Background Animal farming may affect the structure and diversity of gut microbiota of farm workers, but it needs more studies to provide solid evidence. Objective To analyze the diversity characteristics of gut microbiota in dairy farm workers, dairy cows, and the control population (non-animal contact occupational group), and to assess the impact of dairy farming on the gut microbiota of workers. Methods The 16S rRNA full-length amplicon sequencing technology was used to sequence 60 fecal samples from dairy farm workers, 89 from dairy cows, and 50 from the general population. The gut microbiota structure characteristics, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), alpha diversity, beta diversity, and the composition of species at the phylum, family, and genus levels were analyzed. The differences in gut microbiota among the three groups of samples were compared to explore the impact of occupational exposure on the gut microbiota structure of dairy farm workers. Results A total of 50478 OTUs were identified in the gut microbiota of farm workers, dairy cows, and the general population, with 23613, 42723, and 16592 OTUs, respectively. The number of shared OTUs between the dairy cows and the general population was 12674 (27.17%), between the general population and the farm workers was 10099 (33.54%), and between the dairy cows and the farm workers was 17690 (36.36%). Compared with the general population, the farm workers and dairy cows showed more shared gut microbiota (P<0.01). The abundance of Firmicutes in the gut of the farm workers was higher than that of the general population (P<0.01), while Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria were the opposite (P<0.01). The alpha diversity of gut microbiota in the farm workers was different from that of the general population. The ACE index of the farm workers was slightly lower than that of the general population and much lower than that of dairy cows (P<0.05), while their Shannon index was higher than that of the general population but lower than that of dairy cows (P<0.01). The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LefSe) showed that the abundances of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae in the gut microbiota of the farm workers were significantly higher than those of the general population, while Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae were lower than those of the general population. Conclusion The dairy farm workers shares a certain proportion of common bacterial communities with dairy cows. Dairy farming operations can affect the structure and diversity of the gut microbiota of workers by increasing the abundances of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, while decreasing the abundances of Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae. The study results provide reference data for further exploring the cross-host transmission of pathogens related to occupational exposure in dairy farming.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is primarily used in clinical practice to provide continuous extracorporeal respiratory and circulatory support for patients with severe heart and lung failure, thereby sustaining life. It is a key technology for managing severe heart failure and respiratory failure that are difficult to control. With the accumulation of clinical experience in ECMO for circulatory and/or respiratory support, as well as advancements in biomedical engineering technology, more portable and stable ECMO devices have been introduced into clinical use, benefiting an increasing number of critically ill patients. Although ECMO technology has become relatively mature, the timing of ECMO initiation, management of sudden complications, and monitoring and early warning of physiological indicators are critical factors that greatly affect the therapeutic outcomes of ECMO. This article reviews traditional methods and artificial intelligence techniques used in risk assessment related to ECMO, including the latest achievements and research hotspots. Additionally, it discusses future trends in ECMO risk management, focusing on six key areas: multi-center and prospective studies, external validation and standardization of model performance, long-term prognosis considerations, integration of innovative technologies, enhancing model interpretability, and economic cost-effectiveness analysis. This provides a reference for future researchers to build models and explore new research directions.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; Humans ; Artificial Intelligence ; Risk Assessment ; Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy* ; Heart Failure/therapy*

AIM: To explore the neuro-ophthalmological characteristics of acute macular neuroretinopathy(AMN)after SARS-CoV-2 infection.METHODS: A total of 8 patients(14 eyes), including 6 females and 2 males, who were diagnosed with AMN in the neuro-ophthalmology department of Xi'an No.1 Hospital(The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University)from December 27, 2022 to February 1, 2023 were included in the study. All patients had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection before the disease, and the results of best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), non-contact indirect intraocular pressure measurement, fundus color photography, near infrared(IR), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT), OCT angiography(OCTA), fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA), indocyanine green angiography(ICGA), visual field, visual evoked potential(VEP), and electroretinogram(ERG)were collected. Furthermore, the neuro-opthalmology characteristics of the included patients were analyzed and summarized.RESULTS: The included 8 patients aged from 20 to 43, with an average age of(30±6.63)years old. The patients had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection 3 to 11(mean 5±3.51)d before the disease, and 6 out of 8 patients developed visual symptoms within 5 d of infection with SARS-CoV-2, with manifestated with decreased vision or visual scotoma. The visual acuity varied from 0.08 to 1.0, with visual field defect characterized by central, paracentral or peripheral scotoma. VEP showed prolongation latency of P100 or P2, and ERG revealed impaired function of retinal photoreceptor cell. In the early stage of the disease, the size and shape of early visual acuity, visual field, and extraretinal lesions in patients with AMN associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection may not match, and the lower the visual acuity, the later the VEP peaks.CONCLUSION: The neuro-ophthalmic features of SARS-CoV-2 infection-associated AMN require the attention of clinicians. In addition to multi-mode fundus imaging, clinicians should use a variety of methods to comprehensively evaluate visual function and prognosis of patients.