:Using a cross-sectional study method, a survey on endemic arsenic poisoning was conducted among permanent residents of drinking water endemic arsenic poisoning areas in Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2004 (before water improvement). In 2017 (after water improvement), 71 arsenic exposed individuals were followed up as survey subjects. According to the "Diagnosis of Endemic Arsenism" (WS/T 211-2015), the clinical grading of skin injuries (skin keratinization, pigmentation abnormalities) in the survey subjects was evaluated. Urine samples were collected for detection of arsenic methylation metabolite levels by high-performance liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and calibrated with urinary creatinine. The changes and amplitudes of urinary arsenic methylation indicators before and after water improvement were calculated and analyzed according to the outcome of skin keratinization and pigmentation abnormalities which were divided into reduced, unchanged, and added groups.Results:(1) The changes in urinary total arsenic (TAs), inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethyl arsenic (MMA), and dimethyl arsenic (DMA) levels in different outcome groups of skin keratinization were compared, and the differences were statistically significant ( H = 9.08, 8.77, 9.28, 8.57, P < 0.05). The changes in urinary TAs, iAs, MMA, DMA levels, iAs percentage (iAs%), DMA percentage (DMA%), and primary methylation index (PMI) in different outcome groups of skin pigmentation abnormalities were compared, and the differences were statistically significant ( H = 8.04, 10.67, 8.29, 9.14, 6.30, 9.10, 7.20, P < 0.05). (2) The comparison of amplitudes in urinary TAs, iAs, MMA, and DMA levels in different outcome groups of skin keratinization showed statistically significant differences ( H = 6.92, 7.34, 6.66, 6.16, P < 0.05). The amplitudes in urinary iAs level, iAs%, DMA%, and PMI in different outcome groups of skin pigmentation abnormalities were compared, and the differences were statistically significant ( H = 7.94, 7.61, 9.95, 7.22, P < 0.05). Conclusion:The changes pattern of urinary TAs, iAs, MMA, DMA, iAs%, DMA%, and PMI in population exposed to arsenic through drinking water is related to the transformation of skin keratinization and pigmentation abnormalities.

Objective:To study the relationship between the levels of multiple elements in urine and the risk of arsenic poisoning in populations exposed to drinking water arsenic in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Inner Mongolia).Methods:From April 2023 to January 2024, a case-control study method was used to select 128 individuals with a residence time of ≥10 years in drinking water arsenic exposed areas in Inner Mongolia as study subjects. Eighty-one individuals diagnosed with arsenic poisoning were selected as the case group, and 47 healthy individuals were selected as the control group for urine sample collection and questionnaire survey. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed to determine the levels of 10 elements (chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, molybdenum, cadmium and lead) in urine. The levels of each element in urine were divided into four groups ( Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups) based on quartiles. The associations between the levels of various elements in urine and the risk of arsenic poisoning were studied using binary logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS). Results:The age of the control group and the case group [ M ( Q1, Q3)] were 61 (53, 69) and 61 (56, 67) years old, respectively. There were 19 and 43 males, and 28 and 38 females, respectively. There was no statistically significant differences in age and and gender composition between the two groups ( Z = - 0.39, P = 0.700; χ 2 = 1.91, P = 0.167). The levels of urinary copper and cadmium of the case group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( Z = - 2.66, - 2.16, P < 0.05). The results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed that urinary copper was an influencing factor for arsenic poisoning ( P = 0.017). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for covariates, urinary copper and arsenic were independent influencing factors of arsenic poisoning ( P < 0.05). Taking Q1 group as a reference, urinary copper in Q3 group [ OR (95% CI) = 8.23 (1.81, 37.39), P = 0.006] increased the risk of arsenic poisoning, while urinary arsenic in Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups [ OR (95% CI) = 0.24 (0.06, 0.92), 0.12 (0.03, 0.53), 0.15 (0.04, 0.63), P < 0.05] decreased the risk of arsenic poisoning. After adjusting for covariates, RCS did not show a dose-response relationship between urinary copper, urinary arsenic, and arsenic poisoning ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Urinary arsenic and copper are associated with the risk of arsenic poisoning in the drinking water arsenic exposed areas of Inner Mongolia, copper exposure may contribute significantly to arsenic poisoning.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in treating self-injury among adolescents with depressive disorders, and to examine the influencing factors of the efficacy.Methods:Fifty-five depressive adolescent in-patients with self-injury behaviors, admitted to the Qingdao Mental Health Center between December 2022 and June 2024 were enrolled and received dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Pre- and post-treatment assessments were conducted with a self-compiled questionnaire, Hamilton depression scale-17(HAMD-17), family adaptability and cohesion scale (FACES Ⅱ-CV), simplified coping style questionnaire (SCSQ), and self-injurious thoughts and behaviours interview (SITBI) in all patients.Based on the magnitude of reduction in self-injury after treatment, participants were classified into high-reduction group ( n=17), moderate-reduction group ( n=28), and low-reduction group ( n=10). SPSS 27.0 software was used to perform one-way ANOVA, Spearman correlation analysis and Logistic regression analysis to examine the effects of sex, only-child status, parental divorce, family cohesion and adaptability, and coping style on DBT efficacy. Results:The HAMD-17 score before treatment was 20.0(18.0, 22.0), and the score dropped to 7.0(5.0, 11.0) after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-6.460, P<0.01), yielding the reduction rate of (44.8±0.2)%.Self-injury frequency fell from a median of 5.0(2.0, 9.5) episodes per week before treatment to 0(0, 1.8) after treatment, and this decrease was also significant ( Z=-4.945, P<0.01), representing the reduction rate of (81.6±0.2)%. High positive coping styles ( OR=0.690, P=0.008) and strong family cohesion ( OR=0.491, P=0.007) were associated with better treatment efficacy. Conclusion:DBT can reduce the self-injury behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorders. High family cohesion and the use of positive coping strategies are important factors influencing the therapeutic effect.

Objective:To study the relationship between urinary arsenic methylation metabolism patterns and skin keratinization and pigmentation abnormalities in population exposed to arsenic through drinking water.Methods:Using a cross-sectional study method, a survey on endemic arsenic poisoning was conducted among permanent residents of drinking water endemic arsenic poisoning areas in Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2004 (before water improvement). In 2017 (after water improvement), 71 arsenic exposed individuals were followed up as survey subjects. According to the "Diagnosis of Endemic Arsenism" (WS/T 211-2015), the clinical grading of skin injuries (skin keratinization, pigmentation abnormalities) in the survey subjects was evaluated. Urine samples were collected for detection of arsenic methylation metabolite levels by high-performance liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and calibrated with urinary creatinine. The changes and amplitudes of urinary arsenic methylation indicators before and after water improvement were calculated and analyzed according to the outcome of skin keratinization and pigmentation abnormalities which were divided into reduced, unchanged, and added groups.Results:(1) The changes in urinary total arsenic (TAs), inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethyl arsenic (MMA), and dimethyl arsenic (DMA) levels in different outcome groups of skin keratinization were compared, and the differences were statistically significant ( H = 9.08, 8.77, 9.28, 8.57, P < 0.05). The changes in urinary TAs, iAs, MMA, DMA levels, iAs percentage (iAs%), DMA percentage (DMA%), and primary methylation index (PMI) in different outcome groups of skin pigmentation abnormalities were compared, and the differences were statistically significant ( H = 8.04, 10.67, 8.29, 9.14, 6.30, 9.10, 7.20, P < 0.05). (2) The comparison of amplitudes in urinary TAs, iAs, MMA, and DMA levels in different outcome groups of skin keratinization showed statistically significant differences ( H = 6.92, 7.34, 6.66, 6.16, P < 0.05). The amplitudes in urinary iAs level, iAs%, DMA%, and PMI in different outcome groups of skin pigmentation abnormalities were compared, and the differences were statistically significant ( H = 7.94, 7.61, 9.95, 7.22, P < 0.05). Conclusion:The changes pattern of urinary TAs, iAs, MMA, DMA, iAs%, DMA%, and PMI in population exposed to arsenic through drinking water is related to the transformation of skin keratinization and pigmentation abnormalities.