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of the horizontal plate plus raft screws above the acetabulum and fixation with screws only for acetabular fractures combined with dome impaction in the aged patients.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 20 aged patients with acetabular fractures combined with dome impaction, who were admitted to Tianjin hospital between May 2013 and January 2023, including 5 males and 15 females, aged 61-84 years [(72.2±7.3)years]. According to Letournel and Judet classification, 13 patients had anterior column fracture, 5 anterior column fracture combined with posterior transverse fracture and 2 two-column fracture. All the patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation through an anterior approach. Of them, 11 patients were treated with the fixation with the horizonal plate plus raft screws above the acetabulum (plate plus raft screw group) and 9 with the screws only (screw only group). The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy times were compared between the two groups. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated with the Matta′s radiographic criteria at 3 days after surgery and the function of the hip joint was assessed with Merle D′Aubigné and Postel scoring system at 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up as well as the excellent and good rate at te last follow-up. The occurrence of postoperative complications was observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 6-18 months [(13.1±3.1)months]. There were no significant differences in the operative time, intraoperative blood loss or intraoperative fluoroscopy times between the two groups ( P>0.05). According to the Matta′s radiographic criteria at 3 days after surgery, patients with anatomical reduction and satisfactory reduction accounted 6 and 5 in the plate plus raft screw group, compared to 5 and 4 respectively in the screw only group ( P>0.05). The values of Merle D′Aubigné and Postel score at 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up were (14.0±2.4)points and (15.8±2.2)points in the plate plus raft screw group, which were higher than those in the screw only group [(11.0±2.6)points and (13.0±3.1)points] ( P<0.01). The values of Merle D′Aubigné and Postel score at the last follow-up of both groups were further enhanced from those at 3 months after surgery ( P<0.01). At the last follow-up, 3 patients were rated excellent, 6 good, 1 fair and 1 poor in the plate plus raft screw group, with an excellent and good rate of 81.8%, while in the screw only group, 3 were rated good, 2 fair and 4 poor, with an excellent and good rate of 33.3% ( P<0.05). One patient in the plate plus raft screw group and 5 in the screw only group had displacement of the dome impaction fragment combined with traumatic arthritis after surgery ( P<0.05). Conclusion:For acetabular fractures combined with dome impaction in the aged patients, the horizontal plate plus raft screw above the acetabulum can effectively improve the function restoration of the hip joint and reduce the occurrence of the displacement of the dome impaction fragment and traumatic arthritis after surgery compared to the fixation with screws only.

Objective:To assess the application value of low-dose contrast agent combined with bolus tracking technique in radiotherapy localization for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods:One hundred patients with NPC for radiotherapy localization were enrolled prospectively and randomly divided into observation ( n = 50) and control ( n = 50) group using random number table. All patients in the control group underwent routine computerized tomography (CT) for radiotherapy localization with an intravenous bolus of 80 ml iodinated contrast media. Images were obtained at a fixed delay of 50 s from the beginning of contrast injection. Patients in the observation group underwent CT scan using a bolus tracking technique with an intravenous bolus of 50-60 ml iodinated contrast media. By observing the time-CT value monitoring curve, the scanning was manually triggered when the peak fell. The score of image quality, enhanced CT value, iodine contrast dose, and dose calculation variance of planning target volume were compared between the two different dose groups. The differences of dose were compared using independent sample t-tests and the differences in graph scores were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Results:The dosage of iodine contrast agent in the observation group was 28.75% less than that in the control group, and the difference achieved statistical significance ( t=-42.11, P<0.001). The enhanced CT value of carotid artery and jugular vein in the control group increased 32.58% and 21.02% compared with patients in the observation group, respectively ( t=-8.11 and -4.82, P<0.001 for both). No statistically significant differences in the enhanced CT value were found for the gross tumor volume (GTV) of nasopharynx or sternocleidomastoid between the two groups ( P>0.05). The images in both groups can met the requirements of target volume delineation, and the difference of subjective score was not statistically significant ( Z=-1.36, P=0.175). There were no significant differences in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of nasopharynx between the two groups ( P>0.05). The results of subjective score and GTV target area showed high consistency between the two doctors with a κ value of 0.77. The differences in dose calculation variance of planning target volume between the two different dose groups was also not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In the radiotherapy localization for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the application of low-dose contrast agent combined with bolus tracking technique could obtain good images for target delineation and effectively reduce the intake of iodine contrast agent and the risk of adverse reactions. Based on these results, low-dose contrast agent combined with bolus tracking technique has wide range of application.

Objective:To investigate the mechanisms underlying the effect of levocarnitine on myocardial cell fibrosis, proliferation, apoptosis and migration.Methods:Between June and December 2022, an overexpression vector for tissue inhibitor-1 of metalloproteinase(TIMP-1)and siRNA TIMP-1 were used to transfect rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes(from the cell bank of the Chinese Academy of Sciences), and transfection efficiency was measured using fluorescence reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR). After treating H9c2 cells with angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ), the expression of the MMP3 and TIMP-1 genes in the cells was detected by RT-qPCR.A CCK8 kit was used to assess the effect of levocarnitine intervention on the proliferation of myofibroblasts after overexpression or knockdown of TIMP-1.The effects of levocarnitine on apoptosis and migration of myofibroblasts were detected by flow cytometry and Transwell assays.Results:The RT-qPCR results showed that the expression level of the MMP3 gene(1.38±0.05)in cardiomyocytes treated with AngⅡ for 24 hours exhibited an upward trend( P<0.01), while the expression level of the TIMP-1 gene(0.71±0.03)showed a downward trend( P<0.01). In addition, H9c2 cells with TIMP-1 overexpression(905.98±24.17)and knockdown(0.18±0.01)%, respectively, were successfully constructed.Based on CCK-8 detection results, knockdown of TIMP-1(86.56±7.98)% was able to promote the proliferation of H9c2 cells induced by levocarnitine( P<0.01). Apoptosis experiments showed that inhibition of TIMP-1 expression(23.22±2.69)significantly reduced the apoptosis level of H9c2 cells induced by levocarnitine( P<0.01). Migration experiments showed that inhibition of TIMP-1 expression(217.67±23.44)significantly promoted the migration ability of H9c2 cells induced by levocarnitine( P<0.01). Conclusions:After intervention to reduce TIMP-1 expression, levocarnitine can promote proliferation, inhibit apoptosis and promote migration of myofibroblasts and may therefore ameliorate myocardial fibrosis.

Deep brain stimulation(DBS),including optical stimulation and electrical stimulation,has been demonstrated considerable value in exploring pathological brain activity and developing treatments for neural disorders.Advances in DBS microsystems based on implantable microelectrode array(MEA)probes have opened up new opportunities for closed-loop DBS(CL-DBS)in situ.This technology can be used to detect damaged brain circuits and test the therapeutic potential for modulating the output of these circuits in a variety of diseases simultaneously.Despite the success and rapid utilization of MEA probe-based CL-DBS microsystems,key challenges,including excessive wired communication,need to be urgently resolved.In this review,we considered recent advances in MEA probe-based wireless CL-DBS microsystems and outlined the major issues and promising prospects in this field.This technology has the potential to offer novel therapeutic options for psychiatric disorders in the future.

The dental operative microscope has been widely employed in the field of dentistry, particularly in endodontics and operative dentistry, resulting in significant advancements in the effectiveness of root canal therapy, endodontic surgery, and dental restoration. However, the improper use of this microscope continues to be common in clinical settings, primarily due to operators' insufficient understanding and proficiency in both the features and established operating procedures of this equipment. In October 2019, Professor Jingping Liang, Vice Chairman of the Society of Cariology and Endodontology, Chinese Stomatological Association, organized a consensus meeting with Chinese experts in endodontics and operative dentistry. The objective of this meeting was to establish a standard operation procedure for the dental operative microscope. Subsequently, a consensus was reached and officially issued. Over the span of about four years, the content of this consensus has been further developed and improved through practical experience.
Humans ; Dentistry, Operative ; Consensus ; Endodontics ; Root Canal Therapy ; Dental Care

Objective:To explore the effectiveness and safety of robot-aided percutaneous anterior column screw combined with posterior plate fixtation treatment for transverse acetabular fractures with posterior wall.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 13 patients with transverse acetabular fractures and posterior wall fractures treated by robot-aided percutaneous anterior column screws combined with posterior plate in Tianjin Hospital from May 2016 to May 2021. There were 9 males and 4 females, aged 49.1±8.5 years (range, 25-65 years), 9 cases of vehicle accidents, 2 cases of falling injuries, 2 cases of impact injuries, 7 cases of combined posterior hip dislocations, and 1 case of sciatic nerve injury. Apply Kocher-Langenbeck approach for reduction and fixation of the posterior wall and the posterior column and indirect reduction of the anterior column. Use robot navigation for percutaneous anterior column screw fixation, and record the time of inserting anterior column screws, incision length, and complications. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated using Matta imaging, and the degree of ectopic ossification was evaluated using Brooker classification. The Matta modified Postel Merle D'Aobigne score was used to evaluate the function at 3, 6 months after surgery and at the last follow-up.Results:All 13 patients successfully completed the surgery. The insertion time of the anterior column screw was 19.4±4.0 min (range, 17-23 min), and the incision length was 8.0±1.4 mm (range, 6-10 mm). Postoperative imaging examination showed that all anterior column screws were located within the bone canal, with a screw length of 108.3±11.2 mm (range, 90-130 mm), and no complications such as nerve or vascular injury or incision infection occurred. All 13 patients were followed up for a period of 12-36 months, with an average of 18.6 months; All fractures healed, with a healing time of 2-6 months, average 3.4 months. According to the Matta imaging evaluation method, 11 of 13 patients had anatomical reduction of fractures, and 2 were evaluated as incomplete reduction due to a 1-2 mm gap in the anterior column. The anatomical reduction rate was 84%. At postoperative 3, 6 months and the last follow-up, the modified Postel Merle D'Aobigne scores were 13.4±1.1, 15.8±1.5, and 17.0±1.7, respectively, with statistically significant differences ( F=7.78, P=0.007). The difference between the last follow-up and postoperative 3 months was statistically significant ( P=0.002), and there was no statistically significant difference compared to postoperative 6 months ( P=0.222). At the last follow-up, 8 cases were excellent, 4 cases were good, and 1 case was fair, with an excellent and good rate of 92%. There was no occurrence of ectopic ossification, traumatic arthritis, or necrosis of the femoral head. Conclusion:Robot-aided percutaneous anterior column screw combined with posterior plate treatment for transverse acetabular fractures with posterior wall is safe and effective, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcome of Robot-assisted sacroiliac screw fixation in the treatment of fragility fracture of the sacrum in the elderly.Methods:From March 2016 to June 2022, a retrospective analysis was performed on 30 patients with fragility fractures of the sacrum in the elderly who accepted robot-assisted sacroiliac screw to treat fragility fractures of the sacrum in our hospital. There were 12 males and 18 females with average age 71.03±8.25 years (range, 60-89 years). According to the classification of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) in the elderly, there were 22 patients with FFP II, 2 patients with FFP III, and 6 patients with FFP IV. Surgical planning was based on the average CT value of S 1 channel and whether there is a transsacral screw channel. Robot-assisted sacroiliac screw fixation was performed during surgery. The pain of pre-operation and post-operation was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the position of sacroiliac screws was evaluated by Gras grading, and the degree of functional recovery after surgery was evaluated using the Majeed function score. Results:All 30 patients successfully completed the operation. The mean operation time was 27.00±6.68 min (range, 18-35 min), the mean fluoroscopy times were 27.13±5.16 (range, 18-34), and the mean blood loss was 30.53±6.61 ml (range, 23-38 ml). All patients were followed up, and the mean follow-up time was 19.03±7.8 months (range, 8-25 months). The VAS was 5(5, 6), 4(3, 4), 3(2, 3), 0(0, 1) points before surgery, 1 week, 2 months and 6 months after surgery, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( H=103.26, P<0.001). After the surgery of 2 months, 6 months and the last follow-up time, the Majeed function scores were 88(83, 90), 91(87, 92), 92(90, 93) points, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( H=19.59, P<0.001). Screw position was evaluated according to Gras grading at 3 days after surgery, including 28 cases of level I, 2 cases of level II, and no screw penetrated the cortical bone or entered the sacral canal or sacral foramen. No vascular or nerve injury occured during the operation. 28 patients with FFS met the fracture healing criteria, and the healing time was 4.54±1.57 months (range, 3-7 months). Two patients had bone nonunion, one of whom underwent anterior ring plate removal due to infection of the pelvic anterior wound, and one month later, pelvic CT scan revealed loosening of the sacroiliac screw; the other one is considered to be related to too early weight bearing. Conclusion:For fragility fractures of the sacrum in elderly, Robot-assisted sacroiliac screw is an effective minimally invasive treatment, with high accuracy of screw placement, effective pain reduction, improved fracture healing rate, and achieve the satisfactory clinical efficacy.