Objective:To study the relationship between the levels of multiple elements in urine and the risk of arsenic poisoning in populations exposed to drinking water arsenic in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Inner Mongolia).Methods:From April 2023 to January 2024, a case-control study method was used to select 128 individuals with a residence time of ≥10 years in drinking water arsenic exposed areas in Inner Mongolia as study subjects. Eighty-one individuals diagnosed with arsenic poisoning were selected as the case group, and 47 healthy individuals were selected as the control group for urine sample collection and questionnaire survey. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed to determine the levels of 10 elements (chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, molybdenum, cadmium and lead) in urine. The levels of each element in urine were divided into four groups ( Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups) based on quartiles. The associations between the levels of various elements in urine and the risk of arsenic poisoning were studied using binary logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS). Results:The age of the control group and the case group [ M ( Q1, Q3)] were 61 (53, 69) and 61 (56, 67) years old, respectively. There were 19 and 43 males, and 28 and 38 females, respectively. There was no statistically significant differences in age and and gender composition between the two groups ( Z = - 0.39, P = 0.700; χ 2 = 1.91, P = 0.167). The levels of urinary copper and cadmium of the case group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( Z = - 2.66, - 2.16, P < 0.05). The results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed that urinary copper was an influencing factor for arsenic poisoning ( P = 0.017). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for covariates, urinary copper and arsenic were independent influencing factors of arsenic poisoning ( P < 0.05). Taking Q1 group as a reference, urinary copper in Q3 group [ OR (95% CI) = 8.23 (1.81, 37.39), P = 0.006] increased the risk of arsenic poisoning, while urinary arsenic in Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups [ OR (95% CI) = 0.24 (0.06, 0.92), 0.12 (0.03, 0.53), 0.15 (0.04, 0.63), P < 0.05] decreased the risk of arsenic poisoning. After adjusting for covariates, RCS did not show a dose-response relationship between urinary copper, urinary arsenic, and arsenic poisoning ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Urinary arsenic and copper are associated with the risk of arsenic poisoning in the drinking water arsenic exposed areas of Inner Mongolia, copper exposure may contribute significantly to arsenic poisoning.

BACKGROUND:Porous structures based on triple periodic minimal surfaces are one of the most promising orthopedic biostructures,among which the Gyroid structure is characterized by high specific surface area,high permeability,and zero mean curvature.OBJECTIVE:To screen the wall thickness interval of TC4 bionic bone scaffolds with 4 mm single-cell Gyroid structure matching the elastic modulus range of cancellous bone of the mandible through finite element analysis combined with mechanical compression test testing.METHODS:The finite element model of the 4 mm single-cell Gyroid structure with different wall thickths(0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4,0.5,0.6,0.7,and 0.8 mm)was established.The equivalent elastic modulus of the Gyroid structure was analyzed,and the wall thickness interval of the Gyroid structure matching the elastic modulus range of the maxillary resinous bone was selected with different wall thicknesses of 0.2,0.3,0.4,0.5,0.6,and 0.7 mm,respectively.According to finite element analysis screening results,the material selected was Ti6Al4V.Selective laser melting was used to prepare 3D printed Gyroid structure specimens.The surface treatment was carried out by large-grained sand blasting and acid etching.The elastic modulus and compressive strength of the specimen were tested by mechanical compression experiment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The finite element analysis results showed that the equivalent elastic modulus of the Gyroid structure increased with the increase of wall thickness,and the equivalent elastic modulus of the Gyroid structure with wall thickness of 0.2-0.7 mm was within the range of the elastic modulus of the spongy bone of the mandible(1.5-4.0 GPa),which was used for 3D printing of the Gyroid structure specimen.(2)The mechanical compression test results showed that the elastic modulus and compressive strength of the Gyroid structural specimen increased with the increase of wall thickness,and the elastic modulus of the Gyroid structural specimen with wall thickness of 0.3-0.5 mm was within the range of the elastic modulus of the cancellous bone of the mandible.The compressive strength of the Gyroid specimen with 0.3-0.7 mm wall thickness was consistent with the mechanical properties of the mandible.(3)The results show that the Gyroid structure of 0.3-0.5 mm wall thickness is compatible with the range of elastic modulus of the mandible